Toronado blowing down wall

Though, at the right time of day, it can be a cozy, quiet, craft beer-equipped respite from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, at peak business hours, Toronado San Diego (4026 30th Street, North Park) is one of the most crowded local bars of its kind. Like any watering hole, the wall-to-wall jovial imbiber thing can be lots of fun, but there’s something to be said for having a little room to roam. With any luck, Toro will provide its droves of patrons some much needed space by summer.

Owner Ian Black plans to knock down the portion of the north wall between the entrance and the bar. This will allow Toronado to build more room for thirsty customers to congregate by building into the space next door. Black reports enough seating for about 20 people, including a bar lining the wall much like the original Toronado in San Francisco’s Lower Haight neighborhood.

Expanding into the former site of Auntie Helen’s Thrift Shop will also provide additional cold storage space. This will definitely equate to an increased bottled beer inventory and may also provide the basis for more taps. All that remains for the project to move forward is for some final hurdles to be cleared with the appropriate permitting agencies.