Inside Casements: Building a Modern Irish Bar in San Francisco

In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian Cole sits down with Gillian Fitzgerald of Casements Bar in San Francisco to explore what it really takes to build a world-class modern Irish bar.Casements has become one of the most respected Irish bars in the US by doing things differently. This conversation goes deep into the bar’s identity, how Gillian and the team avoid tired Irish stereotypes, and how they create cocktail menus that feel rooted in Irish culture while still speaking to San Francisco and California produce.Gillian shares the story behind Casements, what it was like opening just weeks before Covid, how the team survived through grit and rapid delivery pivots, and how they continue to evolve the bar through strong hospitality, staff development, and thoughtful drinks.The episode also dives into the inspiration behind Casements’ new cocktail menu, including landscape, language, Irish ingredients, and the influence of the late Manchán Magan. If you are interested in Irish cocktails, cocktail menu development, modern Irish hospitality, bar ownership, or running a successful contemporary bar, this one is packed with insight.In this episode:What makes Casements one of the most talked-about modern Irish bars in San FranciscoHow to create an Irish bar without clichés, shamrocks, or plastic paddy nonsenseThe story of opening Casements just six weeks before Covid shut everything downHow the team built a delivery model overnight to keep the business aliveWhy Irish hospitality should be welcoming, inclusive, and for everybodyHow Gillian approaches cocktail menu development at CasementsBlending Irish ingredients and ideas with California produceWhy constraints, limited space, and simple techniques can lead to better drinksHow Casements develops staff knowledge and gets the whole team involved in menu creationThe thinking behind the new Casements menu and its connection to Irish language and landscapeWhy curiosity matters when building drinks for guestsThe story behind the name Casements and Roger Casement’s legacyKey takeaways:A modern Irish bar should reflect real Irish culture, not stereotypesGreat cocktail menus are built on clarity, balance, and identityYou do not need endless equipment or overcomplicated techniques to make outstanding drinksThe best bars build people, not just menusHospitality works best when every guest feels welcomeSometimes the drinks with the most soul come from memory, place, and personal connectionNotable moments:Gillian explains how Casements was designed to feel like an authentic, contemporary Irish space in the middle of San Francisco’s Mission DistrictShe shares the bar’s survival story during Covid, from batch cocktails to mobile Guinness serviceDamian and Gillian discuss the challenge of making Irish drinks feel modern and relevantGillian breaks down how the team tests cocktails, what makes the cut, and why one weird drink always stays on the listThe new menu is revealed as a tribute to Irish language, land, and the work of Manchán MaganIf you enjoy conversations about cocktail culture, Irish whiskey, bar ownership, hospitality, and menu development, make sure to follow The Cocktail Academy Podcast and share this episode with someone in the trade.Contact and follow:Casements BarInstagram: @casementsbarWebsite: casementsbar.comThe Cocktail AcademyInstagram: @welovecocktailsTikTok: @welovecocktailsxFacebook: @welovecocktailsxWebsite: www.thecocktailacademy.comEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.