One of the Presidio's sleepiest corners is finally waking up. The long-vacant Liverpool Lil's space at 2942 Lyon Street is set to be reborn as a new outpost of Blue Danube Coffee House, the bohemian Inner Richmond cafe. The move will bring a longtime neighborhood staple within a short stroll of the Marina and the Presidio's Lombard gate.
The plan was first reported by the San Francisco Business Times, which notes that the former pub has sat dark for about a decade. The Business Times reports that Blue Danube, known for its throwback vibe, will take over the old Liverpool Lil's site, although specifics on the buildout and a firm opening date were still scarce at the time of that report.
What Blue Danube Plans
Owner Jimmy Hsu told Mission Local that the new shop will be exactly the same as the Clement Street original, though more modern in design. Hsu said a broker brought him the opportunity at 2942 Lyon Street and that he had hoped to open the new outpost in June. His goal, he added, is to keep Blue Danube's familiar menu and community events while updating the interior for a larger, more walkable location.
A Site With A Long History
The corner space at 2942 Lyon Street has been shuttered since a two-alarm blaze in April 2015 left Liverpool Lil's with heavy smoke and water damage. The owners later announced they would not reopen, ending a run that began in the 1970s. Liverpool Lil's had long been a neighborhood fixture before the fire, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Blue Danube's planned arrival would finally bring new life to a storefront that has been dark for more than a decade.
Blue Danube's Roots And Local Role
Blue Danube itself is no newbie. The cafe at 306 Clement Street has been in business for decades and is officially recognized as a San Francisco Legacy Business, according to a city staff report on the Legacy Business Registry. The registry packet highlights Blue Danube's weekly music and comedy nights and its role as a community gathering spot, while local coverage has long pointed to the cafe's bohemian charm and place on Clement Street.
What Comes Next
Neither Blue Danube nor the property's owner has announced a firm opening date. Hsu told Mission Local he had hoped to open in June, and the San Francisco Business Times reports that plans are still in the early stages. With city permitting and a full buildout ahead for a space that has been vacant for years, nearby residents should expect to see construction activity before any grand opening. We will keep an eye on permits and filings and update coverage as more details become public.
