Basque in the Glory
A Sexy New Late-Night Spot in North Beach

Five days.

That’s all that separates you from a glorious weekend of BBQs, bonfires and breaking out the white pants.

At which point you’ll need something else to look forward to. Like a sexy new den of Spanish deliciousness...

Introducing Txoko, a slice of San Sebastián serving up small plates and cocktails until 2am, opening next Tuesday in North Beach.

You knew this space as Enrico’s, but all that remains is a dimmed neon sign hanging outside. Now you’ll find an inviting, wood-planked back bar surrounded by an elevated communal table. Also, a mural with an eye-patched rabbit, a bow-tie-wearing fish and a Holstein donning a bowler.

So about that name. It’s pronounced “choke-o” and refers to a type of Basque supper society—like a poker club, but with food. The key word here is pintxos (small plates), which you’ll find in the form of Foie Gras a la Plancha with an Iberian rioja.

If you’re stopping in with a date, start by standing at the cocktail bar with a bacon-bourbon-spiked Fatty Arbuckle, or the serrano-pepper-tequila-infused Caliente Sunrise, before retreating to the outdoor patio. For a bigger group, summon the aforementioned pintxos from the circular corner booth, which seats six.

And doubles as a good spot for your siesta.