Saloon Style

the tablehopper | 12:00 pm | August 5, 2008 | Foodie 411

For fans of Barbary Coast-era history, the recent opening of Mcteague’s Saloon should be interesting to say the least. Myles O’Reilly and manager Chris Shelgren have opened the saloon in the former Johnny Wok location on Polk Street, just next door to O’Reilly’s Holy Grail. It’s named after the book by Frank Norris, McTeague, and O’Reilly is keen to keep Polk Street’s literary heritage alive. The historic building was the first building to be built on Polk Street after the 1906 earthquake, and was the home of the famous Tortola.

Inside you will find the original booths, old chandeliers, rustic/saloon-style plank tables with stools, and a 44-foot redwood-topped bar, with 18 taps of primarily West Coast ales and microbrews (although they are currently running 12)—there is also an emphasis on bourbons. Some literary readings and acoustic music are also planned, and there are some saloon-style eats that will be on offer starting this week, like bean-less Southwestern-style chili, and “toasties” (sandwiches, like ham or turkey).

On the weekends, the saloon will open at 9:30am for football season, and will have a BBQ menu inspired by the SEC and Big 12 teams playing, so expect pulled pork for southern teams, or even some gumbo when Louisiana is playing. Hours are otherwise noon–2am daily.

• 1237 Polk St. at Sutter, 415-776-1237.

Marcia Gagliardi writes a popular weekly e-column about the SF dining scene, “the tablehopper.” Subscribe for free at www.tablehopper.com and get it in your inbox every Tuesday. Got news? Email Marcia at taste@sanfrancisco.travel.