The dynamic Marina district is poised for a palpable shift in its culinary scene, as Lilah, a cocktail bar that carved a niche for itself by specializing in low-ABV beverages, is waving goodbye on May 4. In a revelation sure to intrigue the patrons of San Francisco's bar culture, this establishment is set to undergo a significant transformation. Come July, the space at 2336 Chestnut Street will transition to Super Mensch, a Jewish deli-style restaurant and cocktail bar, drawing on the cultural touchstones of New York and New Jersey's iconic delis.
While the closing of Lilah might typically invoke a hint of melancholy, the forthcoming Super Mensch has sparked an anticipatory buzz. SF Eater reports that Adam Rosenblum, the chef behind Causwells, is set to cater to nostalgic cravings with classic deli offerings that boast personal history, like house-cured pastrami and his mother's challah French toast. Super Mensch plans to satisfy appetites from sunrise to beyond sunset with an all-day menu that includes everything from matzah ball soup to towering slices of chocolate cake.
The anticipated ambiance of Super Mensch also entails a revamp of the drink menu. A full liquor license acquisition sets the stage for higher-proof cocktails, representing a tangible shift from Lilah’s previous low-ABV drink ethos. The creativity does not end there, as the beverages are expected to carry flavors emblematic of a Jewish deli. A social media post from Super Mensch teases a fusion of taste and tradition with cocktails influenced by egg creams, matzah ball soup, and black-and-white cookies.
Elmer Mejicanos, who is no stranger to the city’s bar landscape and has two decades of experience and a hand in Causwells, is leading this transformation. His vision for Super Mensch is steeped in a philosophy that balances respectful nods to tradition with a flair for innovation. Mejicanos expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture and the unique opportunity presented by the current market: "We got a chance to get one, and we couldn't pass it up," he told The San Francisco Standard, referring to the Type 47 liquor license.
