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Celebrated San Francisco Bar Owner Eyes New Spot Near 24th Street BART Station

Written by George KellyPublished Sep. 21, 2023 • 6:30am
Las Margaritas Bar is planned for the former location of 24th Street Bar and the Attic at 3336 24th St. in San Francisco's Mission District. | Source: Courtesy Google Street View

The owner of a much-loved San Francisco neighborhood bar that shuttered in 2015 appears to be readying a second act in a new location.

Francisco Villalobos, who ran the Spitfire Rose bar more than a decade ago in the city's Outer Mission neighborhood, will open a new venue, Las Margaritas Bar, in the Mission District.

A 12-month license was issued last Friday for the new bar at 3336 24th St. near the BART station, according to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The license restrictions say entertainment should not be heard by nearby residents or venues, and that the bar's owners should prevent loitering.

READ MORE: This New Downtown San Francisco Club Recalls Vintage Jazz Era

The license was transferred from Spitfire Rose's prior address at 1790 San Jose Ave. At that address, Villalobos built up considerable goodwill for his friendly service, fun vibes and generously priced drinks.

“If you want to have a drink and feel like you are home, this is the best place,” wrote Julio R. on Yelp in 2015. “Not only are the prices good, but the owner Don Francisco is the best.”

READ MORE: San Francisco’s Best Rooftop Bars: Where To Drink Outside With a View

The new venue’s neighbors will include La Mejor Bakery, Beloved Cafe, Paprika gastrobut and Cafe La Boheme. 

The site was previously home to 24th Street Bar, a small and casual candle-laden watering hole complete with statues and paintings of saints, as well as Jarritos-based cocktails, and the Attic Club before that.

No opening schedule was available on Wednesday.

George Kelly can be reached at gkelly@sfstandard.com


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