A little over two years in, sit-down Mexican spot Hecho in the Castro — the second venture from Hi Tops partners Jesse Woodward and Dana Gleim — is closing Monday for a brief remodel and rebranding itself as more of a bar with food called Hecho Cantina. "Bars and cantinas are in our blood we believe in our neighborhood's blood as well, and that is what we will reflect [in the new concept]," Woodward tells SFist. "This is all about margaritas, rock 'n' roll, and chili verde burritos! We look forward to serving up the same bomb drinks from our amazing bartenders and being able to pack more people in than before to eat, hang out, and enjoy the neighborhood."

The restaurant is expected to be close for a few days during the first week of the new year, and reopen without the dining tables, with the addition of a pool table, pinball machines, a corner "hangout area," and a few high-top tables for eating and drinking, with a briefer food menu focused on quick bites. Also gone will be the brunch menu.

Says Gleim, "I think in our minds we don't see it so much as changing Hecho but more evolving Hecho's concept to better suit the neighborhood." She adds, "Hecho has been amazing but we're realizing over time that people, including ourselves, are more drawn to casual places that kinda let you create your own experience. Hi tops is a perfect example. You meet friends there for a drink and there's no pressure to eat, but chances are you will eat... and you end up spending your entire evening there even though that may not have been your plan. That's the sort of vibe we want for Hecho."

Chef Cory Armenta will remain in charge of the kitchen, and many of the drinks from the Hecho menu will remain in place, like the pinche picante margarita. But the space is going to be "warmed up" a bit, Gleim says, with "some color and texture."

Neighborhood denizens will recall that Hecho began life as Bandidos in late summer 2014, but quickly changed the name amid some controversy when several activists suggested the name was offensive to Mexican-Americans. In the two years since, the place has become a popular dinner and brunch spot, with Armenta rejiggering the menu last year.

Look for Hecho Cantina to makes its debut in early January.

Hecho Cantina - 2200 Market Street at Sanchez

Related: Go Eat This: Churro Doughnut Holes At Hecho