Pull Up a Stylish Seat and Indulge at Rambler
Author:Michelle KonstantinovskyIf the cool vibe, inviting atmosphere, and crazy-good menu at Rambler, a new San Francisco hot spot, seem familiar, you might just be an urban foodie with excellent taste.
The bar and restaurant, located at 545 Post Street, within Union Square’s Hotel Zeppelin, was conceived by the team at Hat Trick Hospitality, the trio behind Sabrosa, The Brixton, and Redford. You might also recognize general manager Colleen Booth as the former front-of-house manager and Maitre D’ at Lazy Bear, and a veteran of other iconic San Francisco institutions like Town Hall, Salt House, Anchor & Hope, and La Capra Coffee.
Photo credit: Kelly Puleio
Rambler’s aesthetic and atmosphere might evoke warm memories too, but the unique layout and look are one-of-a-kind. Designed by Lori Yeomans, the creative force behind Wayfare Tavern and El Paseo, the restaurant’s two distinct sections offer unique experiences united by a common mood. The brasserie accomodates 48 guests and features an 18-foot bar, leather banquettes, and eye-catching bubble glass chandeliers. The 63-person dining room exudes the intimate energy of a retro nightclub, with mid-century seating, vintage artwork, and a dedicated four-seat zinc bar framed by a mirrored back bar.
Photo credit: Kelly Puleio
The decor sets the scene for a food and cocktail menu that is to die for. Executive Chef Robert Leva (you know him from Salt House, Redd, Auberge du Soleil, and Calistoga Ranch) serves up locally-sourced, high-quality California fare that includes snacks like crispy fried sunchokes with black garlic dip, small plates including grilled shrimp with serrano ham, and main dishes like Spanish octopus with Manila clams, chorizo, Early Girl tomatoes, and charred lemon Salsa Verde. Originally home to Wolfgang Puck’s iconic Postrio restaurant, Rambler also serves up wood-fired pizzas in Puck’s original oven.
Photo credit: Kelly Puleio
Bar manager Simone Mims, formerly of Rich Table and Foreign Cinema, mixes up go-to classics and some surprising seasonal libations. The opening craft cocktail menu includes the Miyata Mule (Shinshu Mars Iwai whiskey, yuzu, ginger ale, Peychaud’s bitters) and the Zeppelin Martini (Monkey 47 gin, Alessio Vermouth Bianco, cucumber bitters).
Ready to make your reservation? Rambler is currently open for dinner service and will soon be serving breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch.
545 Post Street @ Hotel Zeppelin
Rambler serves dinner Sun-Thurs from 5:30-10 p.m. (until 11 p.m. Fri/Sat)
415.549.8008
www.ramblersf.com
