The former Argus Lounge (you know, the place with the mysterious peacock feather sign) has been transformed into IRON & GOLD (site isn’t active yet, but the bar’s Facebook page is), which is softly opening this week (the official opening is Friday at 7pm). The 60-year-old bar was in need of a facelift and some cleaning, but is still going to be the same concept as it has been: a classy neighborhood dive.
New owner Andrew Marks has been bartending for 11 years, including places like Laszlo/Foreign Cinema and Madrone. (You can read more about his background, and why he took over the bar in this Mission Mission piece from October.) Iron & Gold will feature local DJs (playing music as ambiance, not dancing), no cover, good cocktails (but you’ll still be able to get Budweiser), and happy hour will remain in place until 9pm where you can enjoy $6 house cocktails and $3 drafts every day. The interior is now sporting a green hue instead of its previous red. As for the name, it comes from the motto on the San Francisco flag in 1900, which said: “Gold in peace, iron in war.” 3187 Mission St. at Valencia, 415-824-1447.
