A Refreshed Design by Celebrated Designer Nathan Turner Reflects an Intimate Parlor in the Center of the Funk Zone. Introducing New Menus of Hand-Crafted Cocktails by Liam Baer and Snacks by Chef Jason Paluska (Pearl Social Cocktail Club with Beverage and Bar Manager Liam Baer, Executive Chef Jason Paluska, Santa Barbara and designer Nathan Turner, Los Angeles.)
After its debut in 2019, Pearl Social unveils a refreshed design this month by celebrated Los Angeles designer Nathan Turner. The parlor-styled atmosphere is both warm and inviting. It’s where all are welcome to indulge in world-class hospitality and where local charm meets global flair. The bar program is a fusion of well-traveled inspiration and youthful energy, crafting cocktails and transporting guests across continents.
The inspired cocktail program is led by Liam Baer, Acme Hospitality’s Beverage and Bar Manager. Born and raised in Boston, he fell in love with cocktails when he had his first Manhattan in 2008. Putting his affinity for cocktails into practice, Liam cut his teeth in NYC, where he spent four years working at some of the most notable cocktail bars in the city, including Apotheke and WeatherUp. In 2013, he packed his bags and moved to Taipei to run a speakeasy-style, no-menu cocktail bar called Ounce. Liam spent six years working internationally, managing the Top 50 bars in Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Paris. On his return to the States in 2019, he made Los Angeles his new home where he helmed the bars at Gwen, Roberta’s, Pretty Dirty, and most recently, Bavel in the Arts District. He joined Acme Hospitality in April 2024.
The menu features eleven of Liam’s original cocktails and two free-spirited drinks:
Pretty Bird
Cane Sugar Rum, Acid Adjusted Pineapple, Aperol, Strawberry, Cacao, Balsamic
This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven
American Single Malt, Brown Butter, Banana Liquor, Pasilla Chile Liquor, Mexican Fernet, Mole Bitters
Salad Days
Gin, Summer Tomato, Suze, Cocchi Americano, California Pepper Pepper, Fino Sherry
In It to Nguyen It
Dark Rum, Salted Coconut, Amaro Burcato, Cold Brew, Makrut Lime Leaf
Honey Badger
Bourbon, Rosemary, Lemon, Ginger, Yellow Chartreuse
Mix Tape
Porn Star Milk Punch
One Night in Bangkok
Gin, Lemon, Alpine Liquor Blend, Lemongrass, Thai Chili, Thai Agricole Rim
Chan Chan Smash
Pisco, Blackberry, Lemon, Sherry Blend, Amaro, Clementine, Basil
Kamata Hollywood City
Bison Grass Vodka, Raspberry, Lemon, Japanese Rose Hip Tea, Shiso, Sakura Vermouth
Jetlagged
Sherry-Driven Lower ABV Manhattan-Style, Stirred with Coffee Liqueur and Walnut
Swede Surender
Swedish Aquavit, Tequila, Dill, Scandinavian Sea Salt, Grapefruit Soda
Free Spirited Drinks:
Le Bien, Le Mal
Elderflower, Passionfruit, Verjus Lemongrass Cucumber, N/A Bubbles
Quando, Quando
Ghia N/A Amaro, Strawberry, Balsamic Vinegar, Lemon Juice, N/A Lambrusco
In addition to cocktails, Pearl Social offers wines, beers and free-spirited drinks. The complete menu of beverages and snacks can be found HERE.
Pearl Social nods to the celebrated first lady of Santa Barbara, Pearl Chase, a local activist who worked tirelessly on the historic preservation and beautification of the popular coastal city. Pearl Chase was an intelligent and courageous woman who deeply loved her adopted Santa Barbara hometown and committed to bettering it. She was generous and active in numerous non-profit organizations throughout the city.
The refreshed design is by lauded Los Angeles designer Nathan Turner, who explains his concept by stating, “I wanted to bring an old Santa Barbara feel to Pearl Social. It’s named after the legendary Pearl Chase after all. So we created a lounge that feels as though you are spending time in Pearl’s very own parlor, surrounded by her books, paintings, and things she collected over time. It’s cozy but chic, making it the perfect spot for a cocktail with friends.”
Entering the inviting space, you’re instantly enveloped in a sophisticated palette of warm mauves and deep, rich chocolate browns. Vintage oil paintings grace the gallery wall, while an impressive 18-foot bookcase showcases an extensive collection spanning various genres. The ambiance evokes the charm of a refined parlor, decorated with cherished collectibles that reflect a well-traveled life, all styled in classic Californian elegance. Cozy banquettes offer a perfect nook for guests to unwind, savoring Pearl Social’s expertly crafted cocktails and delightful bites by Chef Jason Paluska of The Lark.
Pearl Social is open nightly.
Monday-Thursday 5-11 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 5 p.m.-12 a.m.
Sunday 3-10 p.m.
PEARL SOCIAL COCKTAIL CLUB
131 Anacapa Street, Ste. B, Santa Barbara, California 93101
(between The Lark and Helena Avenue Bakery)
805.284.0380
ABOUT ACME HOSPITALITY:
Headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, Acme Hospitality boasts an eclectic portfolio of food and beverage concepts and hotels across the state. With a presence in Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone, as well as historic properties in California’s Gold Country, and a boutique mid-century modern hotel in Palm Springs, Acme Hospitality’s commitment to excellence extends to its latest venture, La Vaquera, opening soon in San Juan Capistrano. Recognized for its design-forward approach and culinary innovation, Acme Hospitality continues to garner acclaim from local, regional, and national audiences.
For more information, please visit www.acmehospitality.com.
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Twitter & Instagram: @pearlsocialsb
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