Thomas McNaughton Takes Over the Swedish American Hall

When the Swedish American Hall and Café du Nord closed in late 2013, they got a new landlord (West of Pecos owner Dylan Mac-Niven), who needed an operator for the venerable watering hole and music venue. He found one in the Ne Timeas Restaurant Group, proprietors of such establishments as Flour + Water and Central Kitchen.

“At the time, we were saying no new projects,” says Thomas McNaughton, the chef behind the group’s restaurants. “But we fell in love with the building. it was built in 1907, and the craftsmanship is beautiful.” Food-wise, McNaughton is thinking of raw seafood, lamb’s tongue with salsa verde, and a burger seared on a flat top to develop a hard char.

The atmospheric update is being handled by the Bon Vivants, the cocktail impresarios behind Trick Dog, who, McNaughton says, “really went with a swinging 1930s vibe.” If all goes according to plan, expect Café du Nord to start swinging by the end of the year. 2174 Market St. (near Sanchez St.)

Originally published in the November issue of San Francisco

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