San Francisco is getting very lucky. The new, highly anticipated, Onsen Bathhouse & Tea Room is opening its doors to the public on November 11t. What used to be an auto house is now a completely renovated, Japanese-inspired wellness oasis. And we cannot wait to plunge into the pool.
W
hen the husband-and-wife duo, Sunny Simmons and Caroline Smith, purchased the old auto body shop in San Francisco’s Tenderloin and started renovating three years ago, they knew exactly what Onsen (means “warm spring” in Japanese) should be. A gathering place for the urban dweller to escape the bustle of the city, to recharge and rejuvenate. The tranquil space offers a soaking pool (which used the be the mechanic’s pit), dry sauna, steam room, 6 treatments rooms and a plant-based, Japanese-influenced restaurant in front.
Sunny and Caroline have put lots of love into making Onsen a welcoming place.
Both being very hands-on and DIY-savvy, they incorporated many of their own ideas into the project. For years, Sunny has collected reclaimed wood, which now came to a new life in the form of shelves, wall paneling, doors, and many other elements. Caroline has added her touch with hand-dyed and sewn indigo curtains, while the dinning ware made by a local pottery artist. Using 100% reclaimed materials gave Onsen its distinctive, very organic feel. The exposed brick walls paired with wood and plants create a natural, very cozy atmosphere. Starting with massage Onsen will add on facials, acupuncture, reiki, and body treatments to its wellness menu. 
And speaking of the menu, the restaurant can be visited on its own and will offer an impressive sake list, high-quality tea; house-made kombucha and Japanese-inspired delicacies. We were lucky to get a menu preview and savored every bite of the light yet nourishing and flavorful dishes. From comforting savory porridge with kimchi & pickled quail egg to perfectly seared salmon on roasted vegetables or the body & soul warming dumpling soup, the menu left a significant impression on us and we, for sure, will be back. The restaurant will kick off with dinner service on Monday, Wednesday-Friday, Sunday 5 pm -10 pm & Saturday 5pm-1am; and will expand to lunch along the way. We are super excited about Onsen bringing cool wellness place to San Francisco; we feel it was about time. And if you are also looking for a new space to unwind and relax, now you know where to go. 
★Onsen Bathhouse and Tea Room
466 Eddy Street, San Francisco
(415) 780-4987
*Images by Raquel Venancio.
