Bar Malone's, a fresh SoMa watering hole with a clear soft spot for Cheers, quietly slipped open in early June in the former District space near Oracle Park. The room revolves around a big U-shaped horseshoe bar and a tight, game-friendly menu geared to pre- and post-game traffic. Headlining the food is a plate of triple-cooked "disco" fries that can be upgraded into a messy Cajun-beef-and-cheese share plate for an extra charge.
Owners Gabriel Freiberg and Eric Passetti, the team behind Natoma Cabana and Yerba Buena Bar, have softly launched Malone's at 216 Townsend, keeping District's signature horseshoe bar while giving the space a refresh, as reported by SFist. The official site lists opening hours, a walking route to the ballpark, and a phone number for reservations, per Bar Malone's site. The low-key debut positions the place as an easygoing neighborhood hang that swells with energy on game nights.
What To Order
The kitchen keeps the playbook tight but focused. Triple-cooked fries ($9), with a "disco" bump of Cajun beef gravy and cheese for $8, line up next to a $24 burger, fried chicken thighs at $18, and a $36 steak frites, per Eater SF. On the drinks side, cocktails lean vodka- and gin-forward. Options like the Lime Light and Sidewinder clock in around $16 and feel built for daytime hangs and game-time rounds. A short lineup of nonalcoholic choices is on offer, too, although the zero-proof section stays modest for now.
The Space And Vibe
Malone's splits the difference between sports bar and living room. Globe pendants, plenty of plants, couches, and a tucked-away lounge corner soften the look, while the central horseshoe bar keeps the focus on the action. The mix of seating gives guests some control over how much of the game they actually see. Local guides call out the easy walk to Oracle Park and flag Malone's as a convenient pregame pit stop, per The Infatuation.
Insider Tip
Service details help Malone's play well with groups. Servers were willing to split plates for the table, and one burger arrived already quartered and ready to share. That extra bit of hospitality, plus a kitchen open to portioning things out, makes the bar handy for groups who prefer to graze instead of committing to full entrees, according to Eater SF. On game days, expect walk-ins to carry the crowd and plan for reservations to be limited.
For big nights, assume you will be walking in but still peek at reservation options on OpenTable. Between the room-dominating horseshoe bar, those disco fries, and a martini-first cocktail list, Malone's is aiming to be one of SoMa's sharper pre- and post-game choices.
