Hotel New York Barbershop

December 21, 2013

Located in the historic former headquarters of the Holland America Line, the New York Barbershop is a true Rotterdam institution. After the Holland America Line ceased operations from this building, it was transformed into the iconic Hotel New York, which opened in 1993. A year later, the barbershop found its new home in the hotel’s basement.

The shop, run by Robert Lagerman, embraces a retro aesthetic, offering a classic barbershop experience where men can relax with an espresso or a beer. It’s a place that values craftsmanship and tradition, a nod to the building’s storied past as the departure point for thousands of emigrants seeking a new life in America. The barbershop is still open and can be found at Koninginnenhoofd 1.

Bruno's: A Mission Legend

October 10, 2003

Bruno’s, at 2389 Mission Street, was a legendary restaurant and nightclub that played a pivotal role in the Mission District’s nightlife. Revived in the 1990s as a retro-chic supper club, it became a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s burgeoning scene. Known for its live music, classic cocktails, and distinct circular bar, Bruno’s was a beloved institution that captured the spirit of a bygone era for a new generation before its eventual closure. The restaurant closed in 2020, but as of early 2024, there are plans for it to reopen.

Dalva, 3121 16th Street

September 27, 2003

Dalva, located at 3121 16th Street, is a long-standing classic bar in the Mission District, situated next to the historic Roxie Theater. Known for its long, narrow space and unpretentious vibe, it has been a neighborhood fixture for years, serving as a go-to spot for drinks before or after a movie. It’s a quintessential Mission bar that has hosted countless locals and conversations over the decades. The bar is still open as of August 29, 2025.

Voodoo Lounge Sushi

September 27, 2003

Yo’s Sushi Club Voodoo Lounge, at 2937 Mission Street, San Francisco, was a unique Mission District spot that fused Japanese cuisine with a mystical, voodoo-themed ambiance. It was part of a wave of creative, hybrid concept restaurants and bars that added to the neighborhood’s eclectic character in the early 2000s, offering a dining experience that was as much about the atmosphere as the food. The lounge has since permanently closed.

Remembering Chick-n-Deli in the Mission

September 27, 2003

Chick-N-Deli was a local corner delicatessen at 5392 Mission Street, serving the neighborhood with simple, everyday fare. Its hand-painted signage and unassuming storefront were typical of the small, independent businesses that defined the character of San Francisco’s commercial corridors. The deli permanently closed on March 31, 2017.

Charlie's Club

August 29, 2003

Charlie’s Club, located at what is now 1499 Valencia Street at the corner of 26th, was a local bar that served the Mission neighborhood. Like many classic neighborhood spots, it was a simple, unassuming place for locals to gather and unwind. The location has since changed hands, with Charlie’s Club closing sometime before 2006.

Odeon Bar: A Lost Mission Oddity

August 20, 2003

The Odeon Bar, located at 3223 Mission Street, was a celebrated and chaotic hub for San Francisco’s underground arts scene. More of a performance space than a traditional bar, it was famous for hosting “odd and unlikely variety arts, strange music and bad puppets.” The Odeon was a short-lived but fiercely loved monster of a venue that left a lasting mark on the city’s culture before it permanently closed on May 21, 2005.