The Oakland cocktail bar Sidebar has new ownership. According to a recent press release, Seth and Jenni Bregman, owners of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club, purchased Sidebar in early October. Original Sidebar owners Mark Drazek and Barbara Mulas opened the bar back in February 2009.
Located at 542 Grand Ave, near Lake Merritt and the Lakeshore shopping district, Sidebar is known for serving “casual cuisine” and cocktails. The press release shares that Sidebar’s “famous” burger, steak, deviled eggs, and chopped salad are to stay on the menu, but Executive Chef Amol Thanky of Bardo will begin making changes to the menu in early November. In comparison to Bardo, Sidebar will have a “more casual approach” — he plans to add more small plates, a California charcuterie and cheese program, and new dishes including Chicken Fried Steak and Clams Casino.
Beverage Director Ben Dimond of Bardo will develop the Sidebar cocktail menu, adding new beverages like the St. Olaf, which contains pink gin, orgeat, rosato apertivo, pistachio orgeat, and lemon juice. And the Sidebar orginal, Caged Heat — syrup, tamarind, cardamom, ghost pepper — isn’t going anywhere.
Bardo’s principal designers will tackle the interior. Sheyna Ochs from Roy Hospitality plans for “new bright and airy paint colors and interior decor.” The press release states, “light walls, new lighting, and artwork will surround the original 18-seat horseshoe style bar and 75 seats spread across two- and four-tops around the main dining room, as well as one banquette that seats six. There are also two and four-top outdoor patio tables with heaters.”
Sidebar’s current hours are from 5 pm to 10 pm Wednesday through Saturday, however, they plan to eventually be open five days a week, with lunch and brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays.
“We feel so lucky to be carrying on the Sidebar legacy. We have been going to Sidebar for years and have always admired Mark and Barbara’s vision and commitment to great food and cocktails. Whether they intended to or not, they created an Oakland institution and we are honored to have the opportunity to keep that tradition alive and well,” said Seth Bregman.
So happy that they will expand on hours and service days! But if they take away the pear salad, I will die.