A couple reopenings to report, starting with the return of the candlelit HÔTEL BIRON wine bar/den in Rose St. alley (by Zuni). A tablehopper reader (and regular) let me know there’s a slightly different management team than before the pandemic, and you’ll notice the new orange B sign and paint job (plus: HEPA air filters). Their artist shows are returning, and industry night is back on Mondays (tell them where you work and take 15 percent off). Cheers! Open Wed-Mon 5pm-1am. 45 Rose St. at Gough.
Downtown’s BAR FLUXUS has returned with a renovated outdoor space, artwork, and refreshed menus, thanks to owner Ludo Racinet. You can enjoy cocktails with premium spirits and fresh produce, wine, and local beers, plus cheese plates, charcuterie boards, and snacks. Plus: there’s karaoke in the evening (9pm-1:30am) and comedy shows on the weekend (Sat-Sun 6pm-10pm). Open Wed-Sun 4pm-2am. 18 Harlan Pl. at Grant.
One of SF’s classic dive bars—known for its vintage rock exterior and pinball machines (and was infamously one of the last family-operated bars where you could smoke inside)—Lower Nob Hill’s THE SUMMER PLACE closed [via Hoodline] in the beginning of the pandemic (after 23 years). But according to some ABC license activity, a new team (Brett Frost, Leonid Kaplan, and James Ruta) is taking it over. This post on What Now SF thankfully reports they’re keeping the name and the dive bar sensibility, but are making some light renovations (like raising the ceiling) and updating it into a “dive bar with class.” Stand by for a reopening date. 801 Bush St. at Mason.
