A lot of readers have emailed us in recent weeks asking about the shuttered Blue Danube Coffee House on Clement Street near 4th Avenue. What exactly is going on in there?
We reached out to Jimmy, the owner, who reassured us that yes, they will reopen. The back story is that a serious plumbing issue arose which when investigated, was connected to a problem with the building’s foundation.
The coffee house, which opened in 2003, was damaged by the flooding and has remained closed while the landlord has been searching for a suitable contractor and getting permits from the city to complete the repairs.
“We wish we could have reopened already!” Jimmy told us. “It’s been very stressful situation for me and my staff during the last two months.”
But his hands are tied as the landlord works through the repair process. Jimmy says they hope to reopen in late June provided everything goes smoothly.
“We appreciate all the love from the customers and miss them all very much. And I’m doing everything I can to rush the contractors to finish the job,” Jimmy told us.
So your sunny mornings sipping coffee in front of the coffee house will resume – just give it a month or so. 😉
Sarah B.
Oh, good! I was worried, since the other businesses in that building still looked open and I wasn’t sure if the plumbing issue was actually the reason they were closed. I look forward to the reopening!
Thanks for following up on that. Good to hear about the reopening. Isn’t the Blue Danube a lot older than 2003? I remember going there way back in the 80s.
That’s great news, but can we PLEASE declare a moratorium on “reaching out” to people when all you are really doing is _*contacting*_ them. Not a day goes by without reading about a reporter reaching out to someone for information. Reaching out implies some emotional need or connection for either the writer or the subject, which I doubt exists here. (I will say that you’re in good company, though, since NY Times and Chronicle reporters do the same thing.)
I’m with Laura as I recall spending time at Blue Danube in the 90s. Perhaps ownership changed in 2003.
Laura – I think it goes back to the 80’s or even the 70’s.
My dad opened the Danube in 1979 I think it was. Sold it in 85′. Thinks it’s been through 4 different owners since. Amazingly some of the tables I think are the original. Used to only play classical music.
Thanks, Sarah, for reaching out to Jimmy to find out when the cafe will open. I’ve been missing hanging out in my favorite local cafe.
There still seems to be no activity or work going on at the Danube as far as I can see…the neighborhood needs Blue Danube back..is the landlord actually working on fixing the problem??
2003?! This was either written by 12 year-old or someone who just moved to town. Get your facts straight, please.
Ar
1. American is not my first language so please don’t condensed me.
2. I have lived in the neighborhood for over 9 years.
3. Have you seen any construction activity outside Danube?
Ar,
Apologies, thought your comment was directed at me, if I run into you at Danube, will buy you a pint.
I love this cafe so much! It is now July 18th and I would like to know will they be open for my birthday next week?? 😉 Or have you got any updates on progress?
Wishing the Blue Danube all the best. It is so hard to find such a relaxed cafe anywhere else in San Francisco (please post recommendations below, I am new to the city and don’t like Blue Bottle or similar sleek establishments)
Is there any chance that whoever wrote this article can reach out again to the owner and get an update? Nothing seems to be happening with the cafe.
Yes, please post an update!
I heard from someone who frequents the cafe that the landlord refuses to pay for the repair bill, and that the repair bill is not even that much..I trust the source as he is a frequent visitor to Danube..wish Jimmy (owner) could chim in here.