The Gaslamp's New Two-Story Garage Plays Home to Music, Food & Drinks

A tipster asked us to check into Garage Kitchen + Bar after seeing an opening soon sign posted in the Gaslamp at 655 4th Avenue. Turns out, the new venue is connected to The Shout! House next door, and will share a kitchen with the sing-a-long dueling piano bar.

The food and drink at Garage Kitchen + Bar will be more upscale than its neighbor, with a craft beer and cocktail program and a wider wine selection; executive chef Brent Hersant told Eater that he's aiming for the menu to be based on "good, approachable and modern food at a fair price", with all dishes under $22 dollars. There are share plates, including a smoked and grilled whole artichoke and a brie and pear tart, plus a Butcher's Burger made with a blend of bison, wild board and rib eye and topped with bacon jam and crispy shallots and entrees that range from filet mignon and pistachio-crusted salmon.

Garage Kitchen + Bar is housed in an early 1900s carriage house and the two-level venue will have an open floor plan and a modern, laid-back design built around barn wood and rusted steel. The name's inspired by the humble garage roots of local San Diego acts that made it big, from Blink-182 to Switchfoot and Iron Butterfly; graphics on the walls will pay tribute to the bands. There's also a stage, which could play host to garage bands, karaoke or live piano performances. The restaurant is due to open this month.