Horner’s Corner Is Closed, Will Reopen Soon As Hamlet

In late 2013 when we learned that Noe’s Bar/Bassos was becoming a new restaurant and bar called Horner’s Corner under a partnership that included Ivor Bradley from The Creamery, we were excited. Ivor's vision for the new place was promising:

We are a local partnership team who are looking to reopen Noe's as a local neighborhood bar with good food, and we are calling it "Horner's Corner Bar" after John Horner, a historical figure from 1850 who purchased the surrounding area of Noe Valley from Jesus de la Noe in the mid 18th century. He's also known as the man with the plough, a father figure of California agriculture.

Sounds great, right? Alas, Horner’s Corner never delivered on the promise of its owner's pedigree or its namesake - and was sadly just a local bar with basic bar food. So it wasn't a huge surprise when this May, barely a year after it opened, Horner’s Corner quietly closed. Around the same time, we also learned that John Dampeer, co-owner of Caskhouse, was buying the place and planned to call it Hamlet.

The sale of Horner's Corner finally closed and although he's a man of few words, Dampeer graciously gave us this rundown about his plans for the new corner bar and eatery:

What made you decide to buy Horner’s Corner? The opportunity presented itself and I believe the potential for the space/location is huge.

What opportunities do you see that you can’t do with Caskhouse? Caskhouse is a much smaller space. The kitchen itself at Hamlet will essentially be the entire size of Caskhouse. Also, Hamlet has a full liquor license, so we will have a carefully curated cocktail program as well.

Will Caskhouse remain as is? Caskhouse will remain as is.

For Hamlet, what changes are you planning to the bar? What changes are you planning to the restaurant? I'm doing pretty much an entire overall of the space: new bar, new floor & new design. The kitchen and back seating area will be converted into a large kitchen, prep storage and employee only space.

Why Hamlet? Hamlet is defined as a 'small settlement, generally one smaller than a village'. I believe that perfectly defines what Noe Valley is.

When do you plan to reopen? And will there be any special event? If all goes well, opening should be early fall (target is the end of September).

Update: Why Crafthouse Became Caskhouse

At least one reader questioned why the restaurant named Crafthouse has awnings advertising Caskhouse, so we contacted partner John Dampeer:

We received a cease & desist letter regarding a trademark on the word 'craft' being used in any food service business. We were familiar with the company using 'craft' but didn't think our neighborhood bar would be an issue... Live and learn, I guess! It was unfortunate, but we believe in our new name, Caskhouse, and how it represents our bar.

Still no set opening date, but John says "hope to be serving you soon!"

Caskhouse
3853 24th St

[NVSF: Interview: John Dampeer Of Crafthouse]

Interview: John Dampeer Of Crafthouse

We first reported in July that Joe's 24th St Cafe is to become Crafthouse but details were few and far between. Eater recently posted the menu and some design info that left us wanting more. We asked owner/partner John Dampeer to fill in the gaps:

What's your vision for Crafthouse? Eater's post left us wondering if Crafthouse is a bar or a restaurant? Describe the experience and who you think will enjoy eating there. Crafthouse will be a bar with a relaxed, communal environment to enjoy a casual drink and a bite. We're going to strive to live up to what SF has come to expect from their neighborhood bar: fresh, local and seasonal.

What attracted you to Noe Valley? Did you consider other sites? Noe Valley was definitely one of our targets and we were thrilled to find Joe's up for sale. Noe has a great community feel and we felt the area could use a fresh new place to gather over craft beers and unique, fun wines.

What will be some of the signature items on the menu? We're still honing the menu, but the focus is on sandwiches and snacks that are portioned and priced to share. We're really excited about our pork loin confit cuban and house-rolled bacon soft pretzels.

The post on Eater has us wondering if Crafthouse will have midweek lunch service. What will the hours be? We'll be closed Mondays to work on food production.. Tuesday - Friday 12pm - ? and Saturday - Sunday 10am - ?

Tell us about the team that will be running the show day to day. Myself and business partner Adnan will be working. It's my first go at it as an owner and Adnan currently owns a wine bar in Laurel Heights. [Ed.-- That's Adnan Daken of Internos Wine Cafe]

Will you be closed during the transition (and if so for how long)? When will the new Crafthouse menu and design be in place? We're going to need about 4 weeks to transition and we won't be open.

Now under wraps and morphing into Crafhouse, at least one obstacle is out of the way: the beer and wine license was activated on October 19th.

Update (12/13): Now to open under the name Caskhouse.

Crafthouse
3853 24th St
Opening Soon



[Eater SF: The Skinny On Crafthouse, Opening Soon]
[NVSF: Sold: Joe's 24th Street Cafe]