Fort Point Valencia Debuts In San Francisco’s Mission District
Author:Michelle KonstantinovskyThe hometown brew heroes at Fort Point Beer Company officially opened the doors of their first beer hall late last fall with the debut of Fort Point Valencia, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District.
Fort Point fans know the brand from its kiosk at the city’s iconic Ferry Building, but according to creative director, Dina Dobkin, patrons of Fort Point Valencia will get unique insight into the brand’s real identity. Dobkin teamed up with Ted Arleo of Arleo Architects and Upcycle Builders to create the look of Fort Point Valencia and redefine the concept of a beer hall. The duo also worked with local artisans and incorporated the color palette and graphic design of the recognizable beer cans. While guests are greeted by bold colors in the entryway, Fort Point Valencia’s main area incorporates chose to use bold colors to usher guests in brightly colored accent walls with a matte, mottled texture that creates a bold effect with a hint of softness. The space is also flooded with natural light courtesy of overhead skylights, and the airy atmosphere is accentuated by custom woodwork from Hume Studio and Liz Dunning Design + Woodworking. Dobkin also prioritized the acoustics, integrating paneling into the design to control the sound throughout the space.
Visitors will find work by local artists throughout the hall, including custom neon sculptures from Peterson Neon and a mural by New Bohemia. Both pieces feature artwork designed by Manual Creative, replicating some of Fort Point’s trademark can designs and illustrations.
Fort Point Valencia’s bright blue entryway leads guests to a low-seated bar. The space then opens up, anchored by a long, standing bar crafted by Hume Studios with custom sunken taps. Large, round wooden tables encourage effortless group meet-ups and the back area of the hall allows for a more intimate experience with long, built-in benches from Liz Dunning Design + Woodworking under green archways and smaller, two-top tables.
As for the main attraction, Fort Point Valencia offers a rotating selection of beers on tap incorporating their core
offerings – KSA (kölsch-style ale), Villager (SF-style IPA), Westfalia (Nuremberg-inspired red ale), Animal (tropical IPA), and Park (single hop pale ale series), along with seasonal draft options. In addition to traditional Fort Point Beer Company’s beers, the hall also serves experimental, draft-only beers from Black Sands Brewery and a curated line up of guest beers. Those looking for non-beer beverages can expect curated wine selections representing small, minimal intervention producers.
The new hot spot serves up much more than just beer, featuring an elevated bar food menu from executive chef Eric Ehler. The Korea-born, Iowa-raised chef draws inspiration from his multifaceted upbringing, building a menu based around reimagined comfort food classics. The menu features an array of Asian ingredients and local produce, and Ehler intentionally designed the menu to be flexible and accommodating to a variety of diners and group sizes. Offerings include a seasonal rotation of snacks, dips, and sandwiches, all of which can be easily adjusted for the number of people at the table. Menu items include Dungeness Crab Rangoon with Plum Sweet and Sour Sauce and Crushed Sesame; Party Bread and Sichuan Hummus made with Chinese sesame paste, chile oil, and black vinegar topped with crispy garlic, fresh cucumbers, and crispy tofu. Other menu items include a Blooming Artichoke with Chile Lime Vinaigrette, Kaya, Stone Fruit, Thai Basil, Peanuts; #00 On Rye – a riff on corned beef on rye – including Corned Beef Tongue with Egg Salad; and Chopped Liver, served open-face.
Fort Point Valencia is located at 742 Valencia, San Francisco and is open every day from 11:00 AM – midnight. For more information on Fort Point Beer Company, visit www.fortpointbeer.com.
