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Unlike the vacant storefronts that have begun to overtake stretches of neighboring College Ave., closures on Temescal’s stretch of Telegraph have seen much quicker turnarounds. The latest is North Light, a bar and restaurant taking over the narrow space formerly occupied by wine bar Marc 49, which closed late last year.
Partners Dan Stone and Lee Smith are behind the project, bringing a combination of bookish cool and rock and roll edge to the restaurant with their combined resumes. Stone has worked behind the bar at cocktail bars like the Alembic and Roka Akor, but also produced documentaries at the National Endowment for the Arts, interviewed Bruce Springsteen (and others) for City Arts & Lectures, and founded a magazine, Radio Silence. Smith is a former VP at Live Nation, and currently books and produces live music at Mountain Winery and throughout Northern California via his company Prescient Entertainment.
North Light will be an all-day affair, beginning with wifi, coffee and breakfast, and ending with dinner and cocktails into the evening, Stone told Eater SF. “It’s filling that gap in the neighborhood,” said Stone. “Creative people need places to work and socialize.” That creative bent is also embedded in the name of the place: North light is that lovely, indirect light most desired by artists.
According to Stone, who has small children himself, it will also be kid-friendly, with a cozy covered patio in the back. That local neighborhood hangout vibe translates to simple, classic cocktails, wines, and beers, with a menu of food that will stretch through the day. (Stone and Smith are still talking to chefs, so stay tuned on who will take over the kitchen there.)
The narrow space will get a complete redo before it opens in the fall, from architect Said-Jon Eghbal and designer Jill Rosenthal (also behind Rich Table, and the upcoming Belcampo in Oakland). Construction is now underway at 4915 Telegraph, so stay tuned for more on the menu and space, with an expected opening in fall of 2018.
