Rye, a staple craft‑cocktail bar in San Francisco’s Tenderloin, will celebrate two decades of service at the end of August. Managing partner Phil Mauro says the bar has remained a neighborhood favorite despite its proximity to Union Square’s upscale hotels.
“We’ve come to terms with being a hidden gem,” Mauro told Tenderloin Buzz. He invites visitors—whether conference attendees or tourists—to venture “to the other side of the hill” on Geary to experience the bar’s relaxed atmosphere.
Anniversary specials and local collaborations
When Rye opened in 2006, cocktails were $9; today they are $17. The menu has evolved, but the signature basil gimlet survived a brief hiatus and returned by popular demand. From August 30, 6 p.m. to midnight, select drinks from the original 2006 menu will be offered at their historic prices, giving patrons a “blast from the past.”
Rye’s success is tied to its ties with neighboring businesses. Guests can order fried chicken from nearby Kokio for delivery to their barstool, and the bar’s espresso martini is made with coffee from Skullery, a coffee shop on the same block. Live music from San Francisco bands fills weekends, and local art is displayed for purchase directly from the walls.
New dining options nearby
Just around the corner, family‑owned Golden Focaccia at 881 Post St. opened in June, offering sandwiches and made‑to‑order pizza. Owner Omar Barkache recommends the signature Golden Focaccia sandwich, piled with prosciutto crudo, prosciutto cotto, spicy salami, porchetta, mortadella, roasted peppers and romesco spread.
Rooftop gatherings at Rhythm in the Sky
Every Wednesday night, Rye’s patrons can enjoy craft cocktails while listening to local DJ Heartbreak spin R&B at Rhythm in the Sky, the rooftop restaurant Rise over Run in the Timbri Hotel. General manager Justin Williams, who took over the Tenderloin hotel at 33 Turk St. a year ago, says the event supports community causes. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Tenderloin Community School, which Williams’ hotel has formally adopted.
Williams advises arriving early for a table and staying for the later dance crowd, noting the venue fills quickly after 8 p.m.
Historical roundtable and a local café pause
On Saturday, August 22, the Tenderloin Museum will host a free roundtable discussion with historian Susan Stryker to mark Transgender History Month and the 60th anniversary of the transgender‑led Compton’s Cafeteria riot. The event, held at the museum’s venue at 835 Larkin St. from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., will feature Stryker, co‑writers and cast members of the museum’s long‑running production.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese coffee shop and banh mi spot Café Dolci at 740 Market St. posted a sign announcing a temporary closure for several weeks while the owner undergoes chemotherapy. The owner indicated that hours will vary based on treatment side effects.
Looking ahead
Rye’s 20‑year celebration, the rooftop cocktail nights, the museum’s historic discussion and the community’s support for a recovering café owner illustrate the Tenderloin’s blend of longstanding establishments and new ventures, all rooted in neighborhood connection and resilience.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
