Bissap Baobab, a Senegalese live-music nightclub and restaurant, is closing its San Francisco location at 2243 Mission St.
The company’s Mission District space, known as “Big Baobab” in the former Lupulandia Brewery, will host its final official night on Sunday, December 28, with a farewell party on Saturday, December 20, according to SFist. Owner Marco Senghor is planning to reopen Bissap Baobab at a new location while holding weekly RSVP-only events called “Baobab Flying Nights” at Muddy Waters Cafe on Valencia Street. Tickets are $35 per person and include Ceebu Jen, pastels, and a Bissap or ginger beverage, with seating limited to 49 guests.
Bissap Baobab has a long history in the Mission District, previously operating at 19th and Mission Streets and Little Baobab at 19th and Capp, as well as a former Oakland location. What Now San Francisco previously reported on this concept, highlighting the opening of Big Baobab and Senghor’s vision to expand his West and North African menu and offer a unique entertainment venue in the neighborhood. Senghor told What Now at the time, “Big Baobab will offer something different, unlike anything in the past.”
The closure comes as sustaining a large space has become financially difficult. Senghor has faced challenges, including immigration issues during the Trump administration, noise complaints, and disputes over liquor licenses at Big Baobab. Despite these obstacles, he emphasized that Bissap Baobab is “NOT done” and described the business as having “rhythm, laughter, dancing, and Mission District magic” over nearly three decades. The Baobab Flying Nights at Muddy Waters will keep the spirit alive while negotiations continue for a permanent location.
The menu at Bissap Baobab has featured Senegalese staples, including Ceebu Jen, pastels, and signature beverages like Bissap and ginger drinks. The weekly events will also offer Afro Wraps, crêpes, and coffee in a Petit Maquis-inspired setting, alongside live DJ music with Makossa, Afrobeats, and Petit Maquis vibes from Cameroon and Gabon.
The Bissap Baobab team shared a message on social media, stating:
“After 28 unforgettable years filled with rhythm, laughter, dancing, and Mission District magic, Bissap Baobab is entering a new chapter. Our last official night at this location will be Sunday, December 28. From now until then, we will keep the party going with all the amazing events we have scheduled on our calendar. Let us be clear: Baobab is NOT done. We are actively looking for a new home. The Baobab bends, but it never breaks. Wherever we land, the drums will follow, and so will the Ceebu Jen. With endless love, rhythm, and gratitude, The Baobab Family, Marco Senghor.”
