San Francisco's Union Square is set for a high-profile revival this October with a new dining and drinking project that unites culinary heavyweight Michael Mina with basketball superstar Steph Curry. As reported by Eater SF, the duo is making a splash at the historic Westin St. Francis with the much-anticipated return of Mina's Bourbon Steak and the launch of the bourbon-centric bar, The Eighth Rule.
After a hiatus since 2016, Bourbon Steak is making a comeback. Mina, a name synonymous with San Francisco's dining scene, expressed his enthusiasm for the city and its potential for success, stating, "You get sick of everyone telling you San Francisco is dead," adding, "it’s not dead. I see the numbers at Pabu. It was perfect to come back to this space I’ve been involved with for almost two decades." The Eighth Rule, on the other hand, marks Curry's first foray into the hospitality industry, following the release of his whiskey brand Gentleman’s Cut two years prior. "Eighth Rule is really Steph Curry," Mina told Eater SF, attesting to the basketball star's significant involvement in the concept.
The 40-seat bar, The Eighth Rule, is an intimate space that will operate on a reservation-only basis. Emphasizing the spirit's traditional crafting rules, Curry's establishment invites guests to indulge in defining what they consider their own eighth rule of bourbon production. "Creating my own bourbon brand paired with my friendship with Michael is like a master class in hospitality!" Curry enthused in a press release, with details shared by SFGate.
The reinvigorated Bourbon Steak aims to marry the upscale with the accessible, featuring signature Mina dishes alongside hearty options suitable for larger groups. Further adding to the allure will be a live music venue and supper club adjacent to the steakhouse restaurant. Meanwhile, The Eighth Rule is poised to become as talked-about as Draymond Green’s Meski on Nob Hill, offering unique cocktails and culinary pairings. "This is exactly what I’ve always dreamed of," Mina conveyed his excitement in a conversation with Eater SF.
In anticipation of the opening, Mina has also taken to social media to tease the project, simply posting on Instagram, "Bourbon Steak. Westin St. Francis. An icon returns to Union Square — better than ever. Coming October 2025."