Inside Lobby Bar, the Sultry New Cocktail Lounge Opening Wednesday in the Castro | Eater SF

"Stepping off 18th Street into the Castro's newest cocktail bar and lounge, I found a sultry, teal-and-gold room at 4230 18th Street that feels inspired by classic hotel bars even though there's no direct entry from the attached boutique hotel. Partners Jesse Woodward and Blake Seely spent about a year on an all-new build-out to create an angular space with plush banquettes up front that narrows into a short passage before opening to an 8-seat bar and seating for roughly 50 guests; luxe details include peacock-colored tiling and soft teal fur on barstools and chairs. The cocktail program aims for mass appeal while introducing fresh spirits, offering 14 signature drinks plus seven classics; highlights I noticed include the signature Lobby Bird (rum, amaro, falernum, pineapple, lime, and cinnamon over crushed ice), the E.MT. (espresso, mezcal, meletti, and tonic), and an Italian Soda (gin and China China with bubbles), along with about half a dozen clarified cocktails such as one made with cherry moonshine and genepy and another with Mexican hot chocolate–washed bourbon and sea salt. The food menu channels vintage cocktail parties with all-shareable, hands-on items—truffle fries, arancini, four flatbreads, a cleverly handheld wedge of little gem lettuce with green goddess, roasted beets, bacon bits, and cured egg, bite-size scotch eggs using quail eggs wrapped in sausage, and a turkey burger that’s roughly 50% spinach topped with smoked mozzarella and harissa mayo. Bottle- and can-only beer and a rotating wine list (including a Scribe rosé and a zero-zero Lune Pop Carbonic Zinfandel) accompany table service, and I can see it becoming a go-to spot for a pre-dinner drink and appetizer or a post-dinner cocktail. Lobby Bar opens Wednesday, April 20, with hours Monday–Thursday 4 p.m.–midnight, Friday 4 p.m.–2 a.m., Saturday 2 p.m.–2 a.m., and Sunday 2 p.m.–midnight." - Lauren Saria