New Openings and Revival of San Marco Square.

stephendare · August 25, 2009, 02:25:53 PM

Just dropped by the square for coffee, and San Marco is abuzz with new life and openings.

Cafe Carmon is being reopened as Taverna, and I chatted with the very attractive young married couple who own the place. Sam and Kylie have redone the interior in a neo primitive wood motif with gorgeous contemporary designa and lighting elements. The divider walls are this great rustic wood. Its going to be awesome.

Square One has expanded to the upstairs, and their wednesday nights have revived everything good about the neighborhood. Art, chatty beautiful people, great music, and that specifically cool san marco vibe.

Matthews market has reopened and seems to be doing great. This neighborhood is thriving while all the suburban districts are collapsing.

Its awesome to see, and there will be more details in the articles on Taverna and the State of the Neighborhood report.

Captain Zissou · August 26, 2009, 10:58:34 AM

Thanks for the update! I have been to TAG once or twice and loved it. Taverna sounds like a place where I could spend a lot of time. I noticed some shots of pool tables at square one and couldn't figure it out, but I guess they took over half of Thai Bistro's space.

Captain Zissou · August 26, 2009, 11:27:01 AM

I have been there 3 or 4 Wednesdays this summer. It's definitely a mix of some of the well to do young folks and the artistic crowd. Fun times!

tufsu1 · August 26, 2009, 11:32:53 AM

but I thought that the San Marco area were reported near death in the recent past :-)

tufsu1 · August 26, 2009, 11:46:02 AM

Quote from: stephendare on August 26, 2009, 11:35:31 AM
a good portion of it died out, tufsu. And now comes the part about filling the empty slots.

Which we actually predicted.

Watch and learn, my friend.

umm...these were your words on another thread less than one year ago.

"We will be lucky to keep 25 percent of our entertainment and lifestyle related businesses that are already existing. There isnt any possibility of an expansion of services."

904Scars · August 27, 2009, 07:35:46 AM

I was just at Square One last night and caught a glimpse of Taverna. It looks awesome inside! Square One's new upstairs is also quit impressive, it gives visitors a choice between the dance/club scene and or a nice lounge with beautiful pool tables and nice comfortable seating in a relax environment. The pool tables (3) are rent by the hour and are a little pricy but nice all in all. I don't spend a whole lot of time in San Marco but when I do I enjoy it.

AntigoneStarr · October 04, 2009, 04:35:41 PM

As sad I am to see the Thai Bistro (I still preferred Pom's...) go, I'm fairly stoked that Square One got to expand upstairs. The crowd sizes on some Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday nights could easily become so large that one could hardly even walk in there...

The upstairs area is interesting. Pool tables (almost too well lit), lounge (you can smoke inside in that portion of Square One only), and another fully stocked bar.

My favourite aspect - three variations on the bellini are now served anytime. Amazing.

Prax_N_Jax · November 09, 2009, 11:37:02 PM

i've always loved the San Marco area. i worked in that area for the better part of 13 years down the street towards dt. in a medical office building. being there for lunch or on the weekends is always a treat!

Gatorziggy · November 11, 2009, 10:27:51 AM

Anyone know why the Gate store has been demolished on Hendricks, south of Emerson?

billy · November 11, 2009, 10:45:59 AM

Quote from: Gatorziggy on November 11, 2009, 10:27:51 AM
Anyone know why the Gate store has been demolished on Hendricks, south of Emerson?

Is that recent?
I was just by there a few weeks ago.

Bativac · November 11, 2009, 10:47:57 AM

This Gate was demolished overnight, I think. I was there one day and got gas, and two or three days later, it was completely gone. I wonder why?

Captain Zissou · November 11, 2009, 10:49:15 AM

They started demolition on Nov 2nd. They are rebuilding it and expanding. Should be closed for about 3 months. It will be well worth the wait as that station was a disaster during the morning commute.

copperfiend · November 11, 2009, 10:56:05 AM

Probably going to their new design. Complete with a Beer Igloo.

Jason · November 11, 2009, 11:14:22 AM

Being rebuilt. The single story office building behind it will be demolished as well and two lots combined for one larger store.

Beer igloo included!!

AntigoneStarr · November 13, 2009, 05:35:54 PM

Eek. I've been back at school for too long. I loved that Gate station, just the way it was... although hated trying to get gas outside of the 10pm-4am hours. *shudder* I used to go up there every single day before school for OJ and coffee.

And the new ones are so... uhm... chain like and the same and... well, hopefully they will continue to stock Blue Moon and decent beer. ^.^ It'll be a good change, I suppose.