and Media Studies from UC Berkeley. Prior to SFGATE, she was an associate editor at East Bay Express and freelance writer covering the Bay Area music scene. Email: madeline.wells@sfgate.com
The End of an Era: San Francisco’s Phoenix Irish Bar & Restaurant to Close After 22 Years
After 22 years of service, the Phoenix Irish Bar & Restaurant at 811 Valencia St., San Francisco will be closing its doors for good on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. The beloved sports bar is making way for a six-story apartment building with 18 one-bedroom units, according to Eater.
The Phoenix first opened in 2001, and has been a neighborhood staple ever since. Owner Eugene Power has been running the pub for the past 20 years, and is sad to see it go. “There’s people that have met in the Phoenix and got married and had kids and families,” Power told Eater. “It’s shocking, I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, so it’s the end of an era.”
The pub has been a popular spot for locals, especially during football season. The Phoenix was known for its lively atmosphere, featuring a pool table, dart boards, and plenty of TVs to watch the game. It was also a great place to grab a bite to eat, with its menu featuring classic pub fare like burgers and fries, as well as some Irish specialties like bangers and mash.
The Phoenix’s closure is part of a larger trend of older businesses in San Francisco closing down in favor of newer, more modern developments. While the city has seen a boom in new businesses and developments, it’s also seen a decline in the number of small, independent businesses that have been a part of the city for decades. The Phoenix’s closure is a reminder of the importance of preserving the city’s history and culture.
The Phoenix will be missed by many, but its legacy will live on in the memories of its loyal customers. The pub’s final day of service will be Sunday, Feb. 12, and demolition is scheduled for March. Construction of the new apartment building is estimated to be completed by May 2024.
