Cliff House

History

The first Cliff House was built in 1863 as a modest restaurant and hotel with an incredible view. The guest register from that time includes the names of several presidents as well as the leading West Coast business leaders of the age, such as William Randolph Hearst and Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford. In 1881, the enterprise was sold to San Francisco millionaire and future mayor, Adolph Sutro. The structure burnt to the ground in 1894.

The second structure was an elaborate Victorian building, cantilevered over the cliff. Designed after a French chateau, the new Cliff House had eight stories, numerous dining and entertainment rooms, and an observation deck two hundred feet above the water. This grandiose building survived the 1906 earthquake, but sadly, succumbed to fire the following year.

The current building was constructed in 1909 by Sutro's daughter. This three-story building was sold in 1952, the two World War taking their toll on the business. The National Park Service acquired it in 1977.

Dining at Cliff House

Today, the Cliff House offers a wide range of dining experiences. Among them are:

• Sutro - Cliff House's fine dining room, Sutro serves lunch and dinner daily. The restaurant features classic California cuisine with lots of fresh local produce in a casually chic setting overlooking the water. Sutro offers an extensive list of California wines to accompany the food.

• Bistro - Bistro is Cliff House's casual eatery. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and are known for their omelets and tasty sandwiches. Though the prices are less, the same spectacular view is still included.

• Champagne Brunch - Each Sunday, Cliff House is the place to be in San Francisco for brunch. The elegant buffet, served in the formal Terrace Room, features made-to-order omelets, French toast, smoked salmon, eggs Benedict, and loads of yummy desserts. The meal is accompanied by unlimited Champagne and classical harp music.

• The Terrace Room - The restaurant's private dining room, the Terrace Room is a lovely spot for a wedding dinner, birthday party, or business meeting. The seaview room can accommodate up to 140 people for a sit-down dinner and up to 170 for a cocktail party. The Terrace Room is also the site of the restaurant's elegant Sunday Champagne Brunch.

Visiting Cliff House

The historic restaurant is easily accessible from all over San Francisco by car, taxi, or by bus by taking Geary Street all the way to the coast. In addition to the multiple dining rooms, the facility has a large gift shop that specializes in quality souvenirs and California artwork as well as historic memorabilia. After dinner, guests can stroll along the cliffs or investigate the ruins of the baths that once accompanied Sutro's hotel.

Guests may make reservations for Sutro's and for the Sunday Champagne brunch by calling the restaurant at 415 386-3330 or by visiting their website.

Contact Information

Cliff House
1090 Point Lobos
San Francisco, CA 94121
415 386-3330