The new bars may open in the Castro area for the first time since the 1980s

Due to the zoning rules, it has not been possible to open new bars in the Castro area since 1987, but the situation may change, SF Business Times reports. District Superintendent Rafael Mandelman introduced a new regulation that would allow new bars to open, and it was approved unanimously by the board this week. Apparently, the neighborhood was so “saturated” with bars in the 80s that the original intention was to balance business types, although new bars have been opened over the years by taking over existing alcohol licenses.

But now there is an argument for inclusion. Castro can be criticized for his cis-sexism and gay-male-centricity, as well as for suffering from many empty outlets because Bay Area Reporter already pointed out. But the purpose of this new provision is to open up opportunities for new business owners who may be strange women, trance or people of color. The decree must pass a second ballot before it hits the mayor of London Breed’s table for a final signature, but it doesn’t seem to be facing much opposition. [Bay Area Reporter, SF Business Times]

La Guerrera tamales comes hot

As expected, La Guerrera’s Kitchen, a favorite malt manufacturer, will open at Swan’s Market later this month. Berkeleyside confirm. The mother-daughter duo Reyna Maldonado and Ofelia Barajas are settling into their new home in the former Cosecha space, and plan to dig through an “extended” menu of tamales, Chile relleno, barbaco, pozole and brunch chilaquiles. and a cafe de be, and maybe even an alcohol license coming.

Benkyodo extends the sad mochi farewell

Benkyodo, that hundred-year-old mochi plant in Japantown, still leaves a sad farewell. The owners announced their intention to retire last year and had not found buyers by the new year. SF Chronicle there is an update that will not close until the end of March, so there is still a couple of months to queue for mochia, manju and other sweets. [SF Chronicle]

Geek Warning: The Lego Bar lands in Fruitvale

A new pop-up bar is coming to town for adult children and engineers in the bay. The Brick Bar opens at Ale Industries on 10th Street on April 23 and 24, and apparently has over a million toy blocks, table tennis tournaments, live DJs and so on, wine, beer and cocktails. Here is video teaser, and the tickets are this way.

Oakland, get ready to flash those vax cards

As previously announced, the City of Oakland will begin requiring a vaccination certificate on February 1, KRON4 reminds East Bay eaters and drinkers. So before you step into a restaurant or bar, get ready to show those vax cards. [KRON4]