antipathy
Lurks for the lulz
Benders has been EXPOSED!!!! :shocker
(No mention of Will or Chupa either)
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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/03/NS97VSGDS.DTL
Bar Bites: The Satellite at Benders
by Jane Tunks
Thursday, April 3, 2008
When Benders closed after a fire in June 2006, Inner Mission bargoers heaved a collective sigh of dismay - the dearly beloved dive had long been a favorite.
But instead of letting the corner bar languish behind boarded-up doors after the blaze, owners Cameron Bryce, Liam Martin and Johnny Davis took the opportunity to gussy up the cavernous space. Nearly 1 1/2 years later, Benders reopened with many improvements, including a new bar and stage, a shiny coat of paint and, best of all, a kitchen staffed by a cook who actually cares about food.
Turns out the chef came from the nearby restaurant Weird Fish. Dubbed the Satellite, the tiny kitchen turns out much of the same fare as the original restaurant, which means lots of seafood and vegan choices.
The vibe: Unassuming and without pretense, Benders is a go-to destination for a low-key night out.
The crowd: Vegan bar food and indoor bike parking mean that Benders welcomes the bike-riding hipsters who are taking over the Mission District - and the people who love them.
Best seat: Abandon your bar stool for a seat on the padded banquettes at the far end of the bar. A few tables are scattered on the raised platform, which also houses the pool table, making it a prime spot for people watching.
Killer app: Time-honored bar snacks have been given a vegan makeover, so now you can feel virtuous while eating food that soaks up excess alcohol. Seitan subs for chicken wings in the buffalo "girls" ($7), a batch of soy-battered seitan coated in barbecue sauce, and Weird Fish's "famous" tacos ($4 each) come stuffed with your choice of tilapia or seitan. And if you must eat meat, the devilishly delicious hamburger ($6.66 plus tax, or $7) comes with french fries.
Signature drink: With a rotating selection of 15 brews on tap ($4 a pint), don't expect any overwrought mixological creations. Benders serves hard liquor the old-fashioned way. Margaritas ($5) come in pint glasses and a shot of whiskey with PBR chaser are $5 (a Wednesday special).
Also on tap: Fancy cocktail lovers should ask the bartender - nicely - for a mint-flecked tangerine mojito ($5), which is available on Mondays.
Bonus: Saturday nights feature live entertainment, such as live bands or a burlesque show. Recently sighted: a Kiss cover band complete with backup dancers. Free barbecues on Sundays also include movies.
Vitals: 806 South Van Ness Ave. (at 19th Street), San Francisco; (415) 824-1800. Food served 6 p.m.-midnight Tues.-Sat. Bar open 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Mon.-Fri., 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Sat.-Sun. Cash only.
- Jane Tunks, jtunks@sfchronicle.com
(No mention of Will or Chupa either)
---------------------------------------------
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/03/NS97VSGDS.DTL
Bar Bites: The Satellite at Benders
by Jane Tunks
Thursday, April 3, 2008
When Benders closed after a fire in June 2006, Inner Mission bargoers heaved a collective sigh of dismay - the dearly beloved dive had long been a favorite.
But instead of letting the corner bar languish behind boarded-up doors after the blaze, owners Cameron Bryce, Liam Martin and Johnny Davis took the opportunity to gussy up the cavernous space. Nearly 1 1/2 years later, Benders reopened with many improvements, including a new bar and stage, a shiny coat of paint and, best of all, a kitchen staffed by a cook who actually cares about food.
Turns out the chef came from the nearby restaurant Weird Fish. Dubbed the Satellite, the tiny kitchen turns out much of the same fare as the original restaurant, which means lots of seafood and vegan choices.
The vibe: Unassuming and without pretense, Benders is a go-to destination for a low-key night out.
The crowd: Vegan bar food and indoor bike parking mean that Benders welcomes the bike-riding hipsters who are taking over the Mission District - and the people who love them.
Best seat: Abandon your bar stool for a seat on the padded banquettes at the far end of the bar. A few tables are scattered on the raised platform, which also houses the pool table, making it a prime spot for people watching.
Killer app: Time-honored bar snacks have been given a vegan makeover, so now you can feel virtuous while eating food that soaks up excess alcohol. Seitan subs for chicken wings in the buffalo "girls" ($7), a batch of soy-battered seitan coated in barbecue sauce, and Weird Fish's "famous" tacos ($4 each) come stuffed with your choice of tilapia or seitan. And if you must eat meat, the devilishly delicious hamburger ($6.66 plus tax, or $7) comes with french fries.
Signature drink: With a rotating selection of 15 brews on tap ($4 a pint), don't expect any overwrought mixological creations. Benders serves hard liquor the old-fashioned way. Margaritas ($5) come in pint glasses and a shot of whiskey with PBR chaser are $5 (a Wednesday special).
Also on tap: Fancy cocktail lovers should ask the bartender - nicely - for a mint-flecked tangerine mojito ($5), which is available on Mondays.
Bonus: Saturday nights feature live entertainment, such as live bands or a burlesque show. Recently sighted: a Kiss cover band complete with backup dancers. Free barbecues on Sundays also include movies.
Vitals: 806 South Van Ness Ave. (at 19th Street), San Francisco; (415) 824-1800. Food served 6 p.m.-midnight Tues.-Sat. Bar open 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Mon.-Fri., 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Sat.-Sun. Cash only.
- Jane Tunks, jtunks@sfchronicle.com
