Cocktail Bar and Restaurant Readies to Open in South Park

Fernside is almost ready to open in South Park, one of San Diego’s most well-liked residential areas where the neighborhood food options are getting increasingly diverse; an Indian eatery called Curryosity and a breakfast spot and bakery from the already-beloved Buona Forchetta are both prepping to launch there soon.

Reactivating the former South Park Abbey space, Fernside has transformed the corner spot with a wall of windows and a newly added sidewalk patio; inside, a cozy dining room sits above the main bar and lounge. The team includes owner Adam Cook (Bluefoot Bar & Lounge) and operating partners Christian Siglin (Craft & Commerce, and Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant) and Shane Gerde (UnderBelly North Park, Cutwater Spirits), with Rocio Siso Gurriaran (Nine-Ten) consulting on the menu with Travis Clifford (Born & Raised, Market), who will run the kitchen.

With Siglin behind the bar, the drink menu will be a main attraction. Ranging from low ABV sippers to slushy cocktails, it will also include a negroni on nitro and a Spanish gin and tonic on draft, as well as twists on classics like an apple martini and a White Russian and several of Siglin’s signature cocktails including his famous tequila and mezcal-based Cobra Clutch. The restaurant and bar is planning to open at 11 a.m. daily, serving brunch on weekends and staying open late.