| April 17, 2008 |
The well-known Toronado bar in San Francisco is coming to San Diego … soon. Rumored for almost two years, I attended a reception at the new location currently under construction at 4026 30th Street in San Diego’s North Park. If all goes according to plan, it should be open with the next month.
The location used to be a yoga studio.
Inside, before the crowd arrived.
But little by little, the place filled up for some tasty beers.
Fal Allen, with San Diego Toronado owner Ian Black. Ian worked at the Toronado in San Francisco for some time before moving to San Diego.
Dave Keene, who’s licensing the Toronado concept to his former employee, was on hand to greet the crowd and pour a little Duvel.
Shaun O’Sullivan, from 21st Amendment, and Matt Brynildson, from Firestone Walker.
Big Daddy pours some Duvel for Ian. Dave Keene told me he’s confident Ian will run the bar in a way that retains the spirit of the original because “he really gets it.” After seeing what he’s done so far and listening to him explain what he’s got planned, I think it will be a great place.
Then gives Dave the final sip.
There’s even a Dutch door, like the original and, yes, that is Dave Suurballe leaning up against the bar.