The former Swank at The Laurel Inn (a Joie de Vivre property) in Pacific Heights just got a whole new look and upgrade, graduating to its latest incarnation of LAUREATE. The space has a residential and midcentury modern look, courtesy of RPM Studio, complete with brass accents and the iconic fireplace has a new terrazzo exterior.
Bar manager Sam McGinnis has put together a menu of classic cocktails like Negronis, Palomas, and martinis with a seasonal and local twist ($12), along with specialty cocktails, local craft beers, wines, and there will be hot toddies in the winter (although we could totally drink them now). There are bar snacks as well, plus live music. Open Mon-Thu 4pm-12am, Fri-Sat 4pm-1am. Happy hour runs Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm and Sat 5pm-7pm. 444 Presidio Ave. at California.
The former Matrix in the Marina is now WHITE RABBIT, part of The PlumpJack Group’s portfolio (along with Forgery and Wildhawk). The name pays homage to the building’s history as the location where Jefferson Airplane recorded “White Rabbit” in 1967. Like Laureate, they’re going for a residential style here with couches and low-slung tables (the space was designed by Shopworks)—it’s meant to be chic yet comfortable.
There are classic and specialty cocktails (no comment on the “Skinny Rabbit”), beer and rosé on tap, and small, shareable plates (view the full menu here). There’s also a chose-your-own vinyl record player, with a stash of records of bands who played at the Matrix in the ’60s (The Doors and Janis Joplin) to current artists, although DJs are in charge of the soundtrack Thu-Sat nights. There are also private areas you can reserve. Wed-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri 5pm-2am, Sat 2pm-2am, Sun 2pm-10pm. 3138 Fillmore St. at Greenwich, 415-993-5399.
