Some new bars are coming soon, starting with a new pop-up project from Traci Des Jardins, who will be hosting a semipermanent bar in THE PEARL in Dogpatch, Sunday through Wednesday nights. It’s going to be called School Night, and Eater writes that it will open at the end of April. There will be cocktails from Arguello’s fantastico bar director Enrique Sanchez, who will assuredly be featuring agave spirits—and some whiskeys too. Mexican snacks, check. Stand by for more deets in the coming days. 601 19th St. at 3rd St.
Over in Cow Hollow, there’s a pisco- and Japanese whisky-focused bar in the works, highlighting Nikkei cuisine (the Japanese-influenced food and drink you find in Peru—and on the menu at La Mar locally). This new project is from John Park, a partner in Whitechapel and Novela, and it will be opening in the former Ottimista Restaurant and Bar on Union. Eater found a classified ad mentioning it will be open nightly and will offer weekend brunch. Stand by for updates. 1838 Union St. at Laguna.
Mezcal lovers: do not miss this event from the Mezcalistas, Mezcal Cocktail Mission on Sunday April 15th. It’s a mezcal cocktail competition at TRES (3pm-6pm), with some amazing contestants from up and down the West Coast and amazing judges as well. The goal: to create the seminal mezcal cocktail, like the way a margarita screams tequila, or a Mahattan screams rye whiskey. Next up will be the East Coast heat on April 23rd, and then the six finalists will be flown to Mexico City for the grand finale on May 14th. Tickets: $15 pre-sale, $20 day of event. 130 Townsend St. at 2nd St.