Mini bar: Horsies Saloon opens inside Mission market

The Mission now boasts what might just be the city’s only beer and wine bar inside a liquor store.

With red lights and a growing stable of horse-related kitsch, Horsies Saloon is now up and running inside the Royal Cuckoo Market on 19th Street near Capp. The tiny bar, roped off from the liquor store and market section of the business, has been developing a menu of creative cocktails made with digestifs, aperitifs and fortified wines.

Paul Miller, who opened the market two years ago and owns its namesake bar on Mission Street, said he wasn’t sure he’d get the OK for his unusual idea. But the state issued the market its license to serve beer and wine in the middle of October.

“I was cautious,” Miller said. “It’s such a small space.”

The bar, which will also serve food, will be having a grand opening party on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. Miller’s sister Lavay Smith will be performing.

When he chatted with Capp Street Crap earlier this week, Miller was already done with the food menu and nearing completion on the drinks. They’ll include a bloody Mary made with Underberg, the “Pony Express,” a double shot of espresso with Underberg and a dollop of Cuckoo’s own whipped cream, and the surprisingly tasty “Blood of Rollo,” with Cardamaro and beet juice.

Horsies will also have beer and wine on tap, wine by the glass, mimosas, and pour different vermouths and amaros, Miller said.

Customers will able to get coffee and breakfast items, panini and sandwiches, cheese boards and other prepared food at the bar. The market part of the store, at 3368 19th St., will continue to stock many of the grocery items it previously did, like eggs and snacks.

Miller said the bar’s menu and decor is a work in progress.

“We don’t have a master blueprint. It will change over months,” he said.