Chef Jason Fox has turned the Proper Hotel’s former coffee bar, La Bande, into a gin and tapas bar. The new look and menu of the San Francisco bar are inspired by the Barcelona dining scene. Fox developed the menu for Le Bande during lockdown, and, as of September 22, it will be fully available at the newly opened space.
“Aperitivo is a state of mind at La Bande, our tapas bar merging the vibrant energy of Mediterranean cafés with the seasonal bounty of Northern California,” says the bar. The menu features specialty aperitif cocktails, Old World and biodynamic wines, and gourmet tapas curated by Fox. Visitors are welcomed to step in for an afternoon vermouth, linger over Galician conservas, or pick up a few delicacies from the market selection on the go.
Josh Harris of the Bon Vivants put together the drinks menu, which honed in on gin and vermouth. Visitors can enjoy Nitro Negronis, gin & tonics, or go full-bore with the Doctor’s Note, which includes a 375ml bottle of Monkey 47 gin, a selection of Fever Tree tonics, a variety of garnishes, and Spanish barrel ice cubes.
The food menu features warm and cold tapas, including Salt Cod Croquettes, White Beans & Pork Shoulder, and Potato Tortilla to name a few. A selection of meats, cheeses, and conservas are also available, along with small bites such as olives or delivered eggs and a trio of desserts.
Designer Kelly Wearstler is reasonable for the look of La Bande, and she restored the beautiful green tiles, green marble, and brass details. The space is intimate, with half a dozen seats pulling up to the bar, a dozen seats gathered around a communal table, and a few additional tall tables. There are also an additional 20 or so sidewalk seats.
La Bande will be open from from 4:30 to 9:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, head over to the official website.