Brucato Amaro, a burgeoning name in the production of Italian-style herbal liqueurs, is preparing to unveil its first tasting room and full-service restaurant, Bar Brucato, on April 10. Located at 275 South Van Ness Avenue, this establishment represents a significant step for the company, which has garnered attention for its locally made amari over the past few years.

About Bar Brucato

Bar Brucato will offer a cocktail menu highlighting Brucato’s own amari. The restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Chip King, previously the chef de cuisine at Merchant Roots, features a variety of dining options, from appetizers to complete meals. Some notable menu items include:

• House-made cheddar-paprika crackers
• Lamb riblets
• Harissa-spiced hanger steak

Operational Details

The establishment will be managed by Adam Timney, co-founder and former executive chef of Starbelly. Initially, Bar Brucato will operate from Wednesdays to Fridays, 4:30 PM to 9 PM, and on weekends from noon to 9 PM. Plans to introduce lunch service and distillery tours are set for the upcoming months.

Understanding Amaro

Amaro typically refers to bittersweet herbal liqueurs, integral to Italian culture, with each region presenting its unique variations. Well-known examples include popular labels like Campari and Aperol. Brucato Amaro’s offerings—Woodlands, Orchards, and Chaparral—reflect a spectrum of flavor profiles:

• Woodlands: A fernet-style amaro with intense flavors.
• Orchards: Fruity and herbaceous, sitting mid-range between traditional options.
• Chaparral: Drawing similarities to Chartreuse, featuring unique notes from yerba santa.

Background on Brucato Amaro

Founded by Sierra and James Clark in San Francisco, Brucato Amaro focuses on crafting liqueurs using locally sourced ingredients. The brand’s name honors John Brucato, the original founder of the San Francisco Farmer’s Market in 1943, which has played a vital role in the local culinary landscape.

“Brucato Amaro has always been a celebration of the culture and landscapes of Northern California,” remarked Sierra Clark. “Bar Brucato allows us to share our passion with the community through our cocktails and food. It’s a labor of love, and we look forward to celebrating with our neighbors.”