Bar Antoine Opened Inside Le Parc Bistrobar
The 80-seat mezzanine lounge debuted in September 2026 at the Galleria Park Hotel.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in French Food
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Twenty-two-year-old Antoine Chemel launched a new cocktail lounge on the mezzanine level of his family's restaurant, Le Parc Bistrobar, this September. The space opened in response to customer requests for a dedicated spot for post-dinner drinks in the Union Square neighborhood.
Why it matters
The lounge represents a shift for the family behind the former Palo Alto destination Baumé, which held two Michelin stars before transitioning to a smaller operation. The project came together after the family decided to convert a planned dining room renovation into the new bar.
The new 80-seat Bar Antoine features menu items such as $12 escargot croquettes and $38 beef brochettes. While the lounge is now open, its impact on the bistro's dining operations remains to be seen.
The players
Antoine Chemel
The 22-year-old owner of the new lounge.
Bruno Chemel
A restaurateur who assisted with the lounge's menu development.
Le Parc Bistrobar
The French restaurant housing the new lounge on its mezzanine level.
The details
Bruno Chemel assisted with the menu development and initial management of the space. The family transitioned away from their previous fine-dining model after Baumé lost its Michelin stars in 2021. Residents looking for a late-night option can visit the lounge located within the Galleria Park Hotel.
Timeline
2015: Baumé transitioned to a smaller operation.
2021: Baumé lost its two Michelin stars.
Summer 2024: Le Parc opened at the Galleria Park Hotel.
September 2026: Bar Antoine Lounge opened.
Across the Bay
This project follows the family's history with the Palo Alto restaurant Baumé, which famously served a 15-course menu starting at $398 before its 2021 shift. The lounge represents a strategic pivot toward a more casual, accessible bar experience in San Francisco.
Visitors to the Galleria Park Hotel in Union Square can now access the 80-seat mezzanine lounge for cocktails and small bites. If you are planning an evening out, the menu currently features $22 Dim Saumon and $20 truffle gougeres.
The takeaway
The lounge offers a casual alternative to the intense 15-course tasting menus the family previously provided in the South Bay. Check the mezzanine area at the Galleria Park Hotel if you are seeking a new spot for late-night service in Union Square.
Further reading
For more on the local scene, explore our coverage of French Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Francisco Chronicle.
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