[Photos: Patricia Chang]
It's been about a year since the opening of The Alchemist, the SOMA cocktail haven from Gitane alum Kinson Lau. Now, Lau is expanding operations downstairs, where he's created a hunting lodge-inspired retreat for beer, bourbon and bar bites, opening tonight.
Called Woodbury, the new spot boasts antler chandeliers, exposed wood and brick walls, and a bevy of wall-mounted taxidermy that look down on the proceedings with, dare we say, a disaffected air. Tractor wheel-inspired stools cozy up to the main bar, and a tufted leather banquette stretches the length of the room.
In back, look out for a dedicated beer-and-shot bar, which will feature unfussy combinations of beer, bourbon and more (think Four Roses with Calicraft Oaktown Brown Ale, or Fortaleza Reposado with Dogfish Head 90-Minute IPA). And while a full bar is available, with basic mixed drinks, you'll probably want to head upstairs to Alchemist if you want an elevated cocktail. On draft at Woodbury are classics like Anchor Steam, Blue Moon and Pabst, as well as craft brews like the aforementioned Calicraft and Dogfish Head taps, plus Ommegang Hennepin and Rodenbach Grand Cru (a Belgian sour).
Food will be a combination of bar bites, like a pickle plate, chimichurri tater tots, Scotch eggs and chicken wings, and more hefty options like a Reuben, bratwurst, a signature burger and versions of trends-du-jour beef tartare and poutine on offer.
Given their proximity to AT&T Park, Woodbury boasts televisions for patrons' baseball-watching needs, but a perhaps even bigger draw is their offering of classic video games, ready and waiting to bring out the '80s-era kid inside most of us. They've got both an SNES and an Atari hooked up, with a full selection of old-school titles.
Starting tonight, hours are weekdays from 4pm-1:30am, and Saturday from 5pm-1:30am (closed Sundays).
· Inside The Alchemist, Mixing Up SOMA Now [~ ESF ~]
· The Ultimate San Francisco Beef Tartare Map [~ ESF ~]
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