tablehopper broke the story last July that Kinson Lau, formerly of Gitane, was opening a bar in SoMa called THE ALCHEMIST. After a series of delays, the new bar (which is up on the second floor) is softly open now, serving some lesser-known but classic cocktails, like the Monkey Gland (gin, orange juice, grenadine, absinthe rinse), and twists on classics, like the Beez Nuts, a twist on the Bees Knees, with gin, chamomile, lemon, and honey. Check out the full drink list here. There will also be a chalkboard special called the “Alchemist’s Tincture,” which will be inspired by a Chinese herbal medicine.
In the future, look for pop-up guest bartenders who will mix things up a bit, and food might be forthcoming too. The look is industrial-meets-Gothic, with a touch of steampunk. There’s room for 70, with a 13-seat bar and lounge areas with tufted couches. They’re open Wed-Mon (closed Tue) from 5pm-2am. 679 3rd St. at Townsend, 415-746-9968.
