The Keystone, an ode to classic American taverns featuring contemporary Bay Area fare, opens its doors mid-August 2015 at 68 4th Street. With industry veteran, Aric Sandoval, acting as General Manager. The Keystone offers an exciting ambiance with crave-worthy dishes and a rock-solid spirits selection. This talented team is anxious to bring a social space with upscale food and a convivial atmosphere to San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood.
Originally built in 1913 as part of the Keystone Hotel, the restaurant was purchased along with the hotel by Charles W. Mosser in 1981. The Mosser family decided to open a new concept with a name inspired by the original builidng. The Keystone embraces the history of the space it occupies and will pay tribute to the many decades of service with small touches in design elements from wall décor to check presenters.
With a passion for providing world-class service, General Manager Aric Sandoval aspires to create a welcoming space for all to enjoy. He spends his time in the dining room where he is constantly educating and communicating standards to staff with an easy-going and friendly demeanor, as well as warmly greeting guests. With an emphasis on approachable cuisine, carefully-selected, affordable wines and beer, and hand-crafted cocktails, The Keystone aims to create a comfortable environment for all types of diners. Paralleling this sentiment is Sandoval’s personal belief in offering great food, great drink, and a great ambiance with open arms to every guest.
The Kitchen Team led by Executive Chef Banks White has created a sophisticated menu with flavors reminiscent of American favorites. The dishes found on The Keystone’s menu are indulgent, ever-changing, crafted-American classics with a global influence. While all the dishes are equally as approachable and decadent, a few highlights include: Collard Green Lumpia, Grilled Mt Lassen Trout with Malaysian Curry Butter, alongside our Thai style Fried Chicken.
The Keystone has created a distinct beverage program that includes high quality spirits and rare flavor combinations. Highlights of his program include: a large selection of whiskeys, rye, and scotch; herbal elements, such as tinctures, bitters, and herbs; 70% California wine and 30% global wine; and 20 beers on tap. The thoughtful, hand-crafted, signature cocktails are unique, yet approachable made with interesting spices and topped with fun garnishes. Signature cocktails have quirky names to match the energetic vibe of the bar.
Designed by D-scheme Studio of San Francisco, renowned designers of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Steins in Mountain View, The Keystone has a lively and inviting feel. With warm, mahogany accents and brown, tufted-leather banquettes, the various textures add to the spirited vibe. From the gray paint to the silver-leather wall applications, and the copper finishes to the Edison bulb, pendant lighting, the allure of the room is all in the details. The timeless aesthetic and ambiance of nostalgia is enhanced by the white marble flooring and exposed brick walls. Similarly, the modern metallic fixtures accent the original Edwardian crown moldings, uniting the past and the present. In the main dining room is a large, communal, high-top table made of reclaimed wood and cast-iron that seats twelve guests. The bar with gray slate countertops includes a chef’s counter near the open kitchen and seats six guests. The private dining room, which includes presentation capabilities for both corporate and social events, accommodates groups from 15 to 50 guests and buyouts can entertain up to 250 people.