Bodega SF and downstairs Felix granted conditional POE amid resident complaints about crowd noise

The Entertainment Commission on April 1 conditionally approved a Place of Entertainment permit for Bodega SF and its downstairs speakeasy, The Felix, at 138 Mason Street. Owner Matthew Ho described the restaurant and the Felix entertainment programming, which currently focuses on DJ sets and occasional live jazz.

Deputy Director Caitlin Acevedo reported that the applicant conducted neighborhood outreach with no opposition, submitted a landlord letter of approval, and received no added conditions from SFPD Tenderloin Station. Staff’s packet noted the Felix will host entertainment (Thursday–Saturday) and requested outdoor amplified sound daily from noon to 10 p.m., not to exceed six hours per day.

Public comment included a detailed account from a resident, Misha, who said she lives two floors above the Felix entrance and described repeated weekend noise, crowding on sidewalks, staff behavior that impeded residents and littering of drink glasses near the apartment entry. Misha said the venue’s only visible signage was a neon cat and that she only learned of the business link from a letter taped to her door.

Commissioners urged staff and the applicant to follow up directly with the resident. Acevedo offered to facilitate contact, and the owner said he and his security vendor monitor crowds and that the Felix has outsourced, insured security. Commissioners noted that approval will place the business under the commission’s oversight so staff can respond to additional complaints and enforce conditions.

A motion to approve with staff recommendations passed unanimously: Commissioner Laura Thomas, Commissioner Perez, Commissioner Poggio and Commissioner Schlander voted aye. The owner will follow up with Deputy Director Acevedo to finalize permit details and complaint procedures.