Castro Business Briefs - Full Proof Bottle Shop Opens & Another On The Way, Ka Kai Takes Over Thai Chef, New Hair Salon & More

Here's a brief roundup of recent changes to Castro area businesses. In this edition, one bottle shop opens, while another is on the way, a new Thai restaurant and hair salon are opening soon, and a restaurant adds a full liquor license.

Full Proof Bottle Shop (4126 18th St.)

Castro's newest bottle shop, Full Proof Bottle Shop, has opened at 4126 18th Street, formerly Bottle Bacchanal.

Natural wine and spirits shop Bottle Bacchanal closed in January after four years in the Castro.

Full Proof Bottle Shop is now open at 4126 18th St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

Full Proof owner Bradley Levine purchased the business from Bottle Bacchanal owner Beth Hughes.

"When the Federal workforce cuts, or 'DOGE,' rolled through in 2025, I saw the chance to leave my government gig and embark on a mission to continue both serving my community and sharing my passion for all things spirits, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks," said Levine.

After a quick remodel, the bottle shop is now open. Full Proof offers customers spirits, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.

"The Castro felt just right for this shop with its focus on community engagement, education, and enjoyment," said Levine about opening in the Castro.

"Our shop is an extension of our home, and we welcome you all in," said Levine. "Novice drinkers, connoisseurs, and everyone in between, can meet and find a drink they are excited about."

"Full Proof loves all booze, but pride ourselves in stepping up to fill the community’s fine spirits and premium cocktail ingredient needs," added Levine. "We hope that the people of the Castro stop in to enjoy Full Proof’s ever-growing, evolving selection."

Castro Bottle Shop (2306 Market St.)

Castro Bottle Shop will open at 2306 Market St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

Another bottle shop is headed for the Castro with Castro Bottle Shop opening at 2306 Market Street (between Noe and Castro).

Castro Bottle Shop will open in the space previously occupied by a Wells Fargo ATM. The Wells Fargo ATM closed in 2022.

Work has been underway inside the shop for a few years, but it wasn't until recently that a liquor license application was posted in the window.

Inside Castro Bottle Shop. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

The application indicates that Ezzadin Jamil Ali owns Castro Bottle Shop.

Taking a look inside, large refrigerators and shelving units have been installed.

 

Ka Kai (4133 18th St.)

Northern Thai restaurant Ka Kai will open soon at 4133 18th St., formerly Thai Chef.

Longtime Castro restaurant Thai Chef closed in January after its owners decided to retire.

Thai restaurant Ka Kai will open at 4133 18th St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

The space did not sit vacant for long; the windows were quickly papered over, and work has been ongoing inside.

At this time, it's unclear who the new owners are. The liquor license from Thai Chef has not been transferred at this time.

As Hoodline learns more, we will keep you updated.

 

Locks & Whiskers (3901 18th St.)

Hair salon Locks & Whiskers will open soon at 3901 18th St., formerly Kokak Chocolates.

Kokak closed last year after five years in the Castro.

Locks & Whiskers will open at 3901 18th St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

Public records indicate a permit was issued last year to convert the space from a retail store to a hair salon.

Locks & Whiskers will add seven chairs and one wash station, install shelving, move three outlets, and paint. Construction costs are estimated at $99,400.

According to its website, "Locks & Whiskers is a warm, safe, and inclusive hair studio designed for connection and creativity." "We’re building a welcoming space for talented, independent stylists, barbers, and color artists to grow their business in a supportive, community-based studio of experienced professionals."

 

Flora King SF (4248 18th St.)

Castro Argentinian restaurant, Flora King, has applied for a full liquor license. 

When Flora King opened last year, customers could only order beer and wine.

Flora King has added a full liquor license. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

Now, a liquor license application posted on the restaurant indicates owners Angela Pryor Garat and Ignacio 'Iggy' Garat have applied for a Type 24 license. The new license will allow Flora King to offer customers wine, beer, and spirits.

The license Flora King has purchased comes with a little bit of San Francisco restaurant history.

Longtime Union Square-area French-Vietnamese restaurant Le Colonial previously held the license. Le Colonial closed in 2024 after 24 years in business.