Now open on 24th Street in the Mission—with a fresh paint job, a lovingly restored interior (which includes a newly constructed, period-appropriate back bar), a restored neon sign, and more—is POP’S BAR. There was a great piece on The Bold Italic with pics of the new digs. During the massive remodel, they discovered the bar actually dated back further than 1947—it ends up it was more like 1935 or so—and was a clubhouse during Prohibition. It’s an amazing feat that the bar has been in continuous operation since then, with no name change, and it’s something partner Michael “Spike” Krouse (Madrone Art Bar on Divis) is very proud of. He is partnering with Tom Tierney, who has been running the open-mic night at Madrone the past couple of years, and they look forward to continuing the legacy of this working-class neighborhood bar.
Bartenders are experienced and hail from places like Nopa, Dalva, and more, so while there isn’t a cocktail menu, they can pretty much make you whatever it is you’re looking for. As for prices, you can get a High Life for $2, a draft beer for $5, or an Allagash for $7, so your bases are covered. There are also drink-and-a-shot specials ($8-$10), including the popular Calle 24: a draft Tecate with a spicy salt rim and shot of tequila for $8. Arriba. They are also trying to get approval to play amplified music until 2am (it was originally until 10pm-11pm only)—they won the conditional use hearing, and are now going before the Entertainment Commission. Time will tell! Hours are 3pm-2am. 2800 24th St. at York, 415-872-5160.
Back in June, we mentioned there were some changes happening at HOTSPOT, which has been closed for four months. But it looks like they prevailed with their legal action against their “slumlord” (as they stated on their Facebook page). Tenderloin Blog reports the bar is back open! Based on the photo of the entrance, it looks like it got quite a bit of a renovation. 1414 Market St. at Fell.