Man oh man, another classic, quirky, SF gay bar bites the dust. This time it’s MARLENA’S, a Hayes Valley mainstay that has been overserving its fabulously friendly clientele the past 23 years, blowing our minds every Christmas with the out-of-hand Santa collection, and hello, the Sunday drag shows! Well, all that is going to become a distant memory: Garry “Marlena” McLain (otherwise known as Empress XXV) is selling the bar (Grub Street has been following it here) and retiring (enjoy the much deserved time off, Garry!).
And now Hayeswire reveals the new buyers: Matt Conway (whom many of you know from Comstock and Absinthe), Anthony Healy-London (Churchill, Bloodhound, and Double Dutch), and Josh McAdam. Here’s more from Healy-London: “We are in discussion with Marlena/Gary about what of the Marlena’s traditions will continue. We understand what Marlena’s has meant (and continues to mean) to this neighborhood and we are sensitive to that in our decision-making process. We are really excited to be joining a neighborhood that we already love and know very well.” The remodel is slated to begin in March, and the bar will reopen (under a new name) in late April. And, scene. 488 Hayes St. at Octavia, 415-864-6672.
Just so you know, New Year’s Eve was the last night of business for the THE RRAZZ ROOM at the Hotel Nikko (via SFist). The Examiner reports the Rrazz Room’s operators moved to 1000 Van Ness (in the space that was previously the Showroom and Holly’s Comedy Club). 1000 Van Ness Ave. at O’Farrell, 800-380-3095.
Just an update for you: according to a post on Facebook, the GOLD DUST LOUNGE is planning to open in its new location on Fisherman’s Wharf on Friday February 1st (which will be followed with a Super Bowl Sunday event on February 3rd). Read more on its Facebook page for how to reserve your spot if you’d like to come by. 165 Jefferson St. at Taylor, 415-397-1695.
Now open in Noe Valley is CASKHOUSE, previously mentioned on tablehopper as Crafthouse, in the former Joe’s 24th Street Café space. You can check out the menu of craft beers, wine, and bites here. Open Tue-Fri 4pm-12am and Sat-Sun 2pm-12am. 3853 24th St. at Vicksburg, 415-834-5005.
