Legendary Union Square Bar Relocating to Fisherman’s Wharf
There’s dust the floor and dust on the hands of the Handlery Hotels for forcing out a bar that’s as iconic to some locals as the Golden Gate Bridge.
But the Gold Dust Lounge is not dust. It’s simply relocating.
In a move cheered by many, the legendary Union Square bar on Powell Street – which will be replaced with the retail store Express by landlord Handlery Hotels – will be moving to Fisherman’s Wharf, and will open sometime around October.
Until that time, the Gold Dust will remain open in part of another Union Square landmark, Lefty O’Doul’s.
For several months, locals have been rallying behind the Gold Dust. Handerly Hotels said the owners lease ran out in March, the owners sued and Handerly counter-sued. This, of course, made the bar popular, for people who may have only been in there a time or two suddenly became passionate about it. You have to cheer them for it, too.
I’ve been to the Gold Dust Lounge and found it tacky and worthy of a drink or two, but nothing more. It had an 1800s saloon feel to it and most of the patrons were “heads on the bar” regulars. Things are much more happening in the lively Marina District.
The move to Fisherman’s Wharf is a win-win for everyone. It will attract tourists and the area needs a good locals spot. It will be popular among locals because of all the attention it’s been getting the past several months. About the only place down there by the water for locals is Pier 23.
Can’t wait to check out its new digs!
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