Thee Parkside, a fixture of San Francisco’s independent music scene, famous for its friendly staff and its tater tots, served its last pint July 5 after 26 years in operation.
Located on the corner of Wisconsin and 17th streets in the formerly blue-collar neighborhood of Potrero Hill, the small red building now sits empty in the shadow of million-dollar condos, encircled by AI startups, reflecting The City’s ongoing shift in identity.
“We cater to a clientele that barely exists in this city anymore,” said Malia Spanyol, owner of Thee Parkside, which was purchased by a limited-liability corporation last year after the property owner’s death. “Lots of bars and restaurants are closing, a lot of us that got through COVID are still not OK. Rent, insurance and utilities are going through the roof. Operating a small business in this town is really hard right now.”…