The storied club at 333 11th St., long known as Slim's, is aiming to jump back onto San Francisco's nightlife map in January 2026 as The Budda, a new venue backed by East Bay rapper Budda Mack. The reboot follows the recent closure of YOLO Nightclub and marks the latest attempt to redefine one of SoMa's most closely watched stages. For now, promoters are keeping quiet on the basics, with no lineup, ticketing details, or firm opening night on the books.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Budda Mack announced the project on social media last week, writing, "San Francisco, Bay Area get ready for the opening of my night club in SF." The Chronicle reports that Mack is pitching The Budda as more than a standard nightclub, framing it as a cultural movement tied directly to his music and brand. Beyond that broad vision and the January 2026 target, the ownership group has not shared many operational specifics.
Source: Budda Mack
Yolo's Finale and the Post‑Pandemic Turnover
YOLO Nightclub, which took over the Slim's space in 2021, called it quits in April and threw a "Finale Weekend" before closing its doors, SFGATE reported. In its short run, YOLO leaned into high profile EDM and hip hop nights, but it also drew criticism over some social media posts and for drifting away from Slim's long running live music identity. Its shutdown leaves the familiar SoMa address in yet another transition phase.
A Venue With Deep Roots
The building at 333 11th St. comes with serious live music history. Slim's opened there in 1988 and over the years hosted artists ranging from Prince and David Bowie to Green Day and Snoop Dogg before closing in March 2020, the San Francisco Chronicle notes. With that kind of legacy, any newcomer is bound to face scrutiny from fans, musicians and preservation minded locals. Whether The Budda leans into DJ driven programming, touring bands or some hybrid model will likely go a long way in shaping how the reopening lands.
Budda Mack's Profile and Hill to Climb
Budda Mack is an Oakland based rapper and entrepreneur who released several projects in 2025, including the single "Raised" featuring Mozzy and Chef Boy, according to Apple Music and music press coverage. His team has highlighted a digital first strategy and regional connections as key pieces of the pitch for a new nightlife hub. If The Budda opens as planned, Mack's artist network and online following will be central to how the club books talent and fills the room.
What To Watch Next
City permitting, noise considerations and neighborhood outreach will all factor into the club's early days. Past coverage shows that the shift from Slim's live shows to a DJ focused format at the site was not universally embraced. KQED reported on those initial objections when the space first changed direction. Local music organizers and longtime patrons will likely keep a close eye on how The Budda programs its calendar.
The Budda's eventual debut will test whether a new operator can both honor the building's musical history and find a sustainable nightlife niche in SoMa. Updates on the venue's lineup, ticketing plans and confirmed opening date are still to come.
