The space at the base of Hotel Carlton (1075 Sutter St.), formerly occupied by ‘Arabic fusion’ restaurant Saha, has been transformed into ‘kitchen and draught-house’ Phlox Commons.

Launched in November—just around the corner from neighborhood newcomers The Saratoga, Hero Shop, Barber Walter's, plus the beloved Mr. Holmes Bakehouse on the edge of the Tenderloin—the new restaurant and bar offers 60 California-brewed beers and local wines to accompany tavern-style fare.

Phlox Commons is the newest venture of Ryan Olson, who managed Saha for 10 years. After Saha moved to Berkeley earlier this year, Olson says the property owners offered him an opportunity he couldn’t refuse.

Now is an optimal time to start a business in the Tenderloin, Olson says, because so many new restaurants and shops are opening in the area and starting to attract more people—rather than simply servicing local residents. He also believes the neighborhood needed some classic American comfort food at a reasonable price.

The draught menu at Phlox Commons will change regularly but always feature local breweries, Olson assured. Draught beers range in price from $6-$7 each, or $5 at happy hour. 

The dinner menu is relatively brief but will change seasonally, and the kitchen will accommodate various diets and allergies. 

To celebrate the holiday season, Phlox Commons is offering a special three-course prix fix holiday menu on December 24th. The omnivore offering will be $45, the vegetarian/vegan option will be $40 and the wine pairing would add $20 to either.

“Chef Mina [Kacos] will be offering some special desserts for the occasion as well,” Olson says. 

Phlox Commons is open for breakfast from 7am-11am on weekdays, 8am-12pm Saturdays and 8am-2pm Sundays. Dinner is served from 5pm-10pm Tuesdays through Sundays and stays open an hour later on Fridays and Saturdays.