Iconic Bar That Opened After Prohibition, Catered to Presidio Military, & 'Escaped Changes' in SF for Decades Sold to New Owners

The Final Final is a spot that Hoodline SF once described as "a neighborhood sports bar that feels like it's escaped many of the recent changes in San Francisco." That was way back in 2016, but the sentiment remains largely the same today. At the time, owner Arnold "Arnie" Prien told Hoodline SF that the the bar would eventually be handed over to his sons, but now the iconic bar is being sold to new owners.

Final Final at 2990 Baker St. has been sold after nearly half a century under the stewardship of the Prien family. Arnie, along with his wife Linda and sons Michael, Elliott, and Cory, were known as much as fixtures in the establishment as were the countless pieces of sports memorabilia adorning the walls. The family has decided to leave not just the Bay Area but California itself, moving to Tennessee in a move that son Michael Prien described to SFGATE as "bittersweet."

The revered bar, frequented by sports greats and local patrons alike, from Joe DiMaggio to Klay Thompson, has been handed over to Joseph Wallace and Robert Lemons, according the the same SFGATE report. The incoming owners also run the storied Bus Stop Saloon and the newer, speakeasy-style cocktail spot Left Door, which opened to much fanfare in 2023. They hope to maintain the essence of Final Final while implementing upgrades like renovated bathrooms and updated drink and food menus. "We have a soft spot for Cow Hollow and San Francisco institutions like Bus Stop and The Final Final," Wallace said in a statement provided to The Chronicle, underscoring their intent to nurture these traditions for generations to come.

Longtime customers may rest easy knowing that such quintessential elements as the bar's name, "Final Final"—stemming from the old joke about having a 'final' drink that turns into several more—along with much of the interior will be preserved. The Final Final has a rich history, having only changed hands once since its inception in 1934, when Arnie Prien took over and rebranded it from The Yacht Harbor Club. Arnie's penchant for the business and the community was evident when Hoodline SF 'tapped in' with him back in 2016, showcasing his nearly 5 decades of dedication to his patrons and to maintaining the genuine local bar atmosphere.

During the 2016 interview with Hoodline SF, Arnie recounted his journey from Omaha, Nebraska to San Francisco after college and the Marine Corps, and his eventual move to Petaluma. He nostalgically discussed the bar's origins right after Prohibition, noting it had only one set of owners, two brothers who ran it for 47 years, before he took over. He retained the original bar setup from 1936 and rebranded the establishment based on an inside joke within drinking circles, "Let's have a final final," turning into hours of camaraderie and conversation. Arnie highlighted the military clientele from the nearby Presidio, which was then a sizable military base, stating, "It was probably 70 or 80 percent military" back then, and reflected on how the bar evolved along with the neighborhood and its patrons.

Wallace and Lemons are familiar with the delicate task of respecting the legacy of storied local hangouts, having previously taken over the Bus Stop Saloon. Their approach invites regulars to embrace subtle enhancements without sacrificing the familiar soul of their beloved watering hole. According to SFGATE, they've enlisted Scott Baird, known for his contributions to Bay Area cocktail menus, and Left Door’s executive chef, Paul Toxqui, to elevate the bar's offerings. The establishment is slated to stay open through renovations, a testament to the new owners' commitment to a seamless transition and to keeping the spirit of the Final Final alive.