The Lush

Over in the Marina, the former HiFi Lounge has been reconcepted and redesigned into DEL MAR, a tropical oasis. Partners Max Young (Mr. Smith’s, The Bamboo Hut, McNally’s Irish Pub, and The Reel Fish Shop and Grill) and Michael Wilbert (Mr. Smith’s) spent four months redesigning the…

Last week, I popped by a preopening party for the revamped Hotel Kabuki bar, and it’s quite a looker (the hotel just finished a $31 million renovation). I know I’ll be hosting some future meetings there, especially in the lobby—it has a fun residential style, full of…

Man, it’s time to pour out the strongest vodka soda you’ve ever had, because THE GANGWAY—the city’s oldest continuously operating gay bar—has officially closed and transferred their liquor license to the new owner (Sam Young, who is behind the nearby and completely non-gay Kozy…

Yo, winos! I know there are a bunch of Robert Sinskey Vineyards fans out there, and he’s going to be at ~FOREIGN CINEMA~ this Thursday January 25th. You’ll not only enjoy pours of his organic, biodynamic-certified wines that are built for food, but you’ll also get…

Have you checked out the recently opened JUNIOR, just off 24th Street and Potrero? If you’re wondering where you’re going to eat after having a drink, you can actually order a cheeseburger ($15) from the nearby Almanac Taproom and never have to leave your bar stool. And yes,…

A couple of cocktail events to warm you up this January! On Thursday January 18th, Reza Esmaili is hosting a hands-on tequila and whiskey mixing and tasting class, partnering with Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey, and Tim Zohn (formerly The Alembic, AQ) will be joining him. You’…

Opening this Friday December 22nd is a new project from David Barzelay and Nicolas Torres of Lazy Bear: TRUE LAUREL. This stylish bar was designed along with Nicholas Roberto, and the former woodsy look of The Tradesman has been replaced with new materials like powder-coated steel, concrete, and a…

Back in March, we learned that Nate Valentine (Umami, Mamacita, The Tipsy Pig, Padrecito, Harper & Rye, Ambassador, Double Dutch) was partnering with Scott Murphy (Deckstar, Eventbrite, SnowGlobe Music Festival), Chad Donnelly (SnowGlobe Music Festival), and Justin Roja (Redford Bar | Eat, Rambler at Hotel Zeppelin) to take over Ruby Skye…

After a nine-month hiatus, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers is back in business and has reopened its newly remodeled Hunters Point taproom (it has an expanded 17-line draft system and new copper-top tables and lighting). Ces Butner (Hunters Point Brewery LLC) is the new owner—it’s refreshing…

Some exciting news at TARTINE MANUFACTORY: they have landed a Type 47 liquor license and will be launching a full bar program in the spring. Overseeing the boozy magic will be Julian Cox, Tartine’s new director of bar operations. Cox was most recently director of beverage for Lettuce Entertain…