On today's saunter to the PB Tuesday Farmer's Market, we noticed that neighboring Bar West had an Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) notice on its door informing passersby that the lounge would be closed until May 3rd. Speculating commenced via social media, and we soon got the whole story. Glory be the Internet.
Bar West is a somewhat raucous nightclub in the notoriously rowdy neighborhood of Pacific Beach. Owned and operated by West Group Hospitality & Nightlife (The Griffin, Gaijin Noodle + Sake House), the venue has not yet shone as a beacon of culinary fortitude, to say the least. Despite several attempts at revamping their menu and struggling to find a food solution, ABC presumably faulted them for failing to operate a bona fide eating place (based upon the facts relayed to SDV and a cursory review of the ABC's Penalty Guidelines. We'll update this if necessary). Rules being rules, a penalty was handed down - a ten day suspension of its liquor license. Fortunately for them, Bar West was permitted to choose the date to begin exile.
To utilize this time to its benefit, during their closure, from April 23 through May 2, The West Group will also make other upgrades to Bar West, including the implementation of a new, state of the art kryogenix white nitrogen system, as well as other minor interior updates.
We commend Bar West for taking a local stance in an effort to benefit the surrounding community. We may even consider stopping in for a spicy shrimp taco now that Oscar's is that much closer.
