Day 9 - Closing Time

Last night I went to Elbo Room for what I understood was the last sweater funk dance party they would have before they close.

Elbo Room was the first bar I went out in San Francisco. My good friend Amanda had just turned 21, and the two of us were just realizing a whole new side of San Francisco: the 21+ side. I don't think that night was particularly eventful, but I vividly remember the walk from my parent's house to the Mission, our session in the photo booth, and the overall excitement I felt, being out in the city as an adult.

That night was just the first of many fun nights to come at the bar. It became a place where I would bring out of town visitors, go on the occasional date, and have dance parties with my girlfriends. The drinks were always good, and the music was fun. I even appreciated the napkins covered in trivia questions - questions that I would often insist on trying to answer after a few drinks. Although I could never get more than a couple of them right.

Elbo Room has consistently been, for the past 7 years, my only go-to bar; its glowing yellow sign a beacon of good times to be had.

Admittedly, I haven't made my way to the Mission very often lately, and last night was the first time in probably over a year that I went dancing there. I was there again with Amanda, and my good friend Sara. The night, like every other night I've had there, was effortless and fun. Although 7 years later, my knees hurt a little more from the dancing.

While it is sad to see an institution like Elbo Room close its doors, I am grateful for the many good nights that I've had there. Even though the photo booth tragically wasn't working last night, I managed to find the very first photo that was taken there with Amanda, and most recent photo from about a year ago (also with Amanda + Sara).

I apologize in advance for the duck face in the first photo. I was 21 after all...