Today we got some more details of the previously announced rebirth of Cafe du Nord as a full-time music venue, and among the new details we learn that the space is going to play host to DJ night and comedy as well, and June 1 will mark the official-official reopening even though it's already been hosting some small shows.
Noise Pop, which has been in charge of programming the upstairs venue, the Swedish American Hall, for a couple years now, announced via press release that local band Rogue Wave will help kick off the venue's relaunch at the June 1 party, and tickets for that show go on sale tomorrow, May 12.
“With so many challenges facing the Bay Area arts community, we are happy to help restore an amazing piece of its musical landscape," says Noise Pop founder Kevin Arnold. "So many fond memories have been created at Café du Nord and the Swedish, and we hope to inspire many more in the future."
Also, for fans of the du Nord burger (including SFist), you'll be happy to hear that the burger is staying on the food menu at Cafe du Nord, as well as the basket of fried chicken but now, under the management of Woodhouse Fish Company owner Dylan MacNiven, there's also going to be a Woodhouse lobster roll on the menu too. As we heard earlier, though, the kitchen may only be open on non-show nights, or just on weeknights.
In addition to DJs and comedy shows, the slate of already scheduled music shows in the space includes Emel Mathlouthi on May 16 (next Tuesday), Morgxn (6/2), Caitlyn Gill (6/9), Nina Diaz (6/10), Bombadil (6/11), Avi Buffalo (6/12), Fictionist (6/20), Slow Dancer (6/23&24), and My Jerusalem (6/26). All those shows go on sale tomorrow (Friday) as well.
The reconfigured space had a pretty tiny stage compared to the original Cafe du Nord, and the team reports that some renovations have already been made to accommodate shows, like the removal of the wall that had separated what was being called the Viking Room dining area from the main bar. But, thanks to those renovations, there's now a second smaller bar closer to the stage.
Renovations are expected to continue throughout the year as this place transforms back into more of a venue.
In related news, Aatxe, the Spanish restaurant upstairs with the excellent gin-and-tonic menu, is shutting its doors May 28.
Related: Cafe Du Nord Is Becoming A Music Venue Again
Aatxe Also Axed In Swedish American Hall Following Cafe Du Nord Changes