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Hey, it’s the last Friday of the month, and somehow all those pickles of the month subscription clubs you keep forgetting to cancel haven’t cleared out your online bank account! That means happy hour is in effect, Jack!
Time to hit the Inner Richmond and head up to Clement Street for a drink. So, you hop off the 38R Muni bus, cut up Sixth Street, quickly dip into Green Apple Books to check out the staff picks—Zoe’s selections always seem to be on point—then bop over to 540 Bar (540 Clement, SF).
As soon as you step inside, you’re in the middle of a happy collision of smiles and excitement, just how you want to greet your weekend. The Giants are on the sports ball flat-screen giving the Dodgers the business, even in a losing season. (Let’s be clear, it’s not Buster Posey’s fault.)
DJ Circuit73, with his “Directions In Stereo” happy hour, is straight running the good news on the ones and twos, all vinyl, Son. Did I just hear Oh Sees transition into Toro y Moi? Woah, can I get a big box of that?
Vivid local art hangs from the left wall, and let me clarify: these aren’t your average coffee shop scribbles; we’re talking highly detailed, specially designed skateboards that speak just as loudly as this all-gas-no-brakes Friday-afternoon-into-evening crowd. Phones are not the focus, people are. Patrons are chopping it up, sippin’ mezcal (it’s Friday dude), engaging with the friends they came with or the new friends they just made. I just saw a lady dap up the DJ for playing some rando Billy Joel cut, “Big Shot,” and another guy trying to ask the same DJ—he was busy—which Headhunters album he had just played. This place is cracking, a cauldron of fun, with no shit-baggery. Everyone is welcome and adding to the immaculate vibe.
Leejay Victor, one of three owners, breaks down the science of victory for this neighborhood establishment.
“We wanted to keep the spirit of the old 540 Club alive in the sense that this is a community space, a place for friends and locals to gather while still drawing a good, diverse crowd. We wanted the design to be understated and comfortable but still a little punk rock.”
Feedback has been over the moon according to Victor, who enjoys a Paper Crane cocktail from time to time herself. “Folks are happy the place is still here, they like the improvements, they appreciate us keeping the bar alive. I can tell you what they love is our PBR pints priced at $4 all day every day.”
But what’s quickly identifiable is that creative people power fuels this 540 Bar.
“Art has helped us build community,” says Victor. “I know that sounds kind of cheesy but the truth is, putting on a big group show once a year, where we put out an open call for art and raise funds for a cause, has had a phenomenal and widespread response. The participation from the local art scene is just so up-lifting, the neighborhood turns out to support, and the parties are a VIBE.”
