Route 101 bar on Van Ness to reopen under new ownership

Route 101 is closed & papered over, awaiting new ownership. | Photo: Carrie Sisto/Hoodline

Tipster Jennie C. wrote in to inquire about the fate of Route 101, the dive bar on the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Fern Alley.

Known to Van Ness drivers for its charmingly old-school sign and to locals for its pool tables, the bar has sat dormant in recent weeks, with paper over its windows.

But there's some good news for Tenderloin-area dive bar fans: the bar is set to reopen soon under new ownership. A representative for the bar confirmed as much on Facebook, though they declined to share an opening date or further details on what, if anything, might change.

In June, the bar's liquor license was renewed by an LLC called Van Ness Enterprises, according to public records. The owner of the LLC appears to be Steve King, but few other details about him are available in public documents.

Hopefully the new ownership will take over in time to bring out the holiday spirit. **| Photo: Adam S./Yelp**

The past two years have been punishing for Tenderloin dive bars. The Gangway, the city's oldest gay bar, shuttered in early 2018; this January, Whiskey Thieves closed after 15 years on Geary Street.

The building that houses Edinburgh Castle was listed for sale earlier this year, with agents touting its potential for residential development.

However, not all of the neighborhood's dive bars are endangered. The Ha-Ra Club, founded in 1947, was recently named a San Francisco Legacy Business, while the Geary Club is getting new owners who plan to maintain the legacy of the soon-to-retire June Russell, who ran it for 40 years.

Thanks to Jennie C. for the inquiry! 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.