San Francisco - July 08, 2005

My Own Private San Francisco

Otis Private Lounge Opens

You’d never want to be part of a club that would have you as a member.

But then again, you wouldn’t want to not be invited, either.

Such is the conundrum of the private club — a dilemma that has recently hit San Francisco, thanks to the quiet opening of Otis.

Haven’t been asked to join? You can still sneak a peak. Owners Damon White and Joe Latimore let nonmembers into their swanky 1,300-square-foot Maiden Lane lounge from 2 to 8 p.m.

Take them up on their hospitality. Architect Nicolo Bini and designers Sheri Sheridan and Nathan Brown have outdone themselves. The intimate space feels like a living room decked out in glamorous ’70s decor. Mirrored, snake skin bar? Check. Crocodile skin tables and wallpaper? Oh, yes. White faux mink-covered Louis XVI chairs? Uh huh. Outrageously cool peacock mural? Like we could make that up.

Enter through nondescript doors and take a load off as you sip cocktails and munch nuts, olives, soups, salads, pizzas, and paninis, courtesy of Thymes Two. This is the perfect after-work boîte. And though membership has its privileges (namely, staying past 8 p.m.), don’t fret if you haven’t been asked to join.

The phrase “members only” has been known to go out of style pretty fast.

Otis, 25 Maiden Lane, between Grant Avenue and Kearny Street.