San Francisco's Tenderloin may soon be experiencing tranquility and Japanese-inspired relaxation as Onsen, the Japanese bathhouse and restaurant duo, is set for a revival in early 2025. This once-popular spot, housed in a former auto shop at 466 Eddy St., had shuttered its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but now, thanks to the efforts of former general manager Adam Wren, there’s a chance for a comeback. Adam Wren spoke about the plans for Onsen's return in an interview with the SF Chronicle, detailing how he approached Sonny Simmons and Caroline Smith for leasing the space.
Simmons and Smith, who opened Onsen in 2016, have maintained the space, including its uniquely converted mechanic’s pit-turned-soaking tub. They are reported to be "super stoked" at the prospect of seeing their venture revived. In a bid to ensure the swift reopening of Onsen, Wren has set his sights on crowdfunding, with a goal to secure $50,000 by Dec. 22. According to the SF Chronicle report, approximately $13,000 has been raised so far.
Attention to the prior success of Onsen has not gone unnoticed; the establishment previously made the Chronicle's Top 100 Restaurants lists in 2017 and 2018, with dishes that showcased a mix of Japanese cooking and California seasonal ingredients. Wren, known for his work at notable San Francisco restaurants, including Lazy Bear and Mister Jiu’s, aims to continue this tradition with plans for a bento suitable for bathhouse patrons and a refreshed menu that celebrates fresh Californian ingredients with Japanese influences. Wren told the SF Chronicle that the bathhouse and restaurant, previously operated under separate reservations, will now be merged into one holistic experience.
Further details regarding the ambitious project can be found on their Kickstarter campaign, where Onsen unveiled their roadmap for reopening, starting with the bathhouse and then the restaurant. A call for support is evident on Onsen's Instagram page, where they've announced efforts to welcome back friends and supporters through financial and community-based contributions to breathe life back into this serene oasis.
