We announced earlier this year that San Diego's burgeoning Verant Group of bars & restaurants (barleymash, True North, Tavern, Sandbar and more) had taken over the 7,200 square-foot space last occupied by Blush Ice Bar + East-West Kitchen for the opening of dual night and day concepts - one part urban cocktail bar and restaurant and another part morning coffee shop and bagel eatery. Today is the day that sister eateries The Smoking Gun and Spill The Beach debut in the Gaslamp District.
Starting at 4pm today, The Smoking Gun will offer a house-made menu from Verant Group's Corporate Chef Kevin Templeton, who is one of the top chefs in town devoted to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Food offerings will be centered around smoked meats like brisket, chicken wings, pulled pork, ribs and fried smoked catfish. There will also be a list of pickled options, salads, sliders, soups, and comfort-food sides like homemade stuffing, buttermilk biscuits, white cheddar grits, and brown sugar roasted yams.
With a name inspired by the shooting range that was once located in the building’s basement, The Smoking Gun brings an ample dining and drinking destination to downtown, which offers an urban setting with large booths, ping-pong, shuffle board, foosball, 16 high-def televisions, outdoor seating, and a full bar with craft beer, wine by the glass and innovative libations. Award-winning mixologist and managing partner Eric Johnson, who previously worked at Juniper & Ivy and The Crack Shack, has created an ambitious bar program with a focus on beer & shot boilermakers and custom cocktails, which will be offered to customers through a View-Master Viewer menu.
The Smoking Gun and Spill The Beans are located at 555 Market Street in downtown San Diego. For more information, visit thesmokinggunsd.com and spillthebeanssd.com, and check out the menus below.
