Sammy Hagar’s El Paseo Set to Launch Full ‘Passage Bar’ – Feb. 1

For the six years since former Van Halen frontman and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar opened El Paseo in downtown Mill Valley, the restaurant has served up a selection of craft beer and an extensive wine list that includes rare collectables straight from Hagar’s personal cellar.

But it never had cocktails.

That’s about to change.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, El Paseo is launching the Passage Bar, home to the restaurant’s “full-service and meticulously curated spirits and cocktail program,” including six flagship cocktails Hagar has designed along with bar manager Steve Gizzi. Those include the Waborita, Santorita, Rumarita, Evelyn’s Old Fashioned, The Passageway and the Old El Paseo (more info below). Several of those cocktails will include Hagar’s liquor brands, including Cabo Wabo Tequila (which he sold in 2010), Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum and his newest brand, Santo Mezquila, which is a partnership with Maroon 5 frontman and fellow Grammy winner Adam Levine.

Located along the brick passageway leading into the restaurant, the Passage Bar is designed to complement chef Henry Cortez’s focus on California cuisine with Spanish flair featuring local seasonal ingredients, Hagar says.

“With every project I take on,” says Hagar, who owns 10 restaurants and bars, from Sammy Hagar’s Red Rocker Bar & Grill in Memphis to the various Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill and Cabo Wabo locations all over the country and in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. “I am very hands-on with the process while also allowing the experts to do their thing.”

The Passage Bar also has its own menu, including items like Chimichurri Fries, Prosciutto Wrapped Pineapple, Patatas Gratinadas, Shrimp in Sofrito, Olives/Almonds/Boquerones, Pimiento Cheese, Fried Chicken with Pimenton Honey and Passage Bocadillo.

Passage Bar is set to open with a Feb. 1 launch party from 7:30pm–9pm. RSVP here for the launch event, which will feature  specially priced cocktails and bar bites, with a complimentary glass of bubbly served upon arrival. Make dinner reservations here. After Feb. 1, Passage Bar’s hours will follow El Paseo’s regular hours (Sunday – Thursday, 5:30-9pm; Friday, 5:30pm –10pm, Saturday from 5pm –10pm). El Paseo is located at 17 Throckmorton Avenue.

“This isn’t the way I make a living – this is purely a passion of mine that I’m excited to share with others,” Hagar says.  “Just check out the brands that are in our well drinks – it says it all.”

FEATURED PASSAGE BAR COCKTAILS: