What is it? A cozy neighborhood eatery and bar since 2014, Causwells offers the proverbial “good things in small packages” under the gaze of 1937 art deco Presidio Theatre.
Why we love it: Chef-owner Adam Rosenblum has been pleasing Marina (and beyond) crowds for over a decade with signature snacks like house ricotta with rosemary honey on lavash crackers (more exciting than it sounds), “1000 Layer” crispy potatoes and Causwells’ signature burger, now in two versions, including a “Fancy Pants” one. Elmer Mejicanos’s thoughtfully elegant yet whimsical cocktails are a huge draw, and their tiny sister Super Mensch, inspired by NJ/NY Jewish delis, is about to open next door.
Mejicanos has long mastered low-proof cocktails. You’ll find them in the mix with boozier fun and shaved ice drinks from the hand-cranked kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) machine on the bar. Hawaii native and bar lead Andrew Ehrenberg runs a tight ship with Mejicanos of cocktails that wow visually and on the palate, belying the humble ease of the space.
While Ehrenberg might make you a Makai (Aviation gin, guava, pear, clarified soy milk, kombu, sea salt air), a “love letter” to his Hawaiian hometown, Mejicanos’s menu ever thrills with fun like an Al Pastor Pineapple Highball of ancho pepper-infused mezcal, green pepper liqueur, clarified lemon, cold-pressed pineapple, seltzer and al pastor spicy salt rim, or Open Sesame, mixing blanco tequila, bianco vermouth, cold pressed poblano peppers, lime, agave, toasted sesame, black salt. Girl Scout menu fun includes Toast-Yay!, a Ramos Gin Fizz twist with Ford’s Gin, salted maple cordial, citrus, cream, seltzer and French toast cookie.
Time Out tip: A sidewalk set-up expands seating options, while Rosenblum’s dishes pair nicely with the creative cocktails and delightful seasonal menus like their Christmas holiday or Girl Scout cookies cocktails.
Address: 2346 Chestnut St, San Francisco, 94123
Opening hours: Tue, Wed 11am–9pm; Thu 11am–10pm; Fri 11am–10:30pm; Sat 10am–10:30pm; Sun 10am–9pm
Expect to pay: Cocktails $16–$18; food $11–$34