The former Portal’s Tavern in West Portal has been transformed into THE SHERWOOD, sloughing off its dive bar patina and now restored to highlight its 1939 bone structure, the oldest bar space in the West Portal area. The owners (Foli Media) utilized local craftspeople for every aspect of the buildout, from the custom walnut cabinetry to the built-in leather booth seating, and managed to prevail after numerous pandemic-related setbacks. There’s also a grand crystal chandelier, whimsical art, and a cozy fireside lounge (the historic fireplace is the bar’s centerpiece). The color palette of deep greens and dusty blues are evocative of Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest (there’s also the nearby Sherwood Forest neighborhood, SF’s smallest), while the antimicrobial copper bar tops, hand sanitizing stations, distanced seating, and a large parklet reflect our current pandemic reality.
Bar manager Jeff Hanford (most recently at Urban Putt for five years) has assembled a seasonal craft cocktail list with fun twists on some classics, like a sherry Negroni, and the Bee’s Hips features chamomile flower-and-rosehip-infused vodka. You’ll also find local beers, wines by the glass or bottle, and zero-proof options. To show support to local restaurants heavily affected by the pandemic, The Sherwood will be rotating select food menus from neighboring restaurants. Open Mon-Wed 5pm-12am, Thu-Fri 5pm-1am, Sat 12pm-1am, and Sun 12pm-12am. 179 W. Portal Ave. at Vicente.
