Step Inside Barbarossa, the Jackson Square Bar That Takes You Back to the Barbary Coast

Patrons of the Bubble Lounge in Jackson Square will barely recognize its new life as Barbarossa. Millions of dollars went into the 6,000-square-foot, bi-level space, designed based on the location’s past as a prison and the neighborhood’s as a red light district. That comes out in details like shackles above the bar, lots of red lighting and photos of women in bondage. Drinks on offer are all named after either a criminal, prostitute or brothel from the Barbary Coast era, plus 12 beers on tap, wine and champagne pulled from the Bubble Lounge collection. As for food, there is a small menu of raw bar (primarily oysters), vegetables, charcuterie and cheese and dessert. Take a look around above, and head inside starting tonight, when Barbarossa officially opens to the public.