SAN FRANCISCO, CA - In the heart of East London ...deep beneath the streets ... amongst the crumbling ruins of a long abandoned Underground railway station ...something unusual is afoot. The fragrant smell of juniper mingles with exotic botanicals sourced from across the vast British Empire. The hiss of steam punctures the damp subterranean air, and the fires of distillation yield forth the wondrous elixir that has captivated the entire realm: Gin!
Welcome to Whitechapel. A wildly-themed bar & restaurant located in the heart of San Francisco at 600 Polk St. A celebration of the wonder of gin featuring the largest selection in North America served in a carefully chosen cocktail menu that celebrates the history and traditions of this amazing spirit. Far from gin's reputation as painfully serious, our menu showcases its versatility and lively approachability with a selection of drinks that are bound to please.
Whitechapel is the vision of bartender Alex Smith (Novela, Gitane, Gather, Honor Bar, SF Chronicle Bar Star 2011) and Smuggler's Cove owner Martin Cate (World's 50 Best Bars 2011-15 [Drinks International 50 Greatest Bars on Earth [The Times of London], Best Bars in America 2013 [Esquire Magazine], and Best Cocktails in San Francisco 2014 [SF Weekly Readers' Poll]). Along with John Park, Managing Partner of Novela, Whitechapel aims to become not just a destination for gin lovers, but for everyone looking to experience remarkable cocktails and food expertly prepared in an incredible setting.
In the kitchen, Chef David Murphy directs the menu of sharable and lighthearted British and Dutch-inspired fare. Don't miss signature dishes like the Steam Burgers, King's Porrige, and mighty Haunch & Flagon
In the bar, Whitechapel's extensively researched menu brings you both a historical survey of gin classics alongside regional specialties. But the past is just the beginning. Smith has crafted an inventive array of modern cocktails made with contemporary small batch gins from near and far. Whitechapel's gin collection is the most comprehensive and well curated in North America, and includes little known treasures, exceptionally rare historic bottlings, and our own private label gin made right here in San Francisco by Distillery 209. Guests will enjoy learning alongside drinking as part of our gin club, The Polk Street Irregulars, with the opportunity to earn titles, rewards, and exclusive experiences.