Neighborhood residents looking for a new watering hole and place to grab dinner on Fillmore can rejoice! The long-vacant space that most recently housed the short-lived Long Bar is now home to Palmer’s Tavern. And from the looks of it, Palmer’s is well on its way to becoming a Fillmore Street institution.
Located right across the street from the Clay movie theater, Palmer’s is the latest addition from restaurateur Albert Ranier, co-owner of the popular Leopold’s on Polk Street. Designed in classic tavern fashion, Palmer’s features a spacious bar crafted from richly polished mahogany. Mirrors, flattering wall lamps, and a wealth of cozy leather booths and banquettes comprise the restaurant’s interior. Twin antelope heads surround a bison’s head above the bar, and a giant wall-mounted swordfish graces a center wall. All of this makes for a warm, clubby, retro feel. Don Draper would feel right at home.
While executive chef Raymond Tamayo and Ranier were still polishing the menu at press time, you can be certain that Palmer’s Tavern will feature a variety of dishes designed to win the hearts of both carnivores and vegetarians alike, with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Standards like a hamburger, steak frites, and a chicken breast with mashed potatoes and cream sauce will flank lighter fare like an heirloom tomato salad (as long as the tomatoes are available), chilled corn soup, and grilled king salmon. Risotto and pasta dishes will certainly be listed, and the current menu features fried oysters, pork cheeks, cornmeal-crusted chicken, and fried squash blossoms.
While Palmer’s is built for dining, plenty of patrons will stop in pre- or post-movie for a drink. And there are plenty to choose from. In addition to a lengthy, global wine and beer list, Palmer’s focuses on cocktails, with 10 specials for under $10, like a Fillmore Fizz with gin, Fernet (a bitter digestif), pineapple gum, citrus, and egg white; or an Adonis with sherry, Italian vermouth and bitters.
With cooler nights just ahead, Palmer’s Tavern is the perfect date-night destination for a classic cocktail or dinner for two in an urban and happening locale.
Palmer’s Tavern:
2298 Fillmore Street
415-732-7777
Monday–Thursday 5:30–10 p.m.
Friday–Saturday 5:30–11 p.m.
Sunday 5:30–10 p.m.
