Kiri, the pop-up beloved for its katsu sandos and crunchy karaage, is finally putting down roots in North Beach. The team is taking over a permanent storefront and plans to turn it into a Japanese izakaya in the heart of the neighborhood, with the buildout aimed at a fall 2026 opening.
As reported by San Francisco Business Times, the group has signed a lease for 510 Union St. in North Beach. Reporter Alex Barreira noted that the site will be converted from its previous restaurant use into sit-down izakaya service and that owners hope to open by fall 2026.
From Pop-Up To Izakaya
Kiri built its reputation through short-run drops and residencies around the city, becoming known for katsu sandos, karaage and occasional Japanese–Chinese breakfast plates. Food blog Ever After in the Woods lists Kiri among local pop-ups that fans have been eager to see go permanent.
510 Union's Recent Tenants
The North Beach address has already seen its share of buzz. Don Pisto's is listed at 510 Union St. in an SFGATE round-up of North Beach brunch spots. Chubby Noodle more recently occupied the space before closing in April 2025, according to Secret San Francisco.
What To Expect
Owners have not yet released a full menu or exact hours, but the move to a sit-down izakaya points to a broader lineup of shareable plates and late-night pours than Kiri's pop-up service. The conversion is set to add another late-night option to North Beach's shifting dining scene, where spaces often flip between casual counter service and full table-service concepts.
Kiri's opening is scheduled for fall 2026, per the San Francisco Business Times report, and the team is expected to announce more details closer to the buildout's completion. We will update this story as owners release hours, reservation policies and a full menu.
