In this edition of SF eats, a Union Street staple expands to China Basin, a popular Chinatown spot launches new happy hour menus, and a beloved Mission music venue is slated to reopen under a new concept and ownership.
Opening
China Basin
The Brixton on 2nd (701 Second St.)
The Brixton on 2nd officially opens its doors today at 701 Second St., a fastballs' throw away from the home of the Giants at Oracle Park. Operated by Hat Trick Hospitality, this will be The Brixton's second location; its flagship spot debuted in 2011 at 2140 Union St.
On the menu, look for a selection of starters and American comfort food, like roasted brassicas, fried baby back ribs, mac 'n' cheese, seared ahi tuna salad and more. (You can check out the full food menu here.)
As for libations, The Brixton's bar will offer an assortment of signature craft cocktails, like The Love Brixton with Templeton rye, strawberry, lime, basil, egg white and bitters; and the Treasure Island with Leblon Cacacha, pineapple and coconut cream. When the restaurant launches brunch service in the coming months, look for a bloody Mary bar, with options like The Brixton's house-made original, barbecue or red pepper mix, and a selection of meats, cheeses and veggies as accouterments. Rounding things out is an extensive wine list and an assortment of curated spirits. (Check out the drink menu here.)
In addition to the China Basin expansion, The Brixton's owners are also working on renovations to its Union Street space, which is slated to be completed sometime this summer.
The Brixton on 2nd is open daily for lunch and dinner — and in the coming months — anticipate live music and special events to join the lineup.
Updates
Chinatown
Z & Y Bistro (606 Jackson St.)
Chinatown's popular Z & Y Bistro recently launched a new happy hour, which now includes a discounted selection of wine, beer, sake and Japanese-style yakitori.
As for the change in happy hour offerings, co-owner Michelle Zhang — who runs the restaurant with her husband, Chef Lijun Han — said that since Z & Y Bistro took over the former Chung King Restaurant back in 2018, business has been booming. “We provide something unique in Chinatown — a more modern dining experience for authentic Chinese food, and people are responding well to that,” she said.
“Yakitori is our main offering at Z&Y Bistro and it's a great happy hour food because it's light and nutritious," she explained. "We also wanted to accommodate our financial district customers who can come in for a quick light bite and glass of wine or beer after work."
On its happy hour menu, expect to see Kirin on draught for $4, wine for $7 and sake carafes for $10. Robata and yakitori bites run $3.50–6, and the combo plate — with duck breast, chicken thighs, bacon-wrapped shrimp, asparagus beef and shishito peppers — goes for $16.
Happy Hour prices are available 3–6 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It's closed on Tuesday.
Mission
Valencia Room (647 Valencia St.)
There's been much speculation over the fate of the famed Elbo Room space since we got word that the Valencia Street music venue and bar had been sold to new owners late last year.
Rumors had been flying that the building would be razed to make way for a new condo development, which turned out to be false. Now, the space is being reborn as Valencia Room, according to Eater SF. “It just became public lore that Elbo Room was becoming condos,” said Davin Che of Valencia Room.
There's no official word as to when the new iteration of the venue will be ready to open its doors. The building's infrastructure is currently undergoing a refresh, along with its lighting and sound systems. The grand opening celebration has yet to be announced but the venue is already booking shows for next month.
If you've seen something new in the neighborhood, text your tips and photos to (415) 200-3233, or email [email protected]. If we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit.
