It's been a long 14 months of total closure for a pair of acclaimed neighborhood restaurants, Octavia and Frances, both of which were opened by chef Melissa Perello in the last decade. And she says that the team is taking the task of reopening them one step at a time, with Octavia happening first.

Later this summer, Hot Johnnie's pastrami sandwich shop will be opening in the Castro at 4077 18th St., formerly Nizario's Pizza.

After 13 years in the Castro, neighborhood watering hole Last Call Bar (3988 18th St.) has been sold to new owners.

After a four-month hiatus, Castro cocktail bar Blackbird reopened Wednesday with expanded outdoor seating.

Hoodline has learned that two people who are part of the restaurant group behind two-Michelin-starred Saison are set to open a new Mexican restaurant at 2223 Market St., formerly Nomica and before that neighborhood favorite 2223 Restaurant.

Castro residents and visitors looking for a place to satisfy their sweet tooth now have a new option. Turkish and Greek dessert shop Aegean Delights is now open at 545 Castro St, formerly Best in Show.

Fable co-owners Ramsey Garcia and Jon Vargas tell Hoodline about their pivot to takeout, getting a too-small PPP loan, and spending part of last year renovating their garden patio.

The Subway sandwich shop at 2375 Market St. in the Castro has permanently closed.

Friday evening, Castro area taqueria Casa Mexicana (180 Church St., between Duboce and 14th) was damaged by a one-alarm grease fire in its kitchen.

Castro neighborhood bar Pilsner Inn (225 Church St.) reopened last week after a nearly one-year hiatus caused by shelter-in-place restrictions. The Pilsner's first day of outdoor drinks and food was February 5, much to the delight of customers, employees, and the bar's owners.

The 55th Super Bowl kicks off this Sunday with the Kansas City Chiefs aiming to defend their title against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Looking for some food and libation options to enjoy while watching the game at home? From hearty brisket slider kits to Spanish-influenced snack packages, we’ve got you covered.

Over the weekend, the Castro's newest Mexican restaurant and margarita bar Santeria (2251 Market St.) softly opened in the former Finn Town space — and it's the sister restaurant to Tacorgasmico a block away.

Los Angeles-based sandwich outfit Heroic Italian recently got its feet wet in the Bay Area, launching a pop-up in mid-December inside wine and spirits shop Swirl on Castro (572 Castro Street). With online ordering available, it's a quick and delicious lunch or dinner option — and if you pick it up yourself rather than opting for DoorDash delivery, you can snag a bottle of wine too.