Third Thursdays at John’s Grill Union Square
Third Thursdays at John’s Grill Union Square
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Thursday, October 16: 5pm – 10pm
John’s Grill’s 2nd FREE “Every Third Thursday” Event Turns Ellis Street Between Powell and Stockton into a Nighttime Block Party
16 October 2025 San Francisco, CA: In a significant step toward revitalizing San Francisco’s urban core,the City and the historic John’s Grill will officially launch the Ellis Street Entertainment Zone on Thursday, October 16 (5 pm to 10pm) with an unforgettable block party.
John’s GrillThe Midway, are teaming up to present the second “Third Thursday Night” on Ellis Street across from Historic John’s Grill. Featured the acclaimed Wax Motif, the evening will be an outdoor celebration for the community with music, food, and culture at its core.
“Union Square is the heart of the City, and John’s Grill is making our pulse beat faster with these exciting and crowd pleasing every Third Thursday celebrations,” said Marisa Rodriguez, of the Union Square Alliance. “Dancing in the streets is once again the norm.”
This time around, the block will host several local small businesses, including San Franpsycho, Made in the City, jooglife studios, Izzy’s Cheesesteak truck, Lobos Ice Cream, and more. There will also be a special art installation by the Academy of Art.
Produced in partnership with John’s Grill, 620 Jones, The Midway, and NPU, the free, all-ages block party will transform the Zero Block of Ellis Street once again into a world-class entertainment zone.
John Konstin, owner of John’s Grill & event producer, is available to be interviewed in front of John’s Grill,
63 Ellis Street (at Powell): Thursday, October 16 (8pm – 10pm)
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Background and Quotes:
“Our Heart of the City executive directive is accelerating downtown’s recovery, and the launch of the Ellis Street Entertainment Zone will continue to drive that comeback,” said Mayor Lurie. “When we stand up entertainment zones and activate our public spaces, we bring energy and vibrancy to our neighborhoods. I’m excited to continue building community, supporting local businesses, and giving downtown the boost it needs with the launch of this entertainment zone.”
Last May, Mayor Lurie signed legislation co-sponsored by District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter, District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, and District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder that designated entertainment zones on Ellis Street, Valencia Street, Pier 39, Folsom Street, and Yerba Buena Lane. These zones are part of the City’s broader strategy to enhance the vibrancy of public space and encourage people to spend more time in San Francisco’s neighborhoods.
“Union Square’s comeback continues with the introduction of the Ellis Street Entertainment Zone,” said District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter. “This new space will allow for more opportunities for our city to gather alongside historic spaces like John’s Grill and see nearby Vacant to Vibrant openings like Dandelion Chocolate, Nooworks, and Al Pastor Pappi. Union Square isn’t just coming back as it used to be; it’s coming back better than ever.”
The Entertainment Zone designation allows for the service and consumption of alcohol from brick-and-mortar restaurants and bars in public spaces, helping local businesses activate San Francisco streets with live music, performances, and outdoor dining. Activations such as Oktoberfest on Front Street, and A Grateful Gathering at Yerba Buena Lane demonstrate how entertainment zones energize streets, increase foot traffic for small businesses, and ensure areas of the city are primed for celebration – ready to meet the moment and welcome people with a uniquely San Francisco experience.
“Partnering with The Midway and NPU means we’re bringing global energy to a local street. My family has been part of San Francisco for over a century through John’s Grill.” said John Konstin Jr., owner of John’s Grill and founder of the Ellis Street Entertainment Zone, “With Ellis Street, we’re taking it further, creating something fresh and bold that speaks to today’s San Francisco and building the next hundred years of culture, music, and nightlife for the city we love. The Ellis Street Entertainment Zone is my way of reimagining what a downtown block can mean: a stage for music, art, and culture that unites generations.”
The launch of the Ellis Street Entertainment Zone follows the successful debut on September 11 of “Afternoons on the Lane”, Maiden Lane’s inaugural entertainment zone event series, delivering on a key initiative of the Mayor’s Heart of the City executive directive to support downtown’s long-term revitalization.
“I applaud John’s Grill for partnering with Goldenvoice and The Midway on what will be an incredible launch of the Ellis Street Entertainment Zone,” said Anne Taupier, Executive Director, Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “We are thrilled to see Union Square benefit from the economic boost generated by the Portola Music Festival. This is exactly the kind of partnership we love to see—bringing together best-in-class live music, culinary excellence, and San Francisco’s unique culture to inspire people to spend more time downtown and in our beautiful city.”
About John’s Grill:
As a San Francisco Legacy Business, John’s Grill has been a culinary staple and gathering spot of Union Square and the greater downtown area throughout its history, serving local and national patrons its menu of classic American, Italian-influenced food.
The American and Italian sit-down restaurant and bar was first opened by Wilfred Girard in 1908 at 63 Ellis Street in the wake of the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. The menu offers traditional steakhouse and seafood items, including steak, lamb chops, clam chowder, pasta, salad, specialty cocktails, and more. The business has been family-owned and operated by the Konstin family since taking over the restaurant from Girard in 1950. John’s Grill is currently owned by John Konstin, Jr.