Massive New Bar Bergerac Headed to Western SOMA

The former Mist, in its ultralounge days. [Photo: Mist]

It's fast times in western SOMA these days, with The Willows, Gaslamp Cafe, and 1601 Bar & Kitchen all opening in the past few months. Now another big project is on the way: Bergerac, a massive new bar, is taking over the former Mist nightclub space. Helmed by Anderson Pugash, David Brinkley, and Bruce McDonald, who were the trio that attempted and failed to turn the nearby Eagle Tavern into another concept last year, the new bar will feature food from Randy Lewis (Q Restaurant, Kingfish) and cocktails from Russell Davis (Rickhouse, The Ice Cream Bar).

On the food side, Lewis plans to focus on global bar fare that pairs with Davis' cocktails, which will emphasize both classic and original drinks with lots of fun touches like cocktails shaken at the table, soda-fountain techniques, carbonation, punches, and seasonal bottle service. The 3,500-square-foot space will be modeled on the Villa Nellcote, the opulent baroque French mansion where the Rolling Stones recorded Exile on Main Street, and will feature a 25-seat bar and a library nook. Things are progressing quickly: they plan to open sometime in July.

· Bergerac en route to SOMA [Inside Scoop]