About

Located in our namesake buildng (est. 1913), we sit in the city’s center where innovative SOMA, busy FiDi, and bustling Union Square intersect. Our social house and kitchen offer a welcome escape for locals and travelers alike in a reborn space – an ode to classic American taverns. Perfect for any occasion, our large bar, open dining room or private events spaces offer a chance to create unique experiences visit after visit. Our comfortable, yet polished aesthetic provides the perfect setting to meet co-workers for Happy Hour, stop by for a bite after a day of shopping, or catch up with friends over a drink. Take a seat at the bar and enjoy a craft cocktail made with high quality spirits and rare flavor combinations or try something from our premium selection of whiskeys, ryes, and scotches. Made with interesting spices and topped with fun garnishes, our drinks are unique, yet

approachable, and pair well with our tasty bar menu. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, stay for dinner and enjoy our indulgent, ever-changing menu of contemporary Bay Area fare that will have you planning your next visit before the check comes. Perhaps privacy is more your style or you’re planning for a larger group. With a private meeting space seating 15 to 250 people, AV capabilities, and delicious catering, we’ve got all your banquet needs covered. Whatever the occasion – let us make it a memorable one.icon

Meet the Team

BANKS WHITE

executive chef

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a Texas native with a background in fine dining, presents an approachable menu that is layered with international influences, but cemented in American roots. Drawing inspiration from his grandmother’s motto, “Through food, you can bring a little joy, a little happiness to those who need it most,” Chef White committed himself to a career in the culinary world where he has worked with numerous celebrated restaurants, including the Michelin-star rated Auberge du Soleil, the Michelin Bib Gourmand honored FIVE, and Minton’s in New York City, which was awarded a three-star review by the New York Post. When not in the kitchen, Chef Banks White is travelling the globe gathering inspiration from multiple cuisines. His affinity for travel has led him to Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Hong Kong with many more trips planned for the future. 

ARIC SANDOVAL

general manager

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With a passion for providing world-class service, Aric Sandoval aspires to create a welcoming space for all to enjoy As General Manager, Sandoval 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.  Sandoval excels at not only launching new concepts, but also at fostering camaraderie among restaurant teams. When not on the floor at The Keystone, Sandoval can be found at a local dim sum restaurant, enjoying street tacos, or sipping on a glass of sparkling with his wife and two daughters.

KELLY NAUGHTON

beverage director

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Self-taught mixologist, Kelly Naughton, leads the bar program at The Keystone. Formerly of PlumpJack Wine & Spirits in Noe Valley and San Francisco-based Bitter Queens Bitters, Naughton has experience not only in crafting cocktails, but in making wine, selling liquor, and producing bitters. Because of his wide array of expertise, his palate demands an exacting level of flavor and quality, which influences his belief in using great spirits mixed with quality ingredients. This practice combined with his limitless creativity inspires approachable yet intriguing creations. Because he appreciates restaurants with creativity, consistency, and good ambiance, he aims to provide fresh drinks and an exceptional experience for every patron each time they visit.

 

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From the Kitchen

Our kitchen is guided by a simple principle: take the best of what the Bay Area offers and treat it with the respect it deserves. The menu changes often, reflecting what’s ripest at the market and what our chefs are excited to cook that week. You might find a dry-aged ribeye paired with charred broccolini and bone-marrow butter, or a delicate halibut crudo brightened with yuzu and shaved radish. House-made pastas, roasted heirloom vegetables, and slow-braised cuts of meat round out a selection that feels indulgent yet approachable — the kind of food you want to eat with a fork in one hand and a cocktail in the other.

Because we believe great ingredients speak for themselves, we source from a rotating network of local farms, ranches, and seafood purveyors, many of whom we’ve worked with for years. The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is a regular stop for our team, and you’ll taste that freshness in every dish. Dietary needs are never an afterthought: gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are clearly marked, and our chefs are happy to adjust dishes whenever possible.

  • Dry-aged steaks with seasonal compound butters
  • House-made pastas, including a rotating ravioli and tagliatelle
  • Whole roasted fish with charred lemon and herb salsa
  • Wood-fired sourdough with whipped ricotta and local honey
  • Seasonal vegetable plates that change weekly

While the menu evolves, a handful of favorites remain steady — the tavern burger with aged cheddar and caramelized onions, the crispy Brussels sprouts with fish-sauce caramel, and the warm chocolate chip cookie skillet with vanilla bean ice cream. Ask your server about the day’s special; it’s often the best way to experience what the kitchen is most proud of right now.

Cocktails & Spirits

Our bar program is built on curiosity and craftsmanship. Each cocktail on the list is developed in-house, often through weeks of testing before it earns a permanent spot. We make our own syrups, tinctures, and bitters, and we press citrus daily. You’ll see rare flavor combinations — smoked black cardamom with rye, grilled pineapple with mezcal and lime leaf, or a clarified milk punch that drinks like silk. The result is a menu that feels both adventurous and deeply satisfying, whether you’re a seasoned spirits geek or someone who simply wants a great drink after work.

Whiskey lovers will find a lot to explore behind our bar. We carry more than 120 bottles of American whiskey, rye, scotch, and Japanese whisky, including limited single-barrel picks and small-batch releases you won’t see at every corner bar. Our bartenders are always happy to guide you through a flight or pour a rare dram neat. For those who prefer something lighter, we offer a thoughtfully curated wine list focused on California and Old World producers, plus a rotating selection of local beers on draft and in bottle.

We also believe a great social house should welcome everyone, so we keep a strong list of zero-proof cocktails made with the same care as their spirited counterparts. Think seedlip-based spritzes, house-made ginger beer with lime and mint, and seasonal shrubs that change with the harvest. Pair any drink with our bar menu — from crispy calamari to duck-fat fries — and you’ll understand why the bar fills up quickly most evenings.

Celebrations & Gatherings

When the occasion calls for something more private, our dedicated events team makes the planning process genuinely easy. From a 15-person boardroom-style meeting to a 250-guest reception, we offer flexible spaces that can be configured to fit your vision. The private meeting room features floor-to-ceiling windows, blackout shades for presentations, and a comprehensive AV package that includes wireless presentation, multiple flat screens, and a dedicated sound system. Whether you’re hosting a product launch, a corporate happy hour, or a milestone birthday, we handle the details so you can focus on your guests.

Catering menus are built around the same seasonal, Bay Area-driven approach as our main dining room. Choose from passed hors d’oeuvres, family-style platters, a seated three-course dinner, or a more casual buffet — all of which can be tailored to dietary restrictions and cultural preferences. Bar packages range from a hosted beer and wine selection to full open bars featuring our craft cocktails and premium spirits. Our events coordinator works with you on everything from custom menus and printed signage to floral arrangements and entertainment, ensuring a seamless experience from first inquiry to final toast.

Because our space is a reborn classic American tavern, it lends itself beautifully to a wide range of gatherings. Rehearsal dinners, anniversary parties, nonprofit fundraisers, and team off-sites all find a home here. We encourage you to schedule a tour and see the space in person — the original tin ceilings, warm wood bar, and polished yet comfortable atmosphere often seal the deal before you even look at a menu.

A Storied Address

The building we call home has stood at the corner of this bustling intersection since 1913, and its bones tell a story of a city that never stands still. Originally constructed as a commercial and social gathering place, the space has seen San Francisco through earthquakes, economic booms, and waves of reinvention. When we took over, our goal was not to erase that history but to honor it — restoring the original brickwork, exposing the heavy timber beams, and polishing the long wooden bar that has likely heard more stories than any of us ever will.

Walking through our doors, you’ll notice the layered history in every detail: the pressed-tin ceiling with its subtle patina, the large arched windows that flood the dining room with afternoon light, and the sturdy iron pillars that frame the open floor plan. We’ve updated the space with comfortable banquettes, warm lighting, and modern amenities, but the soul of the building remains intact. That blend of old and new is central to who we are — a social house rooted in tradition but always looking forward.

Our location at the edge of SOMA, FiDi, and Union Square means we sit at the crossroads of the city’s energy. The nearby streets hum with office workers during the day, shoppers in the afternoon, and theatergoers and neighbors in the evening. It’s a fitting home for a place designed to bring people together, and we’re proud to be part of this block’s continuing story.