Big Says Goodbye (For Now) With All-Day Party Today

The bad news: Big is shuttering after tonight, and won't be returning in the charming shape it's in because Marriott is taking over the whole building. The good news: Because of Big, we were introduced to the talents of barman Brian Felley, and he and partners Peter Glikshtern and Jeff Whitmore are going to open something else, likely on Mid-Market, in a matter of months.

The closing was announced in early May, and immediately the collective "Awww!" was heard 'round the town's cocktail circles. Since the tiny Tenderloin bar opened in April 2012, it's been a go-to spot for those in the know, both for its cozy, low-key vibe and excellent, off-the-cuff drinks by Felley and his crew (there was never a menu).

The all-day farewell kicks off at noon today, as Inside Scoop reports, and chef Joshua Oakley's pop-up Tango & Stache will be serving up $5 tacos to help soak up the booze.

We'll update you as soon as we learn more about the crew's next move. And in the meantime, listen for "Purple Rain" to play at closing time, as it has most every Saturday during Big's short life.

[Photo: Jay Barmann]

· Say Goodbye to Big Today [Inside Scoop]
· The Shutter [~ESF~]
· A Tiny New Bar Called Big Quietly Opens Its Doors [Grub Street]