April 4, 2011

Closed: Tamasei Sushi

Now that 24th St store fronts are filling (sort of), have landlords decided it's time to get rid of old standards (like the site of the oldest sushi bar in San Francisco)?

Several readers today let us know that Tamasei Sushi (3856 24th Street @ Vickburg) is closed - and it looks like for good.

A sign in the window says the tiny but colorful little sushi shop has lost its lease and will hold a sidewalk/clearance sale of "beautiful plates" and "sake cups" on Saturday, April 16th.

Click the image for details on staying in touch with the Beatles-loving owners.

[NVSF: Suspended: Tamasei Sushi Liquor License]
[NVV: Of Butoh and Beatles: In an Octopus's Garden at Tamasei Sushi]

10 comments:

BunkyTom said...

This makes me sad as I just discovered this place :(

Anonymous said...

Dear editor:

Do you know FOR A FACT that the landlord just decided to get rid of an "old standard", or were there other reasons for the change?

Please don't spread nasty rumors.

Back up your comments with facts.

Anonymous said...

Very sad indeed - We live just a few blocks from Tamasei and have enjoyed the eccentric atmosphere just as much as the food. We were sad when we saw the signs up this weekend :(

Anonymous said...

@Anon 6:25PM Given that the changeup was sudden and the Tamasei owners say they lost their lease, I'd say it wasn't an expected transition - and a fair question to ask.

What I wonder is what kind of restaurant (or business) will replace Tamasei? It's such a small space... there aren't many things besides a sushi bar that fit there. And I sure do hope it's a restaurant...

Anonymous said...

Can someone explain in real words what it means to "lose your lease"?
I think I know but I want to hear some other thoughts.

Anonymous said...

This restaurants has been listed for sale on the MLS for a few years. Sounds to me like they're closing shop since they couldn't sell.

Noe Valley, SF said...

At anon10:17pm - Are you sure about that? Amberjack on Church has been for sale for "a few years" and Deep Sushi changed hands in the last year or so. Tamasei changed owners about seven years ago, but we haven't seen any listings for it since.

Anonymous said...

Anon 10:17 is correct....the restaurant was for sale ($70k?) but there were no takers and it was on a "month-to-month" lease. Any buyer would have had to negotiate a new lease with the property owner. Why does this blog insist on landlord bashing?

Jordan said...

Gotta be honest, I picked up from there once. It took them forever to get the order ready and I was incredibly shocked and how tiny the portions were considering the price. And the sushi wasn't especially good either. Reading the Yelp reviews confirms I'm not the only one confused by their popularity.

Anonymous said...

Only a landlord that doesn't want to own their property for much longer would evict a tenant in this market. There are few, if any, new tenants to fill the openings left by evicted businesses. I don't know the exact details of what's happening but Tamasei will be GREATLY missed in the neighborhood!!!