I was sorry to read in the New Fillmore that the owner of the LION PUB, Kelly Ellis, has died after a long illness. And so, after 48 years of business, the formerly gay fern bar has closed (bless that spot, they served me and my friends with our jenky fake IDs when we were underage—so many whiskey sours!). Even though it was no longer a haven for sweater queens gathered around the fireplace over the years and drew much more of a young and straight crowd, it’s an important part of the city’s gay history. If anyone has any intel about the fate of the bar, I’d love to know, it was such a unique little hideaway. 2062 Divisadero St. at Sacramento.
Some good news: it sounds like the new owners of MR. BING’S, the folks behind Ireland’s 32 in the Richmond, won’t be changing much of the dive bar’s beloved dingy and quirky appearance (although they will be closing for some renovations in mid-October, like replacing the floor and making it ADA compliant). The cheap drinks and character will continue! [Via Hoodline.]
Hoodline reports a new rum bar is coming to the former Castle Club in the Tenderloin, RUM & SUGAR, from owners Natasha Avtonomova and Olga Zhuravskaya. They are currently revamping the space and aiming for a mid-November opening. 823 Geary St. at Hyde.
