This highly anticipated new food hall in the Bay Area is finally opening
The Mess Hall at The Presidio, a new food hall, opens in San Francisco
The Mess Hall at The Presidio, located at Tunnel Tops, opens Saturday, bringing three eateries, a cafe, bar and specialty market to a restored historic building in San Francisco.
SAN FRANCISCO - A new food destination is opening its doors in San Francisco's Presidio, bringing a mix of restaurants, local favorites and culinary events to Presidio Tunnel Tops.
Spanning across a 6,200-square-foot indoor-outdoor space, The Mess Hall sits in the Tunnel Tops park. The project has been four years in the making.
"I think it's a pretty incredibly special place. Just another wonderful place to come and have coffee, a meal, bring your friends, family, hang out, show off our city," said Rob Gaon, co-founder of The Mess Hall at the Presidio.
Co-founders Gaon and Nate Leonard said they designed the fast-casual concept with reasonable price points in mind.
"We realized that this building could manage a high volume operation, and with that create an opportunity for more affordable, approachable menus that families can come and have a really nice meal without having to make a reservation," said Leonard, co-founder and director of operations at The Mess Hall.
Restaurants, bar, and cafe
What we know:
There are three eateries: Boda which will serve Korean and other Asian-inspired dishes, Dayboat Seafood, featuring fresh seafood including oysters, and Breadwinner, a sandwich, burger and salad restaurant.
There is also a full cocktail bar and a specialty food market.
The Mess Hall is also bringing several established San Francisco names to its cafe, which features pastries from Breadbelly and coffee from Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters.
"I'm super excited to showcase some local favorites of Breadbelly and Wrecking Ball Coffee to people who may not be familiar with it in such a beautiful location," said Justin Williams, coffee manager at The Mess Hall.
The modern food hall also pays tribute to the building's past.
Built in 1898, the space once served as an animal feed store, butcher shop and mailroom when the Presidio was a military post. The restoration preserved original wood throughout the building, while other design details draw inspiration from the 1930s and 1940s.
"It's just really remarkable to be the steward of this building, built in 1898, and to be able Nate and I to come in here and bring it back to life, restore the the wood, 126 year old wood," said Gaon.
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(Credit: Erin Ng)
What they're saying:
As part of that community-centered approach, the food hall also plans to collaborate with local chefs and host special culinary events. It also has a dedicated space that can be used for group events.
People spending time at nearby Tunnel Tops said they're looking forward to having another food and drink option in the park.
"The bar," said Nell Blagg of San Francisco, when asked what appealed to her most.
"I love that it's kid friendly and it's nice to have a place that's super close to where we usually hang out at Tunnel Tops," said Hilary Jaschke of San Francisco.
The views
Beyond the treats for the palate, The Mess Hall is being hyped for its location.
The 14-acre Tunnel Tops public park, described as the front door to the Presidio, as it overlooks Crissy Field. Visitors will be treated to panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
Weekend grand opening
Described as an "all-day dining destination," the hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday through Sunday hours will be 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Mess Hall will house three restaurants: Dayboat Seafood, Boda, and Breadwinner. (Credit: Erin Ng)
The Mess Hall at The Presidio is set to open on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (Credit: Erin Ng)
The Mess House will include a café. (Credit: Erin Ng)
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