The Castro has a lot of places shuttering this week, starting with ~PESCE~, which moved to 2223 Market Street from Polk Street two years ago. SFist first reported on the closure, citing issues with the larger location. A new buyer is rumored to have already claimed the space, but no one is saying whom. In the meantime, Pesce will close forever on Sunday September 13th, so you’ve got until then to stop in one last time.
According to Hoodline, Castro Mexican restaurant ZAPATA is closing on October 15th. Owner Jorge Perez cited the end of their lease as the cause (the building’s owner is Les Natali, who owns several empty storefronts in the neighborhood), but said they are hoping to open elsewhere in the area. 4150 18th St. at Church, 415-861-4470.
The Church Street location of CHILE PIES has permanently closed as of Saturday September 5th, Hoodline initially reported. In fact, the closure is part of a larger change within the restaurant group (which includes Green Chile Kitchen, and additional Chile Pies locations on Baker Street in San Francisco and another in Guerneville). The 601 Baker Street location is temporarily closed this week for a refresh (they’ll reopen on Friday September 11th), and when they reopen, the name will be CHILE PIES BAKING CO.. In addition to the new look, they will also have expanded offerings, including cakes with flavors like mocha, German chocolate, and lemon poppy seed. In order to focus on the expanded bakery, though, the Church Street location was closed. You’ll still be able to find their pies and cakes at Baker Street, as well as on trips to the Russian River in Guerneville. 314 Church St. at 15th St.
Yelpers and tipster Jason B. noticed that JOCELYN’S BAKERY in the Mission has closed. The space was more than just a bakery and also served vegetable and fruit juices, tamales, and pupusas, and was well known for friendly service. No word on what’s moving in quite yet. 3566 20th St. at Lexington.
In the Financial District, we noticed an ABC change of ownership for PALADAR, known for its Cubano sandwiches (which I always found to be rather lackluster). We called and an employee confirmed it will be closing (timing is TBD). Taking its place is a project from the Megana Corporation; a post on Chowhound notes the CFO was the original owner of Million Thai on Van Ness, although we’ll have to see what opens in this location. 329 Kearny St. at Bush, 415-398-4899.
The bar at Pesce. Photo: Dana Eastland. © tablehopper.com.
