Photos by FL Morris / fmorris@staradvertiser.com

Downbeat Diner co-owners Josh86 and Serena Hashimoto at their new diner in Chinatown next to Manifest on Hotel Street.

BY JASON GENEGABUS / jason@staradvertiser.com

Ask just about anyone who knows local indie rock power couple Serena Hashimoto and Josh86 what kind of business they could see the duo opening, and a diner would probably not be a very popular response.

Yet that’s what Josh86, longtime event promoter and member of the bands Black Square and the 86List, and Hashimoto, his business manager (nope, the two aren’t that type of couple), have gotten themselves into.

“Ever since I was 14 years old, I’ve worked in restaurants,” he said last week while sitting in a booth at Downbeat Diner, which was previously known as Saigon Bistro before the pair remodeled the space from top to bottom. “I’ve done coffee house management and bakery management … it’s always been my day job. I’m just more known for the music side.”

For Hashimoto, it was all about having a place “where you could come and eat and hang out,” with quality food on the menu and wait service to match.

“I think we’re really filling a niche instead of competing,” she said, noting there is no other option for food in the immediate vicinity after 2 a.m. “We’re providing an actual service for the bar workers, too, after they get off for the night.

“The big thing for us is there are vegan options for everything … we see our concept as being similar to Whole Foods and what they’re doing. We’ll have something for everybody, and it’s going to be high quality … no matter what your food restrictions are.”

The menu at Downbeat Diner is pretty simple: burgers and sandwiches, plus a variety of breakfast items, served all day — and nearly all night, too. A variety of desserts are also available, including slices of Josh86′s old friend Otto’s famous cheesecake.

“We have a different thing we’re doing,” said Josh86. “We’re using local and organic when we can. It’s not the traditional greasy spoon.”

Erica Westly, left, and Cuyler Yogi talk story at the bar inside Downbeat Diner.

Following a soft opening last month on New Year’s Eve, Downbeat Diner will celebrate its grand opening Feb. 11. After that, it’s all about getting to know their new neighbors and figuring out the best ways to take care of their late-night munchies.

“I think for the first year, the goal is to get the scene and the community to know that we’re here,” Josh86 said. “We’re pretty confident, being right in the middle of about a dozen bars and clubs. And now that more and more people are coming down here, people are changing their attitude about Chinatown.

“We’ve seen the slow transition, and I think it’s going to continue.”

Downbeat Diner & Lounge

Open 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
42 N. Hotel St.
533-2328
www.downbeatdiner.com