Si, many have been wondering what Adriano Paganini/Back of the House were going to open in the former La Urbana space on Divisadero, and the rumors have proven to be true: it’s going to be a Spanish concept, BARVALE. There will be a tapas bar, with more of a sit-down experience in the dining room, and a Pintxo Room in the former garage. It ends up Paganini has wanted to open a Spanish concept for 10 years, and his plan is finally coming to fruition. They plan to open for dinner on December 7th.
The executive chef is Patricio “Pato” Duffoo, who will be overseeing the menus. The style and pricing will be truly neighborhood-friendly, and California product sourcing will come into play. In true tapas style, plates will be small and meant to share. Look for the grill to be featured prominently. Cold tapas include classics like pan con tomate, tortilla de patata, and piquillos relleno (blood sausage-stuffed Basque peppers), while hot tapas include patatas bravas, gambas (garlic oil-poached, head-on shrimp with preserved lemon), and paella.
The tapas bar is being designed to capture the truly Spanish style of grazing at the bar, whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite before a show at The Independent or meeting a friend for a cocktail. They’re going to be keeping it inexpensive and simple, more San Sebastian than San Francisco.
Jessica Everett is overseeing the bar menu, which will be focused on cava, sherry, gin, Spanish wines, and food-friendly cocktails, including sherry cocktails and Spanish vermouth- and wine-based cocktails, plus four gin and tonics, Kalimotxo (red wine and a cola-based soft drink), and housemade sangria.
Hannah Collins Designs is designing the space, which will pull inspiration from Barcelona—the bar will be a centerpoint, with lots of color, plus warm wood and funky handmade lighting, with a hand-painted illustration of a flamenco dancer by design studio Wall and Wall. The tapas bar will be standing room only and there is a communal table (room for 32 total), and the 65-seat dining room will be outfitted in bright colors and banquettes. Meanwhile, the Pintxo Room (in the former garage) will feature a central bar surrounded by multiple communal tables, perfect for large groups and private parties (room for 50), all tricked out in red (red terra-cotta walls, a red bar, and art too).
Open nightly for dinner, brunch will launch later on. 661 Divisadero St. at Grove.
The former La Urbana exterior. Photo: Dana Eastland. © tablehopper.com.
