BEAR’S LAIR TAVERN OPENS ITS DOORS TO BAY AREA DINERS

UC Berkeley mainstay opens with a beer garden and a new gastropub menu created by Reign Free of The Red Door Group

BERKELEY, Calif. (September 14, 2018) – Bear’s Lair Tavern (BLT), a fine casual bar and grill on the edge of the UC Berkeley campus, is now open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. In partnership with UC Berkeley, managing partner Reign Free, the owner and founder of The Red Door Group, welcomes faculty, staff, students, families and Bay Area diners to a dynamic dining experience reflective of Berkeley’s vibrant and diverse culture and deep connection to the student community. The restaurant features a service model where guests order food and beverage from the counter, then have their orders delivered tableside by servers. A portion of the restaurant’s sales benefit UC Berkeley student organizations and programs.

“We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and support from the University and City of Berkeley. The revival of this restaurant into a new and improved dining concept shows the importance of fostering communities both on campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods. My team and I are excited to share our passion and creativity and look forward to creating new friendships and memories with diners who walk through our doors,” said Free.

The restaurant’s gastropub menu was created by Free in collaboration with longtime friend Chef David Lawrence, owner of 1300 on Fillmore. The menu features Red Door Group favorites, as well as Chef Lawrence’s hallmark 1300 Fried Chicken Sandwich with jalapeño slaw and honey mustard dressing on a brioche bun. Menu highlights also include shared plates and hearty entrees using fresh ingredients, with many gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free options: California Style Pizza with classic toppings; the Impossible Burger with a tahini piquillo spread on a toasted bun; Chimichurri Grilled Salmon with quinoa, roasted pine nuts, grilled broccolini; Gingered French Green Lentils with fennel, Bloomsdale spinach and papadum; Sambal Chili-Honey Chicken Wings with creamy wasabi dipping sauce; and Classic Mac-n-Cheese with sharp cheddar, gruyere, and brioche breadcrumbs. Dessert options include Warm Bread Pudding; a Double Brownie Sundae; or Darren’s Root Beer Float. In addition, the restaurant will celebrate its name with seasonal BLT sandwiches, as well as “FOMO” fries, which will change regularly.

The Bear’s Lair Tavern beverage program includes 20 rotating beers, cider or kombucha on tap, signature cocktails, and select California and global wines by the glass.

The spacious restaurant accommodates up to 110 diners inside and outside, and features communal dining, and the Beacon, a community beer garden with patio seating, a fire pit, distressed wood accents, additional communal tables and festival lighting. Bear’s Lair Tavern will also show collegiate and professional sports on televisions throughout the space and feature outdoor games for guests to play.

Bear’s Lair Tavern, located at 2465 Bancroft Way in Berkeley, Calif., is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For additional information and updates, visit www.bearslairtavern.com.

ABOUT THE RED DOOR GROUP
Founded by Reign Free, The Red Door Group is a Bay Area team of skilled chefs and customer-conscious event designers who have earned a reputation for creating unforgettable events and stellar dining experiences for a wide range of clients. With a commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients and local talent, The Red Door Group is dedicated to building community through great food and great fun.

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Photo credit: Hannah Hughes
Photo 1: Bancroft Street, exterior of Bear’s Lair Tavern
Photo 2: Menu item – 1300 Fried Chicken Sandwich
Photo 3: Bar area at Bear’s Lair Tavern
Photo 4: Interior detail