Hemlock Tavern Space Reborn As Two-floor, ‘high-energy’ Nightclub Xex

1131 Polk Street, the new home of nightclub XeX | Google Maps

It’s pronounced “ex,” you dirty birds.

Those old enough to remember the beloved, grungy Hemlock Tavern, which closed in October 2018, may be amazed to hear about what’s finally going into the new building that’s taken over 1131 Polk Street — say hello to the new two-floor nightclub, XeX. The club will operate on the ground floor and a basement-level space, according to the San Francisco Business Times, bringing dancing and guest DJs to Polk Street. XeX co-founder Rodney Cheng told the news outlet that the ground floor will be a “chill” karaoke lounge, while the subterranean basement will host “louder” events.

The space has operated as a temporary event venue called the Hemlock since 2023, until Dolmen Property Group could find a new operator to anchor the property. They apparently found that in XeX, which writes in its Yelp bio, “Tea-infused cocktails, rare Japanese whisky, sushi bites, a huge dance floor, karaoke, and a speakeasy club room — only at XeX. Join us for the ultimate high-energy, high-end night out!” XeX will open in late May or June 2025.

A Spanish market is opening in the Marina

Victoria and Juan Lozano of the pop-up Caldero are opening a new venture in San Francisco: a Spanish market in the Marina District selling imported Spanish goods at 2149 Union Street. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the father-daughter team will sell items such as cheese, wines, home goods, and more, while continuing their catering business featuring dishes from Caldero and Victoria’s (now-closed) restaurant, Andina. The team is looking to open the shop by Friday, May 30.

Popular Oakland pho spot to close

Pho Vy is closing as of Sunday, May 18, KQED reports. Owner Tuan Nguyen told the outlet that he considers the closure “temporary,” stating that his family would like to “slow down and take care of their aging parents,” but he also admitted there are some neighborhood factors at play. Among them is a rash of thefts of their outdoor patio canopy, worries over car break-ins, and the sex work trade on International Boulevard, which makes the space uncomfortable for families to visit, according to KQED. The lease for the space has also expired, and the owners haven’t reached a rent agreement. The plan is to take a break, then relocate elsewhere in Oakland, possibly in a year or longer, Nguyen says.

Another SF Starbucks bites the dust

The Starbucks location at Levi’s Plaza at 1255 Battery Street will officially close its doors on Friday, May 16, KRON reports. The news outlet states that signage on the door confirmed the closure, reading in part, “After careful consideration, we made the decision to close our store at 1255 Battery Street at lease end. Our last day at this location will be May 16 and all Starbucks partners working at the store received the opportunity to transfer to one of our nearby locations.” This news comes just three months after neighbors of the 99 Jackson Street location hoped to convince the company not to close, calling it a “vital gathering place” for locals — but that space eventually closed in early February.