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Outer Sunset Music Venue The Riptide Gutted by Two-Alarm Fire

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The Riptide at night, before the fire (Photo by Beth Leberge/Courtesy of the Riptide)

A two-alarm fire burned a beloved bar and a convenience store next door in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood Tuesday morning, according to fire officials.

The fire started at the Riptide bar at 3639 Taraval St. between 46th and 47th avenues and spread to the Great Highway Market next door. The fire was first reported at 10:15 a.m. and a second alarm was called at 10:27 a.m., fire officials said.

The fire was contained at 11:13 a.m. but there was extensive damage to both buildings — estimated to total $600,000, according to the fire department.

According to reports, the Riptide was gutted in less than 90 minutes. Clouds of black smoke could be seen on streets in the area during the blaze.

No injuries were reported in the fire, according to the fire department. The cause was still under investigation Tuesday afternoon.

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This is tough news for music lovers in the neighborhood, as the Riptide is the only venue to hear live bands and karaoke in the Outer Sunset. Built in 1941, it was also a popular hangout for surfers and local residents; the bar held annual events such as Christmas parties and group “plunges” into the San Francisco Bay.

The Riptide’s owners have vowed to rebuild and have been talking with local musicians about organizing fundraisers in the near future.

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