Hamlet Hopes To Be 'Relaxed' Noe Valley Neighborhood Addition

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.