Bay Area/ San Francisco/ Retail & Industry
Published on May 12, 2016
After 14 Months Of Renovations, Clement Street's Blue Danube Is BackPhotos: Camden Avery/Hoodline

Blue Danube, the beloved neighborhood coffee shop at 306 Clement St. that closed last year after some plumbing problems, is finally back in business.

After closing for more than a year to renovate, Blue Danube reopened for limited service this past Sunday, with an early skeleton crew serving customers for Mother's Day and the farmers market.

But despite being open during the weekend, the shop isn't quite ready to be fully operational. A sign posted at the cafe estimates a 7am launch this Friday, May 13th, but hours will remain sporadic while staff and operations get off the ground.

According to permits filed for the building's rehabilitation, work included new floors to replace those damaged by a sewer leak, as well as upgraded wiring to conform to current building code.

The refinished storefront was already attracting passersby yesterday afternoon, as crews set up furniture and stowed provisions inside to prepare.

Longtime fans will be happy to see that the renovations leave Blue Danube's Bohemian-Berlin feel largely intact, with the same seating, shelves for books, plants and quirky lights. The paint job has been spruced up with lighter colors, and the cash register area has been opened up.


Once fully operational, Blue Danube is expected to return to its former hours of 7am-10pm, seven days a week.