Jazz fans and cocktail aficionados have a new spot worth tuning into: Mr. Tipple's Recording Studio, which will open this coming Tuesday, December 15th at 39 Fell St. It's the second project from Jay Bordeleau of the Lower Haight's Maven; he's also opening another restaurant in the adjacent space at 1446 Market St., called Cadence, which should debut in early January.
Bordeleau, a trained percussionist, envisions Mr. Tipple's as a venue for live jazz, with nightly shows encompassing a variety of styles (including Latin and blues). There's no cover charge, so patrons can come for a cocktail after a Civic Center cultural event and get a taste of live music for free. Le Jazz Hot, MegaFlames, and Robert Kim Duo are some of the performers set for the early weeks.
The exterior of Mr. Tipple's—the graffiti is intentional. (Photo: Mr. Tipple's/Facebook)
Joey Elenterio (Wayfare Tavern, Chez TJ) is the chef for both Mr. Tipple's and Cadence. Given that Mr. Tipple's is more of a bar with bites than a restaurant, most of the items on the menu are under $10, with options like "Cool Ranch" snack mix, a patty melt, and arugula salad. Pastry chef Edward Martinez offers two ice cream-centric desserts: a riff on a Drumstick cone with green Chartreuse ice cream, and a Vietnamese coffee granita sundae with boba.
With the departure of Maven's cocktail guru Kate Bolton, bar director Chase Williamson (Maven, Prospect, Nopa) is running the show, serving sipping-oriented cocktails ($12) and a small selection of bottled beer and wine. Mr. Tipple's is also embracing the current tipless movement; it automatically applies a 20 percent service charge to guests' checks, which is distributed among all employees in the dining room, bar, and kitchen.
G. Paoletti Design Lab, which also designed Maven, is responsible for the space's look, which is inspired by colonial Shanghai and '50s Chicago blues joints. There's no raised stage; a giant mural from local artist Amanda Lynn indicates the area for performances. The space can accommodate about 80 guests across bar stools, high-top tables, and stage-facing low tables; there's also a semi-private lounge for events.
When it officially opens on Tuesday, Mr. Tipple's will be open nightly from 5pm-1am. In the meantime, expect a handful of soft-opening nights and holiday parties as the new bar gets up to speed.
