SF’s “Beauty Bar” Says Goodbye After 25 Years

San Francisco’s Beauty Bar, which opened 25 years ago at the corner of 19th and Mission streets at 2299 Mission St., has abruptly shut down.

Thanks to SF Gate for sharing the news about the sudden closure. Employees had received a group text from the managing owner Aaron Buhrz alerting them the bar has closed, and that they could pick up their last paycheck. The quirky bar, known for its retro ’50s beauty parlor design, opened in 1999. The national chain had sister locations in Los Angeles and New York. Its heyday attracted hipsters who could snag a martini and a manicure at the tiny nightclub.

Beauty Bar had a small, but lively dance floor, but lately had turned more into a dive. The owner declared via text that its “such a terribly difficult pill to swallow but it’s just time.” Those in the know had said the writing was on the wall, but no one expected the abrupt closure. This week, a sign appeared on the door to the bar that said the venue was undergoing a “facelift” and will reopen next summer. Time will tell if that comes to fruition.