2024-07-14 / 2024-07-18 by Beergeek

Brewery closures are nothing new for the Bay Area, but this one hits a neighborhood hard. This one hits me hard. This is my local.

Opened just over 10 years ago after a multi-year permitting nightmare, Barrel Head filled an 8,000-square-foot space that had been empty for over a decade since Fulton Bar closed. While this particular corner is close to a few restaurants, stores, bars, and more, Barrel Head hit the perfect mix of hangout spot, bar, restaurant, meeting place, and comfortable place to relax.

Nearly from opening day, Barrel Head became the neighborhood hangout—a family living room for the melting pot of people in the Western Addition / NOPA neighborhood in central SF. It was the gathering spot for so many to celebrate, catch up, gossip, argue, cheer on the local teams, and even mourn.

Like many businesses, they adapted during the pandemic. They did well, selling food, beer, and a local favorite, Jell-O shots, out the front window. The neighborhood supported them, and in turn, Barrel Head lifted the spirits of the community.

Barrel Head checked all the boxes for a perfect “third place,” something no other place within at least five blocks in any direction could match. The main reason for their success, in one bar stool-occupying regular’s opinion, was an unparalleled and very welcoming staff, something that has always seemed rare.

“Closing will leave a hole in fabric of this neighborhood and my heart.”

We can only hope it doesn’t sit empty for long and that another comfortable and welcoming meeting spot opens in its place. But even if it does, we, the regulars, know it won’t be the same. There will never be another collection of kind, funny, friendly neighbors in front and behind the bar like Barrel Head Brewhouse. This was once in a lifetime.

We won’t delve into the rumors of why they are closing. Like all post-pandemic businesses, there are new and scary changes needed to adapt. Some pivot for those challenges better than others. Some building owners have kept retail rent prices the same, while others have raised them by ridiculous amounts. There isn’t just one reason, but many that make it difficult to keep Barrel Head open.

I look forward to the future, but I still need a moment to mourn what we have lost and celebrate what we had. Wishing the best to the staff of Barrel Head Brewhouse—and raising this glass to them! Thanks to Natasha, Mickey, Anye, Peter, Kirk, Erin, Nuvia, Adam, Laith, Bubba, Caesar, Miles, and all other staff from the past.

Cheers!