This month kicked off WhipHand American Brasserie + Beer Bank’s doors opening to the public – and their instant success has been impressive! The team at Alternative Strategies is proud to be driving the social media, marketing, advertising and public relations efforts for this new East Village Grind & Prosper Hospitality Group venue. The neighborhood is on the rise and we’re thrilled to work with our client to launch their new space, which has garnered heaps of attention from lifestyle writers, food critics and social media influencers alike.

Chef Quinnton “Q” Austin is leading the culinary creations, while Rob McShea, an award-winning cocktail specialist, is in the driver’s seat of the drink concepts. The 2,000-sq.ft. space offers a new spot for locals and visitors to gather and grab delicious comfort food, enjoy a craft cocktail, or one of their 24 on-tap brews.

As a first introduction to the neighborhood, the team at AltStrat invited top-tier food writers and cocktail connoisseurs to join them for a soft opening. Reviews of both the food and cocktails have been fantastic. Diners are loving the Instagram-worthy cocktails as Mixmaster McShea rocks the bar with pop culture-inspired creations such as the “Hound Dog” made with bacon-washed bourbon, peanut orgeat, banana, bitters and salt – a nod to Elvis Presley. And the Yeezus Candle, a yummy concoction of rum, mezcal, brown ale reduction, Campari, pineapple and strawberry served in a prayer candle embellished with a printed image of Kanye West’s face.

Chef Q comes to WhipHand with a plateful of accolades. With roots in Louisiana and early experience delving into Bayou’s culinary culture, San Diego’s in for a real treat. The menu consists of dishes like Short Rib Fondue, which is doused in a heavenly white cheddar béchamel sauce, served with truffle oil crostini and seasonal veggies, or try the High Stack Pastrami on rye with jalapeño slaw and Swiss cheese.

Additionally, Chef Q heads the menu creation for Grind & Prosper’s two other locations: Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach and Carlsbad’s Park 101, along with creating the menu for the soon-to-open Louisiana Purchase in North Park.

Fun fact: the name “WhipHand” refers to the upper hand; an advantageous or controlling position. In driving, the hand that controls the whip.

Head into WhipHand located at 935 J St, San Diego, 92101 from Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.