History of San Francisco bars and restaurants A-L

HISTORY OF SAN FRANCISCO - HISTORIC SAN FRANCISCO BARS, RESTAURANTS & HOTELS

SAN FRANCISCO TIME MACHINES - (A-L)

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Brennan's Restaurant, 720 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94710 (510) 841-0960

since 1959

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I found this place just by driving by (well sort of - it's hidden under a bridge when you come off the freeway and I just happened to be looking down!). Very well preserved old place with excellent food at very low prices. In the center of this large building is a bar as well. Looks to be quite a Berkeley institution. It's a two for one time machine, with Spenger's being practically next door.

Clift Hotel (Redwood Room Lounge), 495 Geary St., San Francisco, CA 415-775-4700

Ten years or so ago, when I last visited this place (the Redwood Room Lounge), it was the best time machine in San Francisco. Completely pristine art deco that rivaled the Musso and Frank's Grill in Los Angeles, the Merchant's Cafe in Seattle, and Werner's in Baltimore. I didn't bother to check it out on my recent trip because I could tell from the website for the hotel that it had been substantially remodeled. It looks like a very nice upscale place and it may still have much of the original interior. But I was too disappointed to be motivated to check it out. The strange human desire to try to improve on what is already perfect.

Not far from Original Joes, the House of Shields, the Palace Hotel, the Tonga Room in the Fairmont Hotel, Jack's Grill, Sam's Grill, Sears Fine Foods, Tadich Grill, Schroeder's German Restaurant.

Gold Dust Lounge, 247 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102-2205 (415) 397-1695

since 1933

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Really well preserved, unique bar. Friendly locals. Good music being played. One patron told me there was once a hole in the wall with a poll, where ladies of ill repute would slide down from a bordello above. Don't know if it's true, but it certainly makes the place interesting.

Close to Lefty O'Doul's, Sears Fine Foods and the St. Francis Hotel and Union Square.

Fairmont Hotel and Tonga Room, 950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 415 772-5000

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Tonga Room: T T T T T

This classic California luxury hotel is perched on top of a hill overlooking all of San Francisco (hiking up the hill is a good way to work off a big meal from one of the classic restaurants below) I would not recommend anyone with health problems making the hike, it's really steep. The hotel is in great shape with much of its original pre-art deco interior. The biggest draw here is the classic Tiki restaurant "the Tonga" room. This is one of the last un-remodeled original Tiki restaurants in California and certainly the most elaborate. The Tonga room has a "lake" in the middle (that in a former life was the hotel's pool). There are thunder storms and rain showers periodically. The restaurant is not inexpensive, but well worth the price and experience. Parking on top of the hill can be incredibly expensive, so it's best to look for cheaper lots half way up the hill (in the $10-15 range if you are lucky). Unfortunately, on my first visit the Tonga Room was closed (but I got some exterior shots). When I returned and entered the restaurant - I had forgotten my camera - so I don't have shots of the lavish interior of the restaurant. You have to see it to believe it in any event.

Not far from Original Joes, the House of Shields, the Palace Hotel, Jack's Grill, Sam's Grill, Sears Fine Foods, Tadich Grill, Schroeder's German Restaurant.

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA -

A must see attraction, including the nearby bay tour. Obviously, cities like San Francisco that are surrounded by water have a wonderful feel about them that needs to be experienced in places like Fisherman's Wharf (i.e. near the water!!!). Best bet for parking seems to be the validated parking on Taylor Street that is validated by most of the restaurants pictured and good for three hours.

There are a wealth of Time Machines at Fisherman's Wharf. All seem to be somewhat remodeled to completely remodeled. I only had time to eat at Sabella & La Torre,

2809 Taylor Street, San Francisco, CA 94133 (415) 673-2824 (since 1927) T T . Great food, good prices, cheerful service. Sabella & La Torre is pictured below:

Here are pictures of other Fisherman's Wharf time machine restaurants, mostly on Taylor St. (that will have to await another visit!):

Heinold's First & Last Chance, 56 Jack London Sq., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 839-6761

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Talk about an incredible bar. This place alone justifies a trip into Oakland. One of the best preserved saloons I have ever seen (even with original tables where Jack London would sit and write) and full of important Jack London history. One of the great quirks of the bar is that it sits at about a 30 degree angle. Anymore and the beers would roll off the bar. This was caused by the floor sinking after the 1906 earthquake. Thank goodness they never repaired it. Small place, but at least ambiance wise this has got to be one of the world's best bars. There is also a reconstructed Jack London Alaskan cabin next door and a nice tourist embarcadero type area built around it (Jack London Square). Ya just gotta see this place. No food is served here, but I would recommend eating in a really nice nearby Korean Restaurant (that you might think is Japanese from the name and appearance) - Hahn's Hibachi. You can go to the nearby Barnes & Noble to buy some Jack London books (my all time favorite is "The Sea-Wolf").

House of Shields, 39 New Montgomery San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 495-5436.

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This is truly an incredible bar in absolutely pristine original shape. Thank goodness someone had the common sense not to try to remodel it. Looking at the magnificence of this place, one can realize how much we have lost in our modern plastic culture. Incredible wooden back bar and old booths. Beautiful tiled floor. The very friendly bartender that day was nice enough to provide my parents and I with hot tea, even though it wasn't on the menu. She told me that the bar was a "dry bar" during prohibition, with an illegal speakeasy hidden below for those who wanted to wet their whistle. As far as an original beautiful interior, this is one of the best bars I've ever seen. The bar was originally restricted to men only in the bad old days!

Jack's Grill, 615 Sacramento St., San Francisco, CA 415-693-0941 since 1864

Didn't make it over here on my recent trip. This is obviously a very historic restaurant, although my memory of it from 10 years ago is that the interior was only mildly interesting. There have been waiters here who have put in 40 years in the place.

Not far from Original Joes, the Clift Hotel, the House of Shields, the Palace Hotel, Sam's Grill, the Tonga Room in the Fairmont Hotel, Sears Fine Foods, Tadich Grill, Schroeder's German Restaurant.

John's Grill, 63 Ellis St., San Francisco, CA 415-986-0069 since 1908

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This Dashiell Hammett old haunt is in perfect shape, and thankfully still very popular. It was mentioned in Hammett's novel - the Maltese Falcon. Ironically, the restaurant is now the center of a real detective mystery, as the copy of the Maltese Falcon prop from the movie, as well as many Dashiell Hammett first editions were recently stolen from the restaurant by a callous SOB. Hope the items are recovered. Like all old San Francisco restaurants, this place has great sour dough bread and clam chowder. Lot's of original dark wood and furnishings, and an attentive and friendly staff. A San Francisco must see.

Not far from Original Joes, the Clift Hotel, the House of Shields, the Palace Hotel, Jack's Grill, Sam's Grill, Sears Fine Foods, Tadich Grill, Schroeder's German Restaurant.

Lefty O'Doul's, 333 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 982-8900

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Nice, friendly place. Similar to Brennan's. Kind of a neatened up version of Cole's in Los Angeles. One side is the bar, the other side is to take your tray and order food. My great grandmother, May O'Hennessy would have approved of the place!