By Adrian Spinelli
Time to add another top-notch craft beer hall to your to-do-list. Although Hogwash might soon become your favorite. Zeki’s Bar alums Paula Thompson and Nick Rothman have just opened up shop on Sutter & Mason St., a perfect after work spot for the downtown brigade, jumping-off point for the Nob Hill crowd, or a wonderful place to spend an evening for just about anybody who loves beer and food.
Hogwash’s comprehensive 30-tap (yes … 30) draft beer list features a ton of classic and new Bay-Area brews, a fine Belgian beer selection, and also has craft options from Colorado to New York to Japan.
There’s bar seating, a few more intimate tables, and five large communal beer hall style tables in the main room. “This is our take on a modern California beer bar,” Rothman says. “But we love the fun and feel that a traditional German beer hall has too.” They’ve certainly captured both of those elements, as it feels like a very modern mini beer hall.
And why yes, that large glass on the right is Hogwash’s spin on a German beer boot, the 55 oz “Hog-Goblet.” It’s a perfect choice if you’re on a serious solo mission or are looking to have a little more fun with friends. The Hog-Goblet is a prime example of the vibe Hogwash is looking to create. “Beer should be fun. This is a gathering place where everyone can come in and have a good time,” said Thompson.
I don’t know about you, but a rockin’ yet intimate beer hall is pretty much my idea of a good time. Especially when it’s paired with unique food like this kick-ass “Burnin’ Bird” sausage with chicken habanero sausage, harissa aioli, fried avocado, and fennel apple slaw. Yes please:
All of the sausages are made-in-house and the kitchen is run by Le Beau Market’s Morgan Hamm. The menu has an impressive array of sausage sandwiches (pork with a duck fried egg; lamb with blue cheese, pickled cabbage and beet relish; beef with cheddar and bacon ground-in; and a “hogless” version with butternut squash, barley, sage, and creme fraiche) as well as plates (even currywurst with smothered fries!).
There’s also a selection of salads (options include kale with goat cheese and avocado vinaigrette; roasted root vegetable; and Asian pear and persimmon), a variety of light bites, and even a beer float made with Three Twins lemon cookie ice cream and Mikkeller limoncello IPA. They’re not kidding around.
Hogwash has a full wine list with bubbly if that’s your steez. But let’s be honest, the beer here reigns supreme. Rich Higgins, a master cicerone (ahem … there are only nine of those in the world) helped Thompson curate the beer lineup and it’s a truly bomb list. There’s much to discover and enjoy for seasoned beer connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Thompson adds that “We’ll be rotating our taps a lot.” Sounds like they’re well on their way.
Hogwash is located at 582 Sutter St. and is now open for business daily from 6 p.m.-1 a.m.with more surprises to come in January.
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