ABC permits reveal Lower Nob Hill/Union Square dive bar YONG SAN LOUNGE is being taken over by the Duncan Ley/Benjamin Bleiman gang (Bullitt, Tonic, Dr. Teeth, Lightning Tavern, and more). I am beginning to fear for bona fide barflies in this town—with every seedy corner dive bar getting snapped up lately, it’s going to become even harder to find a place where the bartender knows your name and you can nurse a cheap beer in peace under the cheap glow of some Christmas lights. 895 Bush St. at Taylor, 415-771-1838.
There’s a new brewery and taproom coming to SoMa this summer, CELLARMAKER BREWING COMPANY. Grub Street has more details about this project from Connor Casey (Fritz Winery, Press Club, and Marin Brewing Company) and brewer Tim Sciascia (Marin Brewing Company and Samuel Adams). They will be focusing on beers made with unique hops from around the world, and some “Belgian-style saisons, stouts aged in bourbon barrels, and sour beers aged in wine barrels with different fruit combinations.” Stand by for updates in coming months. 1150 Howard St. at 7th St.
Grub Street also has an update on what’s next for the former Trigger location in the Castro, BEAUX. The owners of The Edge, Midnight Sun, and Q Bar are taking it over and plan to open in late summer or early fall. Look for a more approachable style from Geremia Design, some cocktails that have a bit of attention paid to them, and dancing on the weekends. 2344 Market St. at Noe.
(MIDNIGHT SUN is also getting a refresh by designer Craige Walters (Fable) and should not be closing during the process. Stand by for a new look by June, which will include a new front wall with windows.)
