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Chinatown Bar Red's Place to Close After 63 Years

The longtime Jackson Street staple confirmed it is shutting down after more than six decades of service.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Screen-print poster illustration of a vintage street lantern mounted on an old brick wall, evoking a historic Chinatown neighborhood.
Chinatown fixture Red's Place will close its doors after 63 years, marking the end of a long-standing local community staple. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The longtime Chinatown fixture Red's Place is set to close after more than six decades of service. Current owner Jerry Chan confirmed the departure of the 672 Jackson St bar, which has been a local staple since 1963.

Why it matters

The closure marks the end of an era for the historic storefront, which has served the community since the building first housed a saloon, barber shop, and cigar store in the late 1800s. The space is known for remnants of its past, including basement teller booths from former gambling operations.

Red's Place has served customers since 1963, operating for 63 years at 672 Jackson St before the owner announced the impending closure. The exact timeline for the final day of service remains unknown.

The players

Jerry Chan

The current owner who confirmed the bar's closure.

Herman and Lisa Chan

The previous owners who bought the bar in 1990.

The details

Owner Jerry Chan announced the closure via an Instagram video, ending a tenure that began when his parents, Herman and Lisa Chan, purchased the business in 1990. The bar is famously tucked into a building with a history dating back to the late 1800s, featuring unique structural remnants like basement teller booths from its days as a gambling house.

Timeline

  1. Late 1800s: The building housed a barber shop, cigar store, and saloon.

  2. 1963: Red's Place opened for business.

  3. 1990: Herman and Lisa Chan purchased the bar.

  4. October 20, 2026: Jerry Chan announced the closure on Instagram.

Across the Bay

The closure of Red's Place follows a pattern of vanishing historic storefronts that have long defined the character of Chinatown. It marks a significant departure for a neighborhood known for preserving its legacy businesses against modern commercial pressures.

Patrons looking to visit the historic 672 Jackson St location for one final drink should monitor social media for updates. The announcement from Jerry Chan suggests the end is imminent, though a final day of operation has not been specified.

The takeaway

The closure of Red's Place removes a piece of living history from Jackson Street that dates back to the 1800s. Residents and fans of local history should check the bar's social media accounts for any final operating hours.

Further reading

For more on the changing landscape of local commerce, follow our San Francisco Openings & Closings coverage.

Live Poll

Should local communities prioritize the preservation of long-standing businesses over urban redevelopment?