ABV, An All-Star Mission Cocktail Bar with Bites

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The trio of Ryan Fitzgerald, Erik Reichborn-Kjennerud, and Todd Smith are well known in local cocktail circles: Fitzgerald used to tend bar at Beretta and is a brand ambassador for Del Maguey mezcal; Reichborn-Kjennerud owns Dalva and its semi-hidden back cocktail bar, Hideout, and Smith is a Bourbon & Branch alum who last tended bar at the aforementioned Hideout. Together, they comprise the power team behind the drinks at ABV, which softly opened yesterday on 16th Street.

The trio worked together to devise the 16-drink menu (plus four mocktails), which is organized by spirit. Many of the recipes come from other top San Francisco bartenders or have a history in the area. Some of the options (all of which they're looking to keep under $10) include the Lefty's Fizz (mezcal, lime, grapefruit shrub, dry curacao, egg white), the Lands End (Jamaican rum, lemon, raspberry gum), and the Whiskey in Church (smoky Scotch, oloroso sherry, maple, smoked pear bitters). There are three beers on tap from cult Santa Rosa brewer Moonlight (Reality Czech, Bombay by Boat, and Death & Taxes), and three draft wines from equally cultish winery Matthiasson (a chardonnay, rosé, and aglianico), as well as a handful of bottled beers. And of course, the back bar is fully stocked with straight spirits for sipping. Alcademics got the first peek at the menu, for those who want to see it in full.

On the food side, Kevin Cimino (St. Vincent) is offering a slew of bar bites that are definitely bites in the truest sense-- they'll come on compostable plates, sans utensils. The good news: all of them will be less than $10, including a pimiento cheeseburger, chicken pot pie empanadas, and a ma po sloppy Joe. There are also cheese and charcuterie boards, and the kitchen will stay open until 1 am. Here's the opening food menu.

The 75-seat former Tokyo Go Go space was completely made over, with a cool mural from artist Nathaniel Russell and custom tables and light fixtures that Fitzgerald designed. As promised before opening, there are no reclaimed wood or Edison bulbs to be found. Hours are daily, 2 pm-2 am, though they might be a bit volatile in the first couple of weeks. (You can ring them at 415-400-4748.) Depending on demand, they may add earlier hours on weekends for a brunch-type situation.

· The Cocktail Menu For ABV, Opening Later This Week [Alcademics]
· ABV Hires Kevin Cimino As Chef [~ ESF ~]
· ABV, A Superstar Cocktail Bar, Headed to 16th & Mission [~ ESF ~]