Grange Hall Closing Tonight; 'Permanent' Pop-Up to Open in the Space Tomorrow

Tonight is the last chance to eat at Grange Hall, because as of tomorrow the Temescal comfort food spot is on its way to a new name and menu. And because the concept is still in flux, a semi-permanent pop-up will occupy the space in the meantime, starting Tuesday night.

The pop-up, called Black Water Station, will be a joint effort between culinary school pals Albert Ok (Iyasare) and Jonathan De La Torre (Bottega Americano) for the next few months. Grange Hall General Manager and Beverage Director Jason Huffman tells us the concept is a "cocktail bar with great food." For now, diners can expect California cuisine with Asian influences but Huffman says that Ok and De La Torre are really being given "carte blanche" to just put out "cool, good food." Though the menu will definitely be lighter and healthier than Grange Hall's, Huffman says not to worry: there will still be a burger. Other highlights include the Angus Beef Tartare and the Poached Prawn & Lobster with negi, mentaiko aioli, chive, house made japanese matcha milk bread toast. And as part of the transformation, the restaurant will also get a small makeover with new linens, vintage plates, a long communal table, and hi-tops to give it more of a cocktail bar feel.

Eventually, the Black Water Station pop-up will transform into a new restaurant (concept TBD) with De La Torre completely taking over chef duties. At that point, Ok and his team (including Quang Le of Iyasare) will then take over sister restaurant Kushido, which is currently closed for a four to six month renovation. Huffman says, "We've been following Albert for a while and just love his style of food and plating. We thought he would be a perfect fit for the new concept." Though exactly what that concept is has yet to be finalized, the former Japanese yakatori restaurant will be getting a new name, new menu, and a sexier new look, including a bar in front and more of a loungey atmosphere.

Black Water Station opens tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 5 p.m.-midnight and Saturday-Sunday, 3 p.m.-midnight.