The latest in Dennis Leary and Eric Passetti’s mini bar empire is opening this Thursday in SoMa, NATOMA CABANA. As we mentioned before, it’s opening in the former John Colins space, which is a pretty cool building, with tall ceilings, skylights, and brick walls (they just sandblasted the brick and timber, so the look is really clean). The vibe is a bit “adult garden party” since Leary can’t seem to stop buying ferns and plants (they look great in the space) and there’s some great light, but it’s going to be too rowdy to call it a fern bar—he said it makes him think of a warehouse party from the late ’80s or early ’90s.
The front of the building features an eye-catching graffiti piece by Ian Ross, a friend of Passetti’s since kindergarten who also happened to do some commissioned artwork for Facebook. Leary notes it creates an artsy juxtaposition to all the glass towers in the area.
Per their other ventures together (Trocadero Club, Cafe Terminus), Leary and Passetti want to create a space that is meant to be fun and easygoing, with cocktails that are well crafted and delicious. But you won’t find any fussy mixology here—it’s about friendly bartenders who will remember you. You can have a look at a preview cocktail menu here—drinks will be $11, and the Natoma Paloma is now the Natoma Punch, FYI.
The official opening is this Thursday July 17th. Hours will be Mon-Sat 2pm-2am. 90 Natoma St. at 2nd St., 415-952-0481.
