Gold Dust Lounge closed indefinitely after electrical issue, flood

Gold Dust Lounge closed indefinitely after electrical issue, floodPhoto: Parpity P./Yelp
Alisa Scerrato
Published on October 30, 2019

A flood and electrical issues have resulted in the sudden closure of the popular Gold Dust Lounge in Fisherman's Wharf. 

Tipster Joanna C. alerted us to a Monday announcement on the bar's Facebook page, in which the bar's owners say it's "closed until further notice" as they deal with the aftermath.

"This is obviously a huge blow to us and we apologize to those we are disappointing with this news," the post continues.

Reached via Facebook, employee Tyler Frye said that "it’s unknown" if the bar will reopen.

"We, the employees, found out the day of the incident that the odds of this place getting fixed aren't good," he said. "It’s all up to the owner at this point, so our fingers are quite crossed. . . I just hope something will be done, because I know what that place meant to people.”

We've reached out to the bar's owners and will provide an update when we hear back.

Irish coffee is a signature drink at Gold Dust Lounge. | Photo: Gigi B./Yelp

The Gold Dust has historic roots in San Francisco — it originally opened in Union Square in 1933. But in recent years, it's faced its share of challenges.

In 2012, the bar failed to receive landmark status for its original location at 247 Powell St., which would have saved it from eviction by its landlords, the Handlery family. The space it once occupied is now a location of the clothing chain Express. 

The following year, the Gold Dust relocated to 165 Jefferson St. in Fisherman’s Wharf. Then-Mayor Ed Lee proclaimed the bar's February 2, 2013 opening day as “Gold Dust Lounge Day," declaring that the bar "is going to be a part of our great history."

The bar's interior. | Photo: Greta R./Yelp

In their message, the owners urge customers to watch their Facebook page for further updates.

"To those that spent your time in the Gold Dust Lounge, thank you," they write. "We are hugely saddened by this turn of events, but hope that we can see you all again in the future."

We'll update this post as we learn more about the bar's future. 

Update, 11/5: The bar's owners have taken down the Facebook post that announced its closure, which we've preserved here for posterity:


Thanks to Joanna C. for the tip! See something interesting while you’re out and about? Text Hoodline and we’ll try to find out what’s going on: (415) 200-3233.