Brasserie Saint James is set to open tonight, in the former Abbot's Cellar space, offering beer brewed onsite and an eclectic brasserie-inspired menu. This is the second location of owner Art Farley's casual beer-focused concept, the first of which opened in Reno, NV. The newest location is partially the result of Farley's love of San Francisco, and desire to bring his award-winning beers to the city's culture of brewing.
To that end, brewer Josh Watterson is in charge of the brewery operations, while Farley has enlisted the prowess of Sayre Piotrkowski, formerly of Hog's Apothecary and a certified cicerone, as beer director. There'll be 24 beers on tap with 12-14 house brews, leaving some room for guest breweries like Magnolia and North Coast, as well as two cask offerings. The seven barrel brewhouse in the SF location will produce 3-4 beers at a time, though there'll also be selections from the larger Reno facility on tap as well.
Chef and general manager Don Duncan is executing a menu of Southern-influenced dishes like gumbo and dirty rice, as well as a hearty section called "nose to tail," with charcuterie, braised pork knuckle and more. And in an homage to Farley's Argentine grandfather, there's the "Buenos Aires Barbecue," featuring a mixed grill for 2-4 people ($70).
Starting tonight, the restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. on Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday-Sunday. On Sunday-Wednesday it's open until midnight and Thursday-Saturday until 2 a.m. Oh, and there's a bottomless mimosa brunch seven days a week.
