Outerlands recently got some special attention on Grub Street after a New York chef swooned over their savory Dutch pancake, served only at brunch. And many a food-aware San Franciscan has already discovered the terrific work chef Brett Cooper (formerly of Saison, Coi, and Rubicon) has been doing at dinner. But today we’d like to call out the artisanal cocktail program by co-owner Dave Muller. It’s a short list that varies week to week, and you’ll likely find yourself sipping from it while you wait for one of the few tables in this tiny, buzz-worthy Outer Sunset restaurant.
Among the market-driven concoctions on offer on a recent night were one with Templeton rye, lemon, nectarine purée, rosemary, and bitters; another with Flor de Caña 5-year rum, lime, chamomile soda, and mint; and a third (pictured) with El Tesoro tequila, manzanilla sherry, St. Germain, rose geranium, and orange bitters. They’re all original and stylish cocktails with a seasonal bent, and they outshine many of the selections on longer lists at the city’s better restaurant-bars.
The third drink in particular was a subtle, smooth, spirit-driven cocktail that cleverly brought out the vegetal and floral notes of the tequila with geranium and elderflower (St. Germain), and rounded it out with the sherry. It also made for a perfect aperitif, before delving into the equally thoughtful and brief wine list.
Outerlands - 4001 Judah Street at 45th Avenue - 415.661.6140 - Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner; Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Earlier on Actually Pretty Awesome:
Actually Pretty Awesome: The Meatball Gigante and the Honey Pie at Tony’s Pizza
Three New Gins from St. George Spirits
Duck Pastrami at Murray Circle
The Date Night at Sneaky’s BBQ
Crab and Dumplings at Pican
The Fried-Chicken Sliders at The Lookout
Uncle’s Chicken Curry Tacos at Juhu Beach Club
Buttermilk Panna Cotta at SPQR
The Egg Sandwich at Blue Fig
Lolo’s Mexican- and Turkish-Influenced Small Plates
The Tripe and the Pickles at Bar Tartine
A Dinner of Small Plates at Frances
The Fondue Service at Fondue Cowboy
Brunch at Barndiva
Fried Chicken and Cornmeal Doughnuts at Beast & the Hare
Aaron London’s Take on Vichyssoise at Ubuntu
