If you’ve ever had a booze-assisted good time in New Orleans’s old quarter, wandering around streets only open to pedestrians, cup in hand and carefree, you’ve probably wondered why more cities don’t adopt that same model. San Francisco is about to be the first city in California to take on that delightful concept.
A pilot program for an entertainment zone on Front Street between California and Sacramento streets was recently approved. During outdoor events, restaurants and bars will be allowed to sell alcohol within the zone, in the hopes that foot traffic will boost dining and shopping. If it goes well, other zones could be established in Union Square, Mid-Market and the mixed-use complex Thrive City in the Mission Bay neighborhood.
Right now, Front Street’s Financial Zone status means that after 5pm, hordes of office workers depart for other neighborhoods. The chance to capture them for after-work cocktails into the evening—and out of town visitors for all-day drinking—is a great opportunity. Front Street is poised to have a more vibrant status; it’s a few short blocks to the Ferry Building and the Embarcadero waterfront, and close to BART and bus lines.
A handful of standout bars already pull customers to Front Street: the historic Irish Harrington Bar & Grill, which recently reopened from its pandemic shuttering after three years; the even more historic German beer hall Schroeder’s; and the happy hour pub and sports bar Royal Exchange. (All three will be allowed to sell open beverages in the zone.) There are also several sculptures on this short two-block stretch for art lovers and Bluestone Lane Front Street Coffee Shop for those seeking something else in their cup besides alcohol (but it closes at 5pm, so it’s not currently a nightlife option).
Road closures and live music will aim to create a street party atmosphere in the entertainment zone. Alcohol will be sold in non-metal and non-glass containers (which sure sounds like plastic to us—hopefully the zone will offer a souvenir reusable cup to cut down on landfill waste). You’ll only be able to purchase these open container drinks from restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries, not liquor stores. And no, you can’t BYOB.
It’s unclear when the Front Street entertainment zone will officially open for tipsy business. So in the meantime, if you’re after those vibes you can check out the Bhangra and Beats Night Market and other street parties on our weekend events listing.