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Hamlet Hopes To Be 'Relaxed' Noe Valley Neighborhood Addition

The Cal-American restaurant opened this week with locals already streaming in.

Caskhouse owner John Dampeer is quietly taking over Noe Valley with the opening of his second restaurant in the neighborhood, Hamlet. A nod to the small town feel that still clings to Noe Valley, Hamlet is serving an eclectic American menu through this town’s favorite Californian lens, with a full liquor license in the space. "The concept was just a nice, modern, but still casual San Francisco restaurant — something that was missing here in Noe Valley," Dampeer told Eater. Head chef Pei Mew (Urchin) created a workhorse menu of classic seasonal dishes like a baby lettuce salad, meatballs, grilled octopus and a burger — check it out in full below. Bar manager Rafael Jimenez Rivera (also Urchin) devised ten cocktails, some classics like a gimlet and a Manhattan, and others like the Hamlet Sour, made with Bolivian brandy, pineapple, brown sugar and lime.

Hamlet is in the former Horner Corner’s space, but Dampeer gave it a complete renovation with all-new bar, floor and overall layout. Designer Will Spurzem installed oak floors, charred cedar walls and LED lighting to give Hamlet a relaxed, welcoming vibe, which Dampeer hopes will lure locals and those beyond. Hamlet is open from 4 p.m. to 12 p.m. every day, with the kitchen serving food from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). Expect weekend brunch to start soon.

Hamlet

1199 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114