Doc’s Clock is Closing

from San Francisco Modern

Goddamn it! Yet another fantastic San Francisco dive bar is heading to the chopping block. I just ran into Carey, Doc’s Clock’s proprietor and she confirmed that when the bar’s lease is up in a year and a half, the new building owner won’t be renewing it.

The building that houses Doc’s Clock was recently bought by Leticia Luna, who owns a number of properties around The City, including the building that house Hecho in the Castro. She’s also the one behind the renovation at the former Paradise Lounge. Apparently she has other, undisclosed, plans for the space. This is a major fucking bummer.

Anyone worth a shit in San Francisco has spent a few great nights at Doc’s Clock playing shuffleboard, cheating on board games, or just shooting the shit. Hell, I’ve spent many nights there. From throwing PB&J parties, to campaign fundraisers, to lonely nights drinking with homesick Mexican line cooks and vagabonds, Doc’s Clock has always been there for me…and probably you too. It’s long been a destination for all the servers who work in nearby restaurants when their shifts are over and it’s also been a haven for a particular greyhound that was rescued from the track.

One of my favorite things that ever happened, was when the big neon sign that says “Cocktail Time” shorted out making it just say “Cock Time”. That kind of thing could only happen to a place as wonderfully divey as Doc’s Clock.

Carey told me that she’s looking for a new home for the place. I really hope she finds it. Or maybe, just maybe, the new owner, Ms. Luna, will change her mind and let this little piece of Mission District glory stay intact.