On Monday, March 31st, the Outer Sunset welcomed Fifty Vara, a neighborhood kitchen and bar serving creative takes on San Francisco cuisine, a craft cocktail list and six house-made beers. Fifty Vara pays homage to San Francisco’s rich, often overlooked history. The name is derived from an old Spanish unit of measurement, paired with the city’s original 50-vara plots during the early days of city development. As the city grew, many of these original plots were absorbed into the city’s expanding landscape. Today, Fifty Vara is focused on creating a vibrant, inclusive space that celebrates the diversity of San Francisco’s heritage and culinary traditions. From relaxed family brunches to lively evenings with friends, Fifty Vara offers a welcoming space for everyone, in the Sunset neighborhood and beyond.
“We wanted to create a space that feels both familiar and entirely our own,” said Brian Reccow, Owner at Fifty Vara and principal of Specialistas Hospitality in a statement. “Fifty Vara is our nod to San Francisco’s rich coastal legacy and its ever-evolving culinary scene. We’re excited to bring a place that’s alive all day, where you can catch a family lunch, swing by for a to-go order, or settle in for a lively evening.”
Chef Adriana Fleming, who formerly worked at local favorites like Baia and Saluhall, brings her expertise and community-forward ethos to the Fifty Vara kitchen. Working alongside her to develop the menu is Trish Tracey of Myriad Hospitality, whose expertise has been instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s creative approach.
Fifty Vara’s menu offers creative twists on classic San Francisco flavors. Small plates and starters include Warm Castelvetrano Olives with Aleppo, orange, and rosemary; and Dungeness Crab and Herbed Rice Fritters with Meyer lemon aioli and chive oil. The playful Pick-Up Sticks skewers offer bold flavors with options like Boquerón with orange and olive, and Pork Sausage with apple, grilled levain, and honey. Large plates highlight dishes like the Orecchiette with pork sugo, peas, pecorino, and toasted breadcrumbs; and Pan Roasted Sea Bass with snap peas, favas, and a pea tendril herb salad—a modern take on West Coast ingredients. For a more familiar option, the Vara Burger features cheddar, pickled red onions, fries, and a special Vara sauce.
Complementing the menu is a rotating selection of house-brewed beers from Jonathan Taylor and a cocktail program by Erin Rea. Signature drinks include the Golden Hour, a tequila cocktail with California amaro and saffron; and Sunset Delight with white rum, mango, pineapple, and lime. Non-alcoholic options include the Pacific Crest, which combines hemp & root, lemon, ginger, and soda.
Fifty Vara’s space is designed to feel warm and inviting. Earthy tones of bleached wood and walnut are accented by black metal and rusted steel, creating a modern yet relaxed setting. Working with his longtime friend Jim Maxwell of SF-based Architects II, Reccow brought the space to life with a design that balances warmth and modernity. Custom driftwood-inspired fixtures by Alexis Laurent add a natural, organic touch, while over 40 plants, curated by Cindy Bonia from Sunset Roots, enhance the fresh, coastal atmosphere and reflect the neighborhood’s connection to nature.
Fifty Vara operates 5-9pm Sunday – Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Lunch and brunch will be added in the coming weeks, as well as Happy Hour. Reservations can be made on OpenTable, and the restaurant will accommodate private events and catering requests.
Fifty Vara is located at 1735 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122.
