Newly opened in Palo Alto, Bar Underdog was founded by Master Sommelier Dennis Kelly and chef Anthony Secviar, who met at The French Laundry and later opened the Michelin-starred Protégé across the street. Despite their prestigious reputations, however, Kelly and Secviar intended Bar Underdog to be the kind of convivial neighborhood spot where locals feel comfortable dropping in anytime for a craft cocktail like the No. 34, made with gin, lacto-fermented strawberry, genmaicha and yuzu, and a modestly priced bar snack, like the Korean corn-cheese puffs with smoked mozzarella and pickled jalapeño or the tuna tartare with plum miso, avocado and sweet onion “chips.”
The inviting space was designed by Studio KDA featuring a material palette that merges Japanese influence and Bay Area warmth, framed portraits of iconic pop-culture “underdogs,” and a hand-painted entry mural. Fitting the casual vibe, there are no reservations taken, and a late-night “moonlight menu” is designed to welcome the area’s hospitality workers.
📍299 California Ave, # 110, Palo Alto
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