‘Heartbroken’: Harvey’s closes after 27 years in apparent sign of the times

by John Ferrannini

Harvey’s, the LGBTQ bar and restaurant that welcomed tourists and regulars alike to the Castro for over a quarter century, abruptly closed its doors late Sunday, striking a blow to the queer neighborhood seeing more and more empty storefronts.

The restaurant paid tribute to the late supervisor Harvey Milk, who promoted the neighborhood’s LGBTQ identity and forged its businesses together 50 years ago. Sitting at the key intersection of 18th and Castro streets, and containing much Milk memorabilia in addition to bearing his name, its closure was greeted as a sad milestone.

Harvey’s will be hosting “One Last Night with Friends” Saturday, January 28, beginning at 4 p.m. and lasting “all night long,” to raise money for the now ex-staff members, former Harvey’s General Manager David Facer stated. The bar will be open and some food options may be available, supply pending.

“Harvey’s is an iconic restaurant and location in the Castro,” stated gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who represented the Castro on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. “As a 25-year resident of the neighborhood, I’m heartbroken it’s closing and hope it’ll reopen soon as a new restaurant or bar. My office will be available to the laid off workers to help them obtain unemployment benefits.”

Wiener’s current successor on the board, gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, stated that Harvey’s was “an anchor business and home to countless memories for so many Castro residents.”

“This is a huge loss for the neighborhood and I hope to see a new gay bar or restaurant open there soon,” Mandelman stated. “Rolling back the Castro’s ban on new bars last year was an important step toward helping new queer entrepreneurs gain a foothold in the community, and my office is working on getting in touch with the building’s owner to encourage