As mentioned previously on tablehopper, NOIR (music alert on that website) from owner Brian Cassanego is bringing a new place to Hayes Valley. After some chef drama, it softly opened on April 2nd, with Joanna Karlinsky (of Sweet Jo’s Chili and Bicuits) as interim chef. Look out for her chili and famed Meetinghouse biscuits, of course, plus other American-style classics coming soon, like mac and cheese, tater tots, and pulled pork.
The beverage program features a wine list of 55 choices by the bottle and more than 20 by the glass from sommelier Gianna Gaudini. There are also eight beers on tap, including choices from New Belgium, Pine Street Brewing, and Dogfish Head.
The space, from designer Gi Paoletti, includes a screening room in the back for classic noir films, or important sporting events. Now that it’s baseball season, that means you can enjoy Giants’ games with a nice glass of wine, which is always a good thing. The ceilings are arched to give the whole place an Art Deco grandness, with low amber lighting to keep it all, ahem, intimate. There are two bars: the L-shaped one in front, and the back one with a classic noir scene. Both feature sexy backlit amber onyx. The space is set up with modular screens, so different parts of the restaurant can be closed off to accommodate private groups too. There’s a communal table between the two bars, plus lounge areas with tufted seating in addition to tables.
It’s open daily, with a weekend brunch coming in May, though hours are subject to change during the soft opening phase, so a call ahead isn’t a bad idea. Mon-Thu 3pm-10pm, Fri 3pm-12am, Sat 1pm-12am, Sun 1pm-9pm. 581 Hayes St. at Laguna, 415-431-6647.
The back bar at Noir. Photo from Facebook.
