Expansive European-Style Beer Hall Entering North Little Italy

An elevated beer hall, inspired by both the modern and traditional drinking emporiums in Europe’s legendary beer cities, is hoping to draw Little Italy residents and visitors to the northern end of the neighborhood with the promise of a full-service restaurant experience with a significant bar focus, all wrapped up in a casual setting.

Due in mid-April at the corner of India and Juniper Streets, Nolita Hall is a $3-plus million venture from newly-formed Black Swan Hospitality. Formed after founder Douglas Hamm purchased the property under his real estate and investment company, Creative House (Lofty Coffee Little Italy, Half Door Brewing), the group counts Anthony Viveros (True Food Kitchen) as partner and director of operations. Hamm says the collective is looking to make an impact in San Diego by offering unique and unexpected experiences; Nolita Hall will feature a design by Tecture (Bivouac Ciderworks, Kettner Exchange) that includes 13-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and a 10 by 60-foot skylight that spans the length of the 6,000-square-foot venue.

A resident of Little Italy, Hamm says he developed Nolita Hall with the goal of complementing the dining options in the area with a first-class spot to grab a drink with friends. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner, with a menu based on wood fired pizza and other dishes from the oven, but it will also have a substantial lounge area dominated by a large U-shaped bar featuring 24 taps and a specialty cocktail menu.

In addition to Nolita Hall, Black Swan Hospitality is working on several other food and drink projects in the downtown area, including another large-scale restaurant and bar in Little Italy called Cedar Park that will break ground this summer. The $6.5 million space will span two levels and 10,000-square-feet at the corner of India and W. Cedar Streets.