By Dana Eastland. The famous (infamous?) 24-hour diner LUCKY PENNY is officially closing this week, Hoodline reports. The old-school diner certainly never won any awards for its food, but it provided a rare spot for late-night dining, and its cheap, old-fashioned platters garnered many fans. They are staying open until they run out of food, which will likely be this week, so head in soon. The building is being torn down to make room for a seven-story mixed-use building, which Hoodline reports will include 21 units of housing, plus office space, retail, and parking. 2670 Geary Blvd. at Masonic, 415-921-0836.
We reported in 2014 that KING OF FALAFEL on the corner of Divisadero and Bush streets would be closing in 2015 to make room for a new tenant. Hoodline reports that the landlord, Rick Howard (who owns Harry’s Bar, Bruno’s, Eddie Rickenbacker’s, and the Owl Tree), had originally intended to evict the family-owned business in early 2015, but extended the lease to the end of this year. The restaurant’s owner, Nawai Kharsa, says that his family has been in the location for 41 years and is unable to find a new space. Howard, for his part, is planning to retrofit the space and find a new tenant, rather than open a business of his own. Across the street, a condo complex is opening in early 2016, with ground-floor retail that may include a restaurant. Regardless of what moves in, be sure to stop by for your last falafel before the end of the year since they are closing at the end of December. 1801 Divisadero St. at Bush, 415-931-5455.
Over in the Outer Richmond, The Richmond Blog reports that pint-sized HOT SAUCE AND PANKO is moving to a new location because their building is slated for demolition. According to a post on Facebook, they are moving to the former U-Lee location at Hyde and Jackson, depending on when the demolition requires them to vacate. In the meantime, note that they will be closed until January 2nd for vacation, but you can get your fill of wings, waffles, and hot sauce in the new year. 1545 Clement St. at 17th Ave., 415-387-1908.
The brightly colored exterior of Lucky Penny. Yelp photo by Stephen P.
