Inspired By A Gaslamp Brothel, Madam Bonnie's Ends Run In Downtown San Diego

July 9, 2024

Madam Bonnie's American bar & restaurant has ended its run in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter after only two years in business. 

The first venture for Magnolia Management, a local hospitality group led by former CEO of Grand Restaurant Group Derry Van Nortwick, Madam Bonnie's opened in April 2022 within the historic 1905 Hotel Lester building. The American restaurant and jazz bar concept was named after Bertha "Bonnie" White, who ran a brothel on the property from 1927 to the 1940s as part of San Diego's infamous Stingaree Red Light District. The restaurant's menu featured shareable plates and a full bar, as well as frequent live music.

Madam Bonnie's has quietly closed without any public announcement. There is no word on what will come of the 6,000 square-foot restaurant space at 411 Market Street in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.

For more information about Madam Bonnie's, visit madambonnies.com.