Esta Noche To Shutter, Wish Team Taking Over

[Photo: Edwin R./Yelp]

Longstanding Mission dive Esta Noche rallied in the face of financial woes last year, but it looks like the noted Latino-oriented gay bar has called it quits, with Andrea Minoo and Callum Hutchins of Wish Bar and Lounge confirming that they'll be taking over the 16th Street space shortly.

The Wish team is still developing a concept to replace Esta Noche's well-worn ambiance, but say that a great cocktail program and comfortable environment are in the works. "There's a lot of history in that space, and we definitely want to preserve that," says Hutchins, who notes that some details, like the arch above the bar, will be carried over once the two-month interior renovation is complete. However, fans of the spot's historically gay-friendly dive bar atmosphere will see a radical change to something more akin to Wish's loungey vibe. Update 2/27: Hutchins reports that the concept is still very much in development, and that no specific vibe, loungey or otherwise, is in the works at present.

The new owners plan to take over the bar next week and run it as is for a few months, so fans of Esta Noche will have time to say goodbye. After that, they'll close for a renovation and are targeting an opening date somewhere in late summer or early fall.

· Esta Noche In Trouble [~ ESF ~]
· All recent shutters [~ ESF ~]