New bar, Loretta, coming to downtown Menlo Park on January 15

The long-awaited — and most anticipated — bar Loretta will officially make its debut in downtown Menlo Park on January 15 with a 4:00 pm opening. The bar is adjacent to Bistro Vida.

We talked with owner Ali El Safy a few days ago, and he explained that part of the delay was the much longer time it took from going from a retail establishment license (the former Harvest furniture store) to bar/restaurant license. There was also a wait for the furniture to arrive.

Ali did most of the design of the stunning new space himself, assisted by Christy Prego.

As long time locals know, Loretta is the former site of Magoo’s Pizza Parlor where the Warlocks — which eventually changed their name to the Grateful Dead — played its first gig.

As homage, Ali said Wednesday evenings will feature Grateful Dead music.

Want a great Dead history? Read this post by Corry Arnold.

Photo of Ali El Safy at Loretta by Linda Hubbard (c) 2025