Rare pour

Bar Iris (Russian Hill)

BARS • First Round

The Backstory: Three years after opening, Russian Hill's Bar Iris (sister spot to Nisei next door) has established itself as a destination for Japanese cocktails made with rare spirits. Located in the space occupied by La Folie Lounge for the last 30 years, it’s also an object lesson in transforming a well-loved dining room into something new.  

The Experience: Designer Noz Nozawa's oceanic sculpture of undulating ash slats lines the back wall and ceiling over the eight-seat bar. The sleek design spills over into the main window-side lounge with modern upholstered chairs, and a heated 20-seat outdoor patio doubles the capacity.

A standout martini, the Tsukemono, marries rare Osuzu gin with imo shochu, nama Genshu sake, sequoia sake lees brine, and a preserved cauliflower garnish. The Tokubetsu (special) cocktail menu includes gems like the 1920's Osaka-inspired Akadama with pandan, hazelnut, and Hibiki whiskey, while the over-the-top Uni mixes sea urchin with Laphroaig scotch, served in a ceramic anemone shell. Pairings from the kitchen shared with Nisei include temaki flights, grilled and marinated eggplant, and wagyu tartare — plus omakase options (at $55 or $65 per).

Why It's FOUND: Bar Iris is an enlightening environment to expand cocktail horizons, and a very appealing platform for chef David Yoshimura’s bar fare. –Adrian Spinelli

→ Bar Iris (Russian Hill) • 2310 Polk St • Sun & Wed-Thurs 5-11p, Fri-Sat 3p-12a • No reservations.