Multiple readers had let us know that recently-opened Pisto's Tacos had closed just as suddenly, and while we were waiting to hear back from them, SF Mag snagged the intel: apparently Pete Mrabe (also of Don Pisto's and Chubby Noodle) wasn't happy with how the new space was going, so he shut it down and is reincarnating it as Pisto's, a more upscale spot with table service, ceviche, a raw bar, and fancier entrees like aged ribeye and barbacoa with chickpeas and masa. But you'll have to have serious connections to get in the door: reservations are only available via a special phone number Mrabe is distributing by hand, and at 35 seats, those tables will be at a premium for walk-ins.
Mrabe hopes to reopen Pisto's on Thursday, by which time we'll try to have the full menu and some more details. (One tidbit: The only menu item that will remain is the $6 miniature take on Don Pisto's famed hamburguesa torta.) In the meantime, the tacos that were scheduled to leave the menu at Don Pisto's are back for good. And we're wondering if the specter of upcoming neighbor Tacolicious was too much to bear.
· Pisto's Tacos Becoming Pisto's [SF Mag]
· Pisto's Tacos, Spicing Up North Beach [~ ESF ~]
· Pete Mrabe Opening Pisto's Tacos in North Beach [~ ESF ~]