Corner Bar’s Jason Sims
The story of Jason Sims and the popular new Corner Bar in Mill Valley — where he’s managing partner — is really a series of Marin County serendipities. Sims’ story runs almost in parallel with the property at 106 Throckmorton Ave. in Mill Valley, or at least down the street from it.
Paul Lazzareschi originally purchased the property, then known as the Frog and the Peach, in 1997. (It had also once been O’Leary’s, and, in the ’50s and ’60s, the Old Mill Bar.) Lazzareschi named it Vasco Restaurant after his father. Meanwhile, concurrently, Sims began his Marin bartending career the same year. Working first at the Alta Mira, he briefly moved to Las Vegas to work at the Mandalay Bay before being courted back to Marin by Sam DuVall at Izzy’s Restaurants to manage the bar at their then-new Marin property in Corte Madera. He then helped DuVall open the Cuban-themed Habana Bar & Restaurante on Van Ness Ave. in San Francisco, which was awarded the “best mojito” in San Francisco from the San Francisco Chronicle. Still calling Marin home, Sims then opened his own bar in North Beach called the Royale.
“After the birth of my son in 2008, I decided that I wanted to be closer to home,” says the 48-year-old.
For those who have not yet spent time in the incredibly Corner Bar, here’s what you’ve missed:
Over the span of many, many years and iterations, the track record of restaurateurs Bill Higgins and Peter Schumacher, and more recently Jason Sims – spanning Buckeye, Bungalow 44, Playa and their various tentacles, not to mention the other restaurants under their umbrella – has been spectacular.
On the heels of City Hall’s approval in January of Bungalow’s conditional use permit, there are even greater thrills on the way.
Introducing Corner Bar, downtown Mill Valley’s first ever cocktail lounge featuring craft cocktails, Mediterranean bites, and chic design.
Corner Bar launches the week of April 21st in the formerly occupied by Coho and Vasco before that at 106 Throckmorton Avenue.
Managing partner Jason Sims has curated an exquisite selection of handcrafted libations, including the Up in Smoke (Toki Japanese Whiskey, green Chartreuse, mint, lime) and the Ultima Palabra (charred pineapple-infused mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, lime, thyme), alongside classic favorites. In addition to its regular cocktail, wine and beer offerings, Corner Bar will feature daily cocktail specials priced at $10, including a Nitro Espresso Martini (Grey Goose vodka, Grind espresso liqueur, espresso, vanilla bean). A list of non-alcoholic options will also be available.
The culinary experience at Corner Bar is equally enticing, thanks to acclaimed chef Michael Siegel (of Playa, Bix, and Betelnut fame), who has crafted an eclectic array of Mediterranean bites. Menu highlights include salmon tartare on latkes, various vegetarian plates and skewers, succulent duck wings à l’orange, and a signature burger with handmade fries.
Architect Tim Dixon and designer Liz Schumacher have created a cozy gathering space for locals and visitors alike with a fun and irreverent nod to Marin’s timeless watering holes. Bold and inviting, the 60-seat space hints at the unexpected with oversized brass chandeliers, a sumptuous velvet and leather upholstered lounge area, whimsical art, tongue-in-cheek lighting details, and picturesque views of the town square.
The partners’ ultimate vision for Corner Bar is to “blend the authentic charm of a neighborhood bar with the sultriness of a cocktail lounge. We want to celebrate the best of both worlds and infuse a new late night energy to downtown Mill Valley.”
Corner Bar’s central location near Sweetwater Music Hall, the Throckmorton Theatre, and Mill Valley Film Festival makes it the ideal destination for pre-show or post-show drinks and bites. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual evening with friends or celebrating a special occasion, Corner Bar promises an unparalleled experience.
Corner Bar opened in late April at 106 Throckmorton Ave. and will be open every day at 4pm, running from Sun – Thurs 4:00pm – 11:00pm and Sat and Sun 4:00pm – midnight.