Most of the Bay Area is masking back up, at least in some situations, and tensions are high as COVID cases and hospitalizations tick up. But things continue to reopen, events are still happening, and here's some news from around the Bay this week.
SoMa: The annual pre-Folsom Street Fair fair, called Up Your Alley, isn't happening at its full scale. However, this Sunday, July 25, when it would normally be scheduled, Folsom Street Events is hosting Folsom Street Market — a pared-down version of the event as an LGBTQ kink vendor fair, in the vicinity of Ninth, Folsom, and Dore streets. There won't be alcohol vendors, but all the bars are open — and Lone Star Saloon, The Eagle, and Driftwood are all having special Sunday parties. The market is happening from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
North Beach/SoMa: A planned reopening of Marlowe (500 Brannan Street) is slightly behind schedule, but owner Anna Weinberg tells SFist that it's coming soon, just as her other restaurant Park Tavern (1652 Stockton Street) is closing for two months for renovations. Staff from Park Tavern will be moving over to help reopen Marlowe, and Park Tavern plans to reopen by September for outdoor dining, and October for indoor dining, with a 10-year anniversary celebration also in the works. [SFist]
Potrero Flats: Popular spot The Morris (2501 Mariposa Street) is closed this week in order to give its over-taxed staff a "mental health break." Owner Paul Einbund tells the Chronicle that this has been one of the most difficult periods of the last year at the restaurant, with staff and customers expecting a high level of service, but staffing issues are straining the limited staff who are on the job just as everyone is looking to eat out again. They will be back open next week, and Einbund says he'll temporarily close again if he has to, if staffing doesn't improve. [Chronicle]
Union Square: A new 195-room, 11-story hotel from Dutch brand citizenM is opening at 72 Ellis Street in October. The hotel, on a lot that's been vacant for 20 years, has been under construction since 2019, and will feature high-tech amenities and "affordable luxury" prices. [SF Business Times]
Mission: Bon Voyage! (584 Valencia St.), the travel-themed bar from the Trick Dog folks in the old Slanted Door/Wo Hing/Urchin space, is pivoting to a new concept called Chezchez. Details are TBA. [Eater]
Mission: Despite rumors of its demise, beloved dive bar The Dovre Club (1498 Valencia St.) is trying to get back open, and the owner has posted a GoFundMe to help with some reopening costs. [SFist]
