Even from the street, passing by in a car, Saltbox has an obvious classic glamour. Through the window, the sparkle of lights and mosaic tiles in the dim gastro-lounge call you inside. Trying to maneuver the giant, confusing door almost feels like an initiation, but none of it is intimidating (and the door, it turns out, is easy to open). The interior is warm: a sleek and masculine combination of modern, contemporary and the darker, cleaner side of Hollywood Regency styles; with gold, black and browns and glass, wood, texture and carefully planned lighting. Stepping into Saltbox makes you feel glamorous too, and the knowledgeable, friendly staff, comfortable social food and unique handcrafted cocktails make you want to be a regular.
Saltbox's lobster corndogs
And you can be a regular. Executive Chef Simon Dolinky’s small plates are mostly under $10, and the larger plates range from $11 to $26, which is a happy change from Saltbox's more expensive predecessor, Suite & Tender. On the menu – which changes with the season because they draw from local farmers and purveyors – you might find items like lobster corndogs, coffee braised pork belly or bay scallop ceviche with jalapeño granita. And while an asparagus salad with crispy poached egg and spinach sounds less exciting than some of the aforementioned, it’s rich and delicious. They’re open for breakfast, brunch (Saturday and Sunday), lunch (with a $12 Power Lunch) and dinner. With Eggs No Regard (poached eggs with cornmeal thyme biscuits and housemade bourbon, maple pork sausage and gravy) and Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes on the brunch menu, Saturday morning seems too far away.
While Saltbox doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive, mixologist Erin Williams’ amazing specialty cocktails will make you forget about money. If the classics aren’t enticing enough already, you’ll be intrigued to try the Mental Ward (Wild Turkey rye, pomegranate molasses, lime, sugar), St. Lucia Sour (Chairman’s Reserve rum, Cointreau Noir, egg white, lemon, chai rye bitters, maple flakes), and the unique Off the Beet’en Path, which features saffron infused gin, yuzu, beet brine, ginger, elderflower syrup and hibiscus salt. Knowing these options and how good the drink in your hand is, it’s really difficult to say no to another.
Upstairs at Saltbox
The menu, experience and staff have changed since their predecessor resided in the space, and even the former Sé San Diego hotel transformed into Hotel Palomar once Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants took over. However, the Saltbox space and furnishings are the still the same as Suite & Tender – they kept the furniture but moved everything around to freshen up the place and make it their own. The spacious, beautiful coed bathroom is still the same, and the restaurant is still split-level. On the mezzanine is the dining room, which is an amazing space for a romantic date or a relaxed-yet-swanky birthday party. You can also eat at the street-level Saltbar, and this lounge is definitely where you want to be a regular – both sides of the bar are having a great time being there, and a few drinks just add to the casual friendliness.
Saltbox is located at 1047 Fifth Avenue, downtown. Very noteworthy: It appears that if you sign up for their email list or like them on Facebook, you might learn about some awesome perks.