“Inspired by old Carmel Sally Stanford at the ValhallaBarmel is a mix of the authenticity of old time saloons, the warmth and elegance of Sally Stanford era San Francisco, and the bohemian style of historic Carmel.  All of these elements are held together by the personal touches of Gabe Georis.

History

Barmel houses the bar that once belonged to Sally Stanford at her Sausalito waterfront the Valhalla. Since it’s opening in 2016, Barmel has been a hub of local culture and fun, hosting bands, Dj’s, and holiday events. Craft cocktails and quality bar snacks feature in a lively atmosphere, music, and dancing.

Georis Family

The Georis family came from Belgium shortly after World War two.  After landing in southern California, the family came to Carmel in the early 70s.  They started several iconic local restaurants such as La Boheme, Casanova, and Fandango.

Gabe, Barmel’s owner, grew up in the restaurant business within the walls of Casanova.  Gabe's interest in travel and languages took him to live in San Sebastian, Spain, and then to study at UC San Diego and UC Santa Cruz.  Gabe opened Mundaka, a Spanish tapas bar in 2009. In 2016 Gabe took over the neighboring bar and opened Barmel with help from his brother Nico.

Sally Stanford

San Francisco was the hub of the California gold rush, and many successful miners turned business people came to San Francisco to spend their money.  Out of this era, came Sally Stanford, an ambitious woman who became one of San Francisco's most famous Madams. Sally moved to Sausalito and purchased the Valhalla, a waterfront bar on the docks of Sausalito in the 70s.  Soon after that, she became mayor of Sausalito.

The Bar

The bar itself was brought here by one of the former owners of Barmel.  The bar was built around 1900 for the original owner of the Valhalla who later sold it to Sally Stanford.  Before Sally became the owner, Valhalla was already part of the prohibition history of San Francisco as illegal liquor was brought in through the docks of Sausalito and through the Valhalla itself.  Baby Face Nelson, the famous gangster was a bartender at the Valhalla, and some of the famous people who drank at the bar included: Al Capone, Marlon Brando, Jack London, John F. Kennedy.

Carmel

Carmel's history as a place for eccentrics and artists is well documented.  Famous musicians such as Errol Garner played at the sunset center. Robinson Jeffers lived here and wrote poetry.  Frank Lloyd Wright built a house on the beach in Carmel.  Jack Kerouac and Henry Miller wrote about the area as they came through.  And of course, John Steinbeck wrote about the Salinas Valley and Cannery Row.  As Carmel has become more of an enclave for the wealthy, some of the charm has been lost.  Barmel endeavors to be an outpost of the bohemian spirit still alive and well in Carmel.  Along with the Forest Theatre, the Sunset Center, and some of the famous buildings like the Tor House, we are here to remind Carmel of its roots and its history but also to be a part of its future.

Ambiance

Ambiance is very important to Gabe and creating nice atmospheres has been an important part of the Family's history in Carmel.  We have taken great care to create a mix of art, lighting and music that achieves a mix of "thrown together" and well thought out.  Nico, Gabe's brother has worked closely with Gabe and has been instrumental in the decor.  The bar is filled with historical artifacts as well as personal touches.  The decisions to have a world class stereo system, a piano, live music, many of the art and furniture choices reflect the personal interests and style of Gabe and Nico.