Lingba closes after landlord increases rent

[Evan Goldin]

POTRERO HILL, SF — Sad news for the neighborhood! Lingba will be shutting its doors soon, according to Eater SF.

However, it appears that the bar will remain open for at least another month or two. This is the third in a string of high-profile departures for the heart of Potrero Hill's commercial district. Both Baraka and Eliza's also shuttered their doors this year. Eliza's space is owned by the same landlord. Vietnamese restaurant Sunflower and Mediterranean restaurant Pera have since opened in their places, respectively.

Sadly, this complicates plans for Linga's owners to open a taqueria in place of the old Delirious Shoes & More shop, which closed in 2008. However, it's been reported that the owners of nearby Chez Papa/Chez Maman will pick up off where Lingba left off, and open the taqueria, which they're calling "Papito."

As a resident who frequents the 18th Street corridor on a frequent basis, I hate to see Lingba closing — and I especially hate to lose the corner bar. Potrero Hill doesn't have many options for late-night outings or just visiting a bar, and Lingba was one of the few options around. Good news for Blooms just down 18th, but not good news for anyone seeking a place to have a drink with friends without leaving the neighborhood.

Hopefully, owners and the landlord can come to agreement to keep the corner bar open. It'll be a shame to lose Linga, but even worse to lose a bedrock of Potrero's most vibrant corner.

What would you like to see in its place?

[David L Warner]

I hope something good takes its place quickly -- I'd hate to see that space empty. As for bars in the neighborhood, there was a liquor license application for a place to be called "Cocktail Craft" at 18th and Texas, in the empty corner across from the market. Here's hoping that's good.