The 1600 block of South Street has become much more delicious in the last couple of years as a bevy of new restaurants have joined the South Street West corridor. Tio Flores was the most recent addition, opening a few months back at the corner of 16th & South in a space that was originally eyed by New York-based Calexico. Founding Fathers Sports Bar opened a little over a year ago in the middle of the block, joining byob Entree, brunch spot Miles Table, and pie place Magpie, all of which have only been around for a couple of years. Indian Restaurant, which is exactly what it's called, is located a bit closer to 17th Street and predates all of these places and will soon celebrate its 5th birthday.
Turn back the clock to 2007 and the scene was very different, with only three restaurants on the block. Byob Apamate closed its doors and the space is now home to Major Moment Studio. New South China was operating and still remains in business today. And Ron's Ribs closed in 2010 with the space sitting vacant ever since. Ron's Ribs, of course, had been operating on this block for quite some time and its closing was particularly sad for people who had been enjoying their ribs over the years. Last year, we were pleased to hear that the son of the former operator was working to bring the business back to life. But a couple weeks ago, we passed by the property and noticed it was available for lease.
The 660 sqft space at 1627 South St. is now available for lease, with a monthly rent number of $2,900. According to the listing the space is in shell condition so it would require a bunch of work to make it a usable space. No word on whether the Rons Ribs recipes come with the space, but it would certainly be a great selling point for this space. Assuming another BBQ place eventually opens here, it would be a fine addition to this improving block.