One-hundred-square-foot bars are apparently all the rage in San Francisco these days. WesBurger ‘N’ More is debuting one next week in the Mission, and now Brandy Ho’s in North Beach has added its own next door. Called Brandy’s Bar, the Ho family tried to open the space last year, but couldn’t find a steady staff; now they have recruited ex-Mr. Bing’s bartender Chandra Renee Walker to make drinks in the 10-seat space.
It’s just Walker behind the bar right now slinging classic cocktails, beer, and wine. Walker said she mostly makes classic cocktails, but is also experimenting with drinks like a Mandarin Sling with fresh mandarin orange juice or a brandy hot toddy spiked with spicy ginger syrup and cloves. The restaurant supplies food, and there is a daily happy hour with $4 beer, $5 wine, and $5 well cocktails, plus some small plates.
Brandy Ho’s niece Derby designed the space, which has a marble-topped bar with three seats, a marble-topped side shelf with another four seats, and a window seat bench that seats three. The ceilings are high, so Walker said it doesn’t feel as small as it actually is.
Now that Mr. Bing’s has officially closed for renovations, many of the old regulars have migrated over to Brandy’s Bar at 217 Columbus Ave., and are affectionately calling it “Baby Ho’s.” Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.