Loretta, a bar in downtown Menlo Park, is now open

A glass of champagne awaited each patron who stood at the door of Loretta, the new bar in downtown Menlo Park owned by Ali El Safy (shown with men in top hats below) who also owns Bistro Vida next door.

To say it was well received by the locals — who once inside enjoyed drinks with names associated with the Grateful Dead — may be an understatement. The Dead played here when it was Magoo’s Pizza Parlor, and they were called The Warlocks.

The space itself is really lovely with interesting mural-like wall paintings, comfortable booths and bar stools and beautiful fixtures.

“This week and next during the soft opening, Loretta will be open Wednesday to Saturday from 5:00 to 9:00 pm except we are closed tonight [2/4] and tomorrow night [2/5] to regroup,” says Ali.  “We are open on Thursday Friday and Saturday this week. In the future, we will open Tuesday to Saturday from 4:00 to 11:30 pm.”

Photos by Robb Most (c) 2025