Johnston’s Is Opening in the Former Small Bar Space in University Heights | Eater San Diego

"After purchasing the former Small Bar property in mid-2021, Pani is transforming the 3,500-square-foot University Heights storefront into Johnston’s, a restaurant and bar named in honor of the 1920s five-and-dime that originally occupied the site. During renovations crews unearthed a historic storefront sign from the 1920s that local artist Christopher Konecki is restoring while also creating custom murals, and Mbee Studio is leading the architectural and interior design. Inspired by the once-popular Mission Cliff Gardens, Johnston’s is aiming to open by early 2023, will serve daily dinner and weekend brunch, and includes a 2,000-square-foot patio for outdoor dining and special events. The bar will retain a focus on cocktails — even serving a Bloody Mary styled after Small Bar’s signature — and executive chef Peter Ziegler is crafting a wide-ranging menu with items such as hummus and housemade naan, buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches, and skewers (from salt-and-pepper chicken thighs to maitake mushrooms dusted with fennel pollen) grilled over binchotan." - Candice Woo