North Beach Carol Doda Mural to Be Revived

After beloved tribute to legendary topless dancer is removed, artist plans to create an even bigger and better mural in the heart of the neighborhood.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A mural honoring Carol Doda, the iconic topless dancer who performed at North Beach's Condor Club in the 1960s and 70s, was recently painted over on the side of a local wine bar. The artist, Natalie Gabriel, was heartbroken to see her tribute to the neighborhood legend erased, but is now working with the community to create an even larger and more prominent mural to celebrate Doda's legacy.

Why it matters

The loss of the Carol Doda mural has hit the North Beach community hard, as it served as an important reminder of the neighborhood's vibrant history and cultural significance. As the city continues to evolve, preserving tributes to iconic figures like Doda helps maintain a sense of identity and storytelling that is crucial for long-time residents.

The details

Gabriel's original mural, commissioned by the owners of Bodega wine bar, had graced an exterior wall on Columbus Avenue for the past few years. But the owners recently painted over it, much to the artist's surprise and the dismay of many North Beach locals. Now, Gabriel is working with her friend Anastasia Thanash, whose father co-owned the Condor Club where Doda performed, to raise funds for a new, even larger mural to be placed in a more prominent location in the heart of the neighborhood.

  • The original Carol Doda mural had been on display for the past few years.
  • The mural was recently painted over by the owners of Bodega wine bar.

The players

Natalie Gabriel

The artist who created the original Carol Doda mural and is now working to create a new, larger tribute to the legendary performer.

Lalo Luevano and Paria Sedigh

The owners of Bodega wine bar, who commissioned the original Carol Doda mural but have since painted over it.

Anastasia Thanash

A North Beach resident whose father co-owned the Condor Club where Carol Doda performed, and is now helping Natalie Gabriel raise funds for the new mural.

Carol Doda

The iconic topless dancer who performed at the Condor Club in North Beach during the 1960s and 70s, and is being honored with these murals.

Blandina Farley

A long-time North Beach resident and tour guide who was friends with Carol Doda and has fond memories of her as a feisty survivor and kind, humble entertainer.

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What they’re saying

“I was heartbroken and shocked. Of course, my ego and personal attachment to the mural played into that. But at the end of the day, I'm a public artist. I paint murals on the streets, and my art—and the work of all public artists—is at the disposal of the public. Nothing lasts forever.”

— Natalie Gabriel, Artist (48hills.org)

“It was a shame to see the mural painted over, and not only because Nat is a brilliant artist. The Carol mural was a stunning reminder of our not-so-distant North Beach history. Amongst the constantly homogenizing storefronts, she gave us an opportunity for story-telling and reminiscing. I'd much rather tell visitors about topless dancing and 20th century beauty standards than stare at another boring black wall.”

— Aldea Sullivan, North Beach resident and Beacon coffeehouse employee (48hills.org)

“Carol was an icon, but she didn't see herself that way. She just loved to entertain, clothes on or clothes off.”

— Blandina Farley, Long-time North Beach resident and tour guide (48hills.org)

What’s next

Gabriel and Thanash have set up a GoFundMe to raise $13,000 to cover the costs of creating a new, larger Carol Doda mural in a more prominent location in North Beach, likely on a large parking lot wall near the former Condor Club.

The takeaway

The loss of the Carol Doda mural has sparked an outpouring of community support to preserve the legacy of this iconic North Beach figure. By creating a new, even more prominent tribute, the neighborhood can ensure that Doda's story and the vibrant history of the area continue to be celebrated and shared with residents and visitors alike.