Tenderloin Buzz: Theatrical matcha, a bookselling cat, and more

Niebla Librería, a Spanish-language bookstore, plans to open in January with a collection focused on original writing from Latin America, as well as works in translation.

After some time hosting pop-up shops, Niebla will settle in at 374 Golden Gate Ave. They have four booksellers, one of whom is a cat named Fausto.

Thai mainstay and boat-noodle haven Zen Yai has moved, but we’re all grateful it didn’t go far. The restaurant vacated its 771 Ellis St. location in late October, and just traveled up to the next block at 925 O’Farrell St.

After nearly 20 years at Ellis and Polk, owner Suriya Suksamran said the abandoned Civic Center Inn across the street began drawing open-air drug use and lawlessness to the point where it discouraged his regular customers from coming. When the landlord didn’t renew his lease, Suksamran took the opportunity to move to a space he is more optimistic about. He said he feels a “huge difference” already. 

We reported in October that Supervisor Bilal Mahmood was seeking to create a violence-prevention program for the Tenderloin. Things have moved fast since then: A program is launching in January in collaboration with United Playaz, which has stepped in to bring some of its SoMa youth and anti-violence programs to the neighborhood.

The first priority is a clubhouse-like location for young people to gather outside of school. United Playaz founder Rudy Corpuz said they’re working with neighborhood youth to “find a location where they feel comfortable and content.” Stay tuned. 

We love First Thursdays in the Tenderloin. This month it features a holiday market with crafts, art … and matcha. The cast of Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, an interactive theater piece that has been in residence at 835 Larkin St., is hosting the market, with the kitchen running a matcha bar so you can be immersed in history while you shop and sip. 

Details: Thursday December 4, 2025, 6 to 9 p.m. at 835 Larkin St. More info here.

Also this week: a soccer kickoff tournament will officially open the new Elm Alley mini soccer pitch at Golden Gate and Van Ness avenues. Four kids’ games from 2nd grade through high school levels will take place through the day on Saturday, with adults playing the “showcase game” at 1 p.m. If you want to get involved and help out, they’re accepting volunteers to help set up, manage the scoreboard, and cheer wildly. 

Details: Saturday December 6, 2025, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 600 Van Ness Ave. More info here.