Photo Credit: Michael David Rose
A highly anticipated new music venue, restaurant, and speakeasy are now open in downtown San Francisco. Occupying the old Ruby Skye and Slide spaces on Mason Street, August Hall is an entertainment destination from four hospitality veterans. Nate Valentine, Scott Murphy, Justin Roja and Chad Donnelly have partnered with Live Nation to create the ultimate live music and unique event venue.
Photo Credit: Arthur Kobin for Drew Altizer Photography
“The team has been friends ‘growing up’ in the City since our post-college days,” Roja, who is also a partner in Barry’s Bootcamp, recently told Haute Living. “We are SF and Bay Area natives who have thrown events together and supported each others’ endeavors over the years. Scott let me know almost three years ago about the potential sale, bringing Nate on board to fully vet the possibility, realize its full potential and bring the concept to life. I’m fortunate and humbled to be the latest addition.”
Photo Credit: Michael David Rose
Although it took years for the quartet’s vision to come to life, August Hall was worth the wait. It’s a fantastic space with a nod to the past. “There are very few music venues that exist in San Francisco that date back to 1911, let alone in the heart of downtown,” Roja says. “Everything in the City seems to be moving toward new and modern these days, but to us, history has much more character. It’s important to highlight that this building was built by the Native Sons of the Golden West—native-born Californians dedicated to historic preservation, documentation of historic structures and places, placement of historical plaques, and other charitable functions within California.”
Photo Credit: Arthur Kobin for Drew Altizer Photography
The venue is named after the building’s architect, August Headman. The 15,000 square-foot space, which can hold up to 1000 guests, was designed by Britt Hull of the Tide Design Co. and Clinton Miller of Parisa O’Connell Interior Design. The theater-style stage is surrounded by an expansive main floor, open wrap-around balcony, and grand mezzanine. It’s equipped with the latest state-of-the-art sound, stage, and light technology. DJs, hip-hop and rock headliners, comedians, and talented emerging artists will perform on August Hall’s dynamic new stage.
Photo Credit: Michael David Rose
Downstairs is the full-service restaurant, bar, and gaming parlor, Fifth Arrow. “We are pleased to introduce executive chef Joey Booterbaugh to our team. Chef Booterbaugh comes to Fifth Arrow by way of Los Angeles, where he was a part of the hospitality team behind adored neighborhood spots like Bar Angeles in Silver Lake, Café Birdie in Highland Park, and The Hungry Cat in Santa Monica,” Roja says.
Photo Credit: Michael David Rose
“He is unveiling an inspiring menu of comforting yet elevated California-inspired Italian fare, seasonally focused, with a dynamic pizza program, and offering creative libations alongside a well-balanced wine and local beer list, including many selections on draft. Diners can expect a menu and playful ambiance that speaks to theatergoers, the downtown after-work set, and pre- and post-concertgoers alike.” Fifth Arrow has three bowling lanes, vintage video games, skee ball, and six flat-screen televisions for showing the Giants, Warriors, and other Bay Area sport’s teams play.
Photo Credit: Michael David Rose
For those who may need a break from the live music, there is the Green Room, a more-private upstairs bar that overlooks Mason Street. It’s a quiet and moody bar with teal textured walls and banquettes that invite lounging.
Photo Credit: Lucas Francisco for Drew Altizer Photography
Although August Hall has been open for less than a month, it’s future looks promising. As Roja puts it, “We have home field advantage at August Hall. We have lived here all our lives and now have this incredible opportunity to add to the rich culture that makes the San Francisco we know so special. We look forward to applying all that we have learned in music, tech, politics, and hospitality to create a versatile venue.”
