The long dining rooms are bedecked in warm woods and leather, with low slung ceilings making it feel like youre deep in the belly of a boat. El Faro was reportedly the first to serve the super burrito, with the addition of sour cream, guacamole and rice, in 1961. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, This photo, which was taken around 1910, showshis grandfather at a Sperry Flour meeting inthe interior of the Old Poodle Dog Cafe, was sent courtesy of John Stutz, President of the Sacramento River Delta Historical Society. Taste of a decade: restaurants, 1810-1820 Between courses: nutburgers & orangeade Subtle savories at Nucleus Nuance Between courses: keep out of restaurants The Automat, an East Coast oasis Good eaters: James Beard Basic fare: waffles Anatomy of a restaurant family: the Downings Taste of a decade: 1950s restaurants Basic fare: pizza Building a tea room empire A black man walked into a restaurant and Who hasnt heard of Maxims in Paris? It is ironic that it made it through Prohibition yet failed just as alcohol was becoming legal once again in 1933. Zim'swas the largest independent, non-franchised restaurant chain in San Francisco for nearly 50years. San Francisco Chronicle Archives/The Chronicle 1880. Hartlaub and columnist Heather Knight co-created the Total SF podcast and event series, engaging with locals to explore and find new ways to celebrate San Francisco and the Bay Area. In the end, theres a classic San Francisco restaurant for every mood, ranging from seafood joints, diners, taquerias, clubby wood-paneled rooms, and anything else a lover of old-school dining could want. Dining underground on Long Island My blogging anniversary Underground dining Odors and aromas Digging for dinner Restaurant as community center The Mister chains Celebrity restaurants: Heres Johnnys Pizza by any other name Womens lunch clubs The long life of El Fenix Pausing to reflect Sugar on the table Famous in its day: Le Pavillon Native American restaurants Restaurant ware An early French restaurant chain Biblical restaurants Thanksgiving dinner at a hotel Dinner and a movie Restaurant murals Dining at the Centennial Restaurant-ing in 1966 Romanian restaurants Nans Kitchens Fish & chips & alligator steaks Appetizer: words, concepts, contents French fried onion rings Hash house lingo The golden age of sandwiches Black Tulsas restaurants They delivered Americas finest restaurant, revisited Tableside theater Bicycling to lunch and dinner Anatomy of a chef: John Dingle Sunny side up? Balboa Caf This quintessential San Francisco haunt has been serving American classics since first opening its doors more than 100 years ago. Vintage Castagnola Fine Sea Food Restaurant Menu San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf. She built Zunis reputation with her burgers, Caesar salad, bloody Marys, and of course, the famous roast chicken for two with bread salad. is completed (1972), and the Embarcadero #2 building is under construction (behind the Alcoa Bldg. Fior dItalia (1886): We found an advertisement for Fior dItalia in The Chronicle right beside one for Tadich Grill. The grandiose building boasted a 200-foot tower topped by an observation deck. Guests here can delight in the breathtaking Sonoma Valley scenery with mountain views and sunsets. In 1916 Joseph returned to a bohemian theme with The Red Paint, a short-lived restaurant on Washington Street that went out of business at the start of Prohibition, stopping the flow of red paint, i.e., wine. Since the beginning the restaurants had a long history of women leaders including founding chef Deborah Madison, Annie Somerville, and current executive chef Katie Reicher, who continues the legacy of showcasing seasonal vegetables grown on nearby farms. Yes, that's a toucan flying around Walnut Creek. Numbers of couples made a quick exit from the back door. Finde more about San Francisco In 1970S at thesalehunt.com Thankfully, some of our classic dining establishments like House of Prime Rib, Swan's Oyster Depot, Tadich Grill and a handful of others survive and thrive. In 1917 a plan to add two stories to the restaurant was abandoned, perhaps because of the looming nationwide ban on the sale of alcohol. The city was at the forefront of fashion, music, and the counterculture movement. Martinez is seated at the far right. The landmark vegetarian restaurant opened in 1979 as part of the SF Zen Center. Spotting the detectives but not knowing who was under surveillance, Blancos manager went from table to table notifying all the guests of the detectives at work. At The Sale Hunt you will find all the information you need for whatever question comes into your mind. The Polk street store also had a confectaurant, as its combination soda fountain + candy counter + bakeshop + restaurant was known. With honest help, he claimed, I would have been worth a half a million of dollars., But the Winns western odyssey wasnt over after leaving San Francisco. In the 1950s it became known as a luxurious restaurant serving mostly traditional French cuisine. No San Francisco carnivore has truly lived before eating a juicy slice of prime rib off the cart in this '50s throwback, where the cocktails come with their own shakers, the salad is spun tableside, and the baked potatoes are always at least 50 percent sour cream. First, there are the true classics. CREATIVE. The artists and illustrators who contributed drawings included some who would become prominent, such as Maynard Dixon, Xavier Martinez, and Gelett Burgess. A restaurant reviewer in 1986 dismissed crepes as forgotten food served only in conservative restaurant markets. The popular and tiny oyster bar has been at its Nob Hill location since 1912. The 1970s San Francisco was beautiful, flamboyant, and alive. Privacy Policy. Others have been reincarnated with a nod to the future, but still hold on to a part of San Francisco's fascinating history. The restaurant, which was founded in 1861, has now fallen into the same hands that own North Beachs Mona Lisa restaurant and theyve smartly left the classic alone, for the most part, keeping all of the familiar favorites on the menu. Nice shot. The Sal Sancimino family has run the place since 1946 with many nods to tradition. California cuisine brought local ingredients to the forefront in the mid-1970s, and San Francisco restaurants became known for taking bold directions. The parklet is a superb setting for outdoor dining but be sure to step inside to get a peek at the iconic red-and-black floors. San Franciscos Magic Pan Creperie led the trend and, after being acquired by Quaker Oats in 1969, spread to cities across the country, with the chain eventually totaling about 112. Castro Oysters, sand dabs, petrale sole, char-broiled sweetbreads with bacon or veal cutlet Milanese. In October 1935 the restaurant reopened as The Music Box, a supper club under the direction of stripper and fan dancer Sally Rand. Another notable feature of the Pine Street murals were two works by a woman, painter and jewelry designer May Mott-Smith. Pictured: The current incarnation of the Cliff House after its 2003 restoration. When she's not working, her favorite things to do are hike in Marin County and take dance classes, especially Samba, Afro-Brazilian and Salsa Rueda, throughout the Bay Area. For just 11 years from 1920 to 1931, it was the coolest place in the city a comfortable restaurant in the former home of a socialite. In 1922 Coppa opened yet another restaurant, at 120 Spring Street, offering old-time dinners, possibly so-called because they were paired with illicit wine. Coppas second Black Cat closed in 1913, after which Joseph and his son Victor launched Neptune Palace, a more commercial cabaret restaurant. (Tom was a newsboy who sold copies of the San Francisco News and San Francisco Call-Bulletin during the 1934 strike). And the house cappuccino, of course. Somehow Levy resurrected the business, getting through the Depression, and then sugar rationing during World War II. It had been partially modernized. The result of our research (which mostly involved polling our colleagues, looking at various SF restaurant rankings on the Internet and re-visiting Chronicle archives) is a series of stories breaking down the most "San Francisco" restaurants into three categories. How close we are to bringing lights back. Wop salad? Forget about the fact that its in touristy Fishermans Wharf. Between courses: mystery food Ode to franchises of yesteryear Chuck wagon-ing Taste of a decade: 1940s restaurants Just cause it looks bad doesnt mean its good The other Delmonicos Between courses: Beard at Lucky Pierres Basic fare: spaghetti Famous in its day: The Maramor Between courses: wheres my butter? Red's was sold in 1990 and again in 2009 to SF native TiffanyPisoni. But before crepes achieved popularity, they were almost unknown in the U.S. Sam's Grill was founded in 1867. Following bankruptcy he started up at a new address, combining the Fountain Head and its Branch into one. Filled with creamed chicken, ratatouille, or strawberries and whipped cream (etc. The 10 Restaurants That Changed San Francisco In the Last 5 Years By Jay Barmann Jun 09, 2014 San Francisco has always been a great eating town. She was the editor of the Sausalito Marin Scope for nearly four years before running two daily news sites, the San Rafael Patch and San Anselmo-Fairfax Patch. The legend goes that the restaurants namesake and original owner was struck and killed by a cable car in 1908. With few buildings intact, its value rose and Coppas landlord raised the rent, leading Coppa to vacate and open another Black Cat on Pine Street in November. It was as though each chosen city had been awarded one of the creperies, usually situated in upscale suburban shopping malls such as St. Louiss Frontenac Plaza or Hartfords West Farms Mall. Jeannette Etheredge took over Tosca Cafe in 1980 and kept her pledge of keeping the bar just the way she found it until 2014, when it was sold toKen Friedman and April Bloomfield of New York in a deal brokered by actor Sean Penn, who used to be a regular at the cafe. It closed in 2003, but it left a lasting legacy: With its large bar area and eclectic menu from chef-owner Gordon Drysdale (featuring fried chicken, Brussels sprout salad and pepperoni pizza) it. You can also e-mail her at jmullins@sfchronicle.com. The first, Owl/Rexall Drugs, was followed by the California-based chain Uncle Johns Pancake House. Here it is served with creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, baked potato and topped with au jus. Among the very first restaurants to open after the catastrophic earthquake and fire of 1906, it made its debut on November 7, 1907 at 859 OFarrell Street. No young-thing to the Mission burrito scene, La Taq has been run by Miguel Jara and his family since 1973. Naturally it classed itself as a French restaurant, French cuisine being synonymous with the good life and the only kind that could command a high price then. On the menu expect San Francisco classics including cioppino, local King salmon, and notoriously strong Manhattans. Jaseng treatment helps bone and nerves to regenerate, by boosting the self-healing power of the body. Its also one of the citys fanciest, as diners are required to remove their shoes before theyre led to low, hand-carved tables. Over the course of months in 1905 the murals were drawn in chalk crayon by artists who frequented the restaurant on Montgomery Street. Oops. He bounced around Maine, Boston, New York City, Albany NY, San Francisco, Virginia City NV, and finally back to New York City where he died in 1881. Golden Gate Park was where many hippies congregated and hung out and there was a lot of nudity as well. The restaurant also has a series of banquet rooms, such as the 'Godfather room,' available to hire. Pie in the skies revolving restaurants Way out coffeehouses Taste of a decade: 1890s restaurants Sweet treats and teddy bears Its not all glamor, is it Mr. Krinkle? But if you go to eat, Bauer was especially impressed with the sole during his visit a few years ago. (It opened in 1916, though its famous beverage didnt come along until 1952, according to the restaurant.). 15 Restaurants That Nail Delivery in San Francisco. Pictured: Tom Sancimino (left), Steve Sancimino and Darin Samuel work the counter. The new owner declared he would rid the chain of its old-lady image, i.e., attract more male customers. He may have briefly tried to make a comeback at his original address, but in 1859 the Fountain Head on Commercial Street and a confectionery run by Eliza Winn were put up for sale. Prohibition in 1919 was indeed a blow to fine dining establishments such as Blancos. That year Blums opened its 2nd company-owned-and-operated store, in San Mateo. She regularly assists with behind-the-scenes breaking news coverage, oversees article packaging, posts to social media and co-manages the SFGATE Instagram and Snapchat accounts. Magic Pans were closing all over, and by the time the 20-year old Magic Pan on Bostons Newbury Street folded in 1993, very few, if any, remained. Expansion began in October 1953 with the opening of an outlet in the Stonestown Mall. It has won a James Beard Award and is not only a SF classic but is considered an American Classic. People regularly wait in line for one of the counters 18 stools. This North Beach establishment was recently reincarnated into a restaurant, earningpraise from the Chronicle's Michael Bauer. The chandeliers and some of the murals were restored, possibly during the late sixties when the building was occupied by the Charles Restaurant. I find this more convincing since Coppa himself was a painter. The names of Coppas regulars are interspersed with those of famous writers such as [Johann Wolfgang] Goethe, [Franois] Villon, and [Guillaume] Apollinaire. There, Mark Winn struck silver, opened a restaurant and confectionery called Winns Fountain Head, Jr., and invested in a hotel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Sal grew up in North Beach, a descendant of Sicilian fisherman. Youll never go wrong with a bowl of clam chowder and a fishwich. Levy brought innovations, switching to machine production of candy in 1949 and, a few years later, introducing a successful 10-cent candy bar for sale in vending machines. Jessica is a member of the Gate's homepage team and has a nerdy obsession with poring over the site's real-time analytics. What are some of San Francisco's truly classic restaurants? A friend visiting San Francisco from Seattle recently had a request that initially sounded simple. Three Italians originally opened Tosca in November 1919. somehow Busy bees Eat and run, please! Something went wrong. This is a carousel. The Irish Coffee at Buena Vista has been made the same way since 1952. There were, cable cars, neon lights lined up the buildings that glow at night, theaters on every block, and the food was served on the streets, crabs, and lobsters were also served on the streets. The 38 Essential Restaurants in San Francisco, 19 Fireplaces to Cozy Up to in San Francisco Restaurants and Bars. He and Piantanida split up, and for a short time Piantanida conducted a restaurant called La Boheme in the space formerly occupied by Coppas. It was known worldwide for hippies and radicals. James Wiseman, leadership genius? The crepes craze, which began in the 1960s, became intense in the 1970s. The skyline was unmarked by the hideous new buildings. (There was a Mannings at Fifth and Market streets in the 1950s and 1960s, a block from The Chronicle building.) A row of stenciled black cats at the original location, by Xavier Martinez, was inspired by Le Chat Noir in Paris, the city where Martinez had studied painting. African-American tea rooms Romantic dinners Flaming swords Theme restaurants: castles Know thy customer Menue [sic] mistakes Waiter, telephone please! Conference-ing Top posts in 2010 Variations on the word restaurant Famous in its day: Buschs Grove Between courses: a Thanksgiving toast Basic fare: French fries Linens and things part II Linens and things part I Menu art Dining in shadows Spotlight on NYC restaurants Laddition: on tipping Taste of a decade: 1870s restaurants He-man menus That glass of water Famous in its day: Tony Fausts Theme restaurants: prisons Laddition: French on the menu, drat it Anatomy of a restaurateur: Romany Marie Between courses: only one? Her nickname Buttsky, which referred to her habit of saving cigarette butts, appears in the hall of fame of names that run beneath the black cats. and Vineyards in Sonoma County has been one of the region's most popular destinations for celebrations since the 1970s. Not only is Greens a California classic, it's a big and. Seattle artist Thom Ross has created a life-size replica of the 1902 photograph depicting Buffalo Bill Cody and his Wild West Show. 2. But things soon turned sour again. : 'Joes Special' (pictured) or 'Joe's Famous Hamburger Sandwich' with fries. Since 1998, this FiDi staple has been spinning roasted meats over open flames. A few more San Francisco classics, still serving: The Old Clam House (1861); Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant (1867); Fly Trap (1883); Schroeder's (1893); Swan Oyster Depot (1906); Liguria. With its hard-to-missneon sign and colorful murals on the busy corner of Van Ness and Geary, Tommys Joynthaslong beenconsidered a gathering place for those in all walks of life. Here the Cliff House is seen with an addition in 1880. Through the years, his children were always helping with the restaurant and today, Sals sons and grandsons now run the spot. In July of that year a Sausalito woman hired detectives to shadow her husband who was enjoying a romantic dinner at Blancos in the company of another woman. Theres no denying Balboa Cafes place in San Francisco history: in its more than 100 years in business this Cow Hollow restaurant and bar has been the venue for countless first dates, celebrations, and, most recently, rowdy nights out for youthful Marina residents. We included tips on what to order as well as fun historical tidbits about many of the establishments, such as the one Janis Joplin lived near or the horrific fate of the original owner of John's Grill. Maybe Alcatraz or the Golden Gate Bridge. As far as his many business schemes went, he never stuck with any of them for long, restaurants included. At a time when America was seen as the world leader in modern ways of living including industrially efficient food production Europe was imagined as a romantically quaint Old World where traditional ways were preserved and many things were still handmade. San Francisco's Newest Restaurant Openings, Now on Resy Rintaro Returns In All Its Glory After Devastating Flood Now on Resy: Snail Bar, Trick Dog, Izzy's, and More Local Favorites Chinatown USA Chinatown USA As Chinatowns have been devastated by the pandemic, it has become essential to share reminders of how much these places matter to all of us. Ernie's was a restaurant in San Francisco, California. Tea at the Mary Louise Restaurant-ing as a civil right Once trendy: tomato juice cocktails Famous in its day: Thompsons Spa The browning of McDonalds Eating, dining, and snacking at the fair A Valentine with soul (food) Down and out in St. Louis Serving the poor For the record The ups and downs of Frank Flower Famous in its day, now infamous: Coon Chicken Inn Nothing but the best, 19th cen. Whether its your first visit to Fishermans Wharf or your first this week, theres no better bayside dining experience to be found in the infamously tourist-clogged destination than Scomas. In 1896, Adolph Sutro, then the Cliff House owner and mayor of SF, built a new Cliff House modeled after a French chateau. Zuni Cafe began in 1979 as a Southwestern-themed restaurant, but became a Cal-cuisine icon under the leadership of the late Judy Rodgers, who entered its kitchen in 1987. The restaurant originated as Cable Oyster Shop, but was burned in the fire after the 1906 earthquake. 18 Cozy Places to Eat and Drink Outside in San Francisco. Yet, despite all, Blancos carried on and was recommended in San Francisco guide books of the 1920s. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. Restaurant history quiz (In)famous in its day: the Nixons chain The checkered life of a chef Catering to the rich and famous Famous in its day: London Chop House Who invented Caesar salad? Legend has it that proprietor Giuseppe Joseph Coppa papered (or painted) his walls a hideous red that offended their esthetic sensibilities, impelling them to mask it with their humorous, nonsensical drawings. fisherman's wharf and restaurants / pier and fishing / fishermans wharf on august 20 . It appears she continued to run the business of making and selling baked goods and confectionery until 1859. 17 Fresh Seafood Restaurants in San Francisco Greens The landmark vegetarian restaurant opened in 1979 as part of the SF Zen Center. Perhaps no longer world famous, it was undoubtedly remembered by Californians who recalled when Blums of San Francisco was a proud name. In the 1970s the restaurant industry and the custom of eating in restaurants grew rapidly. It was located near the notorious Barbary Coast area of the city. [Photo shows the altered restaurant building front, much of it bricked in including the large center window above the door which now supports a sign; the building to the left was Blancos Annex hotel. This photo, which was taken around 1910, shows, his grandfather at a Sperry Flour meeting in, the interior of the Old Poodle Dog Cafe, was sent courtesy of John Stutz, President of the Sacramento, The Old Poodle Dog Hotel and Restaurant, at its new location, 824 Eddy Street. Heres where California reservoir levels stand after this weeks rains. These products developed out of his belief that postwar consumers were unwilling to pay for premium candy. This is not necessarily about the places that are extremely trendy, tourist traps or overhyped. Craving carnitas yet? Its likely the photos were taken for use in an article by Mabel Croft Deering not published until June 1906 in The Critic, but written before Aprils destruction caused Coppas closure. It was a grand adventure for a high school or college French class or club to visit a creperie, watch crepe-making demonstrations, and have lunch. It's still one of the city's most beautiful and delightful rooms to while away an afternoon. 18 Essential Cocktail Bars in San Francisco. At Bush and Belden in the Financial District this is another one of the city's oldest restaurants. Cliff House. When Coppa moved to Pine Street, a new row of cats appeared, but now marching in the opposite direction. The menus got over 100 items, so savvy diners ask the white-jacketed waiters whats good tonight? to make sure they get the kitchens best and brightest. The citys newspapers were effusive about Blancos when it opened, gushing over its Louis XIV entrance hall, marble pillars, murals, and chandeliers. These amazing photos will take you back to the 1970s San Francisco. Because Swans are a symbol of good luck in Denmark. Pizza with Duck Sausage wins quick stardom. Though San Francisco is a city focused on the next big new thing, it's also a place that clings tight to its history, packing its longest-standing restaurants even as buzzier, hotter places come and go. The McGarvey brothers renamed the tiny waterfront spot Reds Java House. Bumbling through the cafeteria line Celebrity restaurants: Evelyn Nesbits tea room The artist dines out Reubens: celebrities and sandwiches Good eaters: students From tap room to tea room Whats in a name? Very few vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco were around until Carlos Santana's wife, Deborah Santana, and her sister Kitsaun, opened Dipti . You can read about several of the awards she earned in these roles on her LinkedIn page. Pictured: Customers peer in at the fresh Dungeness crab that sits on ice at Alioto's restaurant curbside stand at Fisherman's Wharf. All in all, Blancos was a temple of art and beauty destined to become the envy of caterers around the world. 14 Buzzy Coffee Cocktails Around San Francisco and the East Bay, A Guide to Election Day Freebies and Specials in the Bay Area. When you think about San Francisco, you probably envision tech companies filled with optimistic 20-somethings and restaurants with fancy food. Alice Waters opened Chez Panisse in North Berkeley more than 40 years ago, in August 1971. Tweet about your disagreement with this list or just send a cute GIF to Jessica Mullins on Twitter@mullin_around. A few years later they opened another Magic Pan in Ghirardelli Square and Laszlo patented a 10-pan crepe-maker capable of turning out 600 perfectly cooked crepes per hour [pictured here]. By 1947, the business was in good shape, reporting sales of over $3.5M, most of it coming from the Polk Street store, and the rest from sales in department stores and mail orders. As Quaker opened Magic Pans, they invariably received a warm welcome in newspaper food pages. Here's a photo of the exterior, circa 1984. This was in the depths of the Depression when few could afford candy and Blums was close to failing. It. This was taken two months after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. The fate of the restaurant is unknown but it did not achieve fame as he had done in San Francisco [1864 advertisement]. Why Pistons are praising Warriors' Last chance to see: Bay Bridge lights turn off on Sunday, Map shows stunning improvement in California drought, A $200M bike bridge tantalized this Bay Area city. In 1934 the contents of both the restaurant and hotel were sold off, including fine china, silver-plated cutlery, tapestry panels and hangings, 40 copper stock pots, French furniture, bronze statuary, and 140 Viennese arm chairs. list of british army barracks in ireland, fivepoint newhall ranch, what does shaky mean on wild 'n out,