Best stuck-in-the-past restaurants?

[Shane Greenwood]

I'm looking for more restaurants that have a stuck in the past feel. Places where the waiters might still do table side caesar salad, bartenders make a perfect martini in a proper glass, menus have a distinct meat and potatoes flair, decor fits in more with 1958 than 2008. Finding old restaurants is easy, but which ones have the better food? So far we've enjoyed:

Marin Joe's
Tadich
Capp's Corner
Balboa Cafe

[Carrie 218]

You must go to Sam's and request a booth in the back. Very, very retro and great food (I like it better than Tadich).

Another restaurant that is REALLY stuck in the past is La Bergerie. A review of mine from two years ago:

"The decor is almost surreal; painted leather shields adorn the walls amidst low ceilings and heavy, dark pillars, pink tablecloths with candlelight and roses adorn the tables. Ceramic cherubs look down upon diners from unassuming locales and a very amateurish painting of Provence shows age from water drips from the ceiling and cracked paint. Too much of the upholstered banquets have been taped from wear. Again, all circa 1976.

Then came the food... We started with escargot which was served appropriately in the shells with clamps and the even-rarer long, two-pronged fork. With the restaurant's warm, crusty bread, we made short order of the snails. Then came a split pea cream soup. Not overly thick the way so many pea soups are, this was creamy, smooth, and elegant with an undercurrent of fresh sage. To our surprise, a salad came next; fresh butter lettuce with a perfectly light, creamy dressing. I can't remember the last time a restaurant served a soup AND salad course along with an entree that cost less than $20!

The entrees? BF ordered Duck a l'Orange and I, a roasted rabbit. Accompanying sides were fresh haricot verts (a tad overcooked), a sweet potato puree (excellent!), and a savory rice with the duck and a potato gratin with the rabbit. Being too full to stay for the complimentary ice cream, we opted to take home a creme caramel that I still enjoying, bite by bite. In tasting the food, it TASTED the way I remember "fancy" French food tasting in the 1970s. Eating the left-overs today, BF suggested that MSG (remember, Accent?) is being used which may give it its 70s flavor. It was wholesome, hearty, and savory. It was not cutting edge. It was not haute cuisine. It was surreal and enjoyable.

As it happens, the restaurant has been open for over 40 years. Ten years ago, two Cambodian brothers purchased it (which may explain why, in a room of a dozen people, we were the only non-Asians). There were only Asian people in the kitchen and on the service floor. Yes, the room and building itself is showing its age. But the service was impeccable and the entire experience memorable. So, two entrees in the $20 range, an hors d'oeuvre, the most expensive bottle of wine on their list (a du Pape for $42), a dessert and tip put us back a little more than $100. Pretty cool in my book. I like retro-eating and look forward to similar dining experiences, when I can find them!"

[Calvinist]

Thanks for the tip. When I was working over there I was always intrigued by La Bergerie but never had the opportunity to try it.

[Shane Greenwood]

I completely forgot about Sam's. I always duck into the alley and head to B44 or Plouf when I'm around there. Sam's is spot on for this kind of place. I was impressed to see they still have liver & onions on the menu. Thanks for the tip.

By the way, does anyone have a comment on the sweetbreads at Sam's? They have a few different preparations listed on the online menu. Are they good?

[susancinsf]

I don't know if they do a table-side caesar, but Alfred's works for steak and the perfect martini, as well as the right vibe...

[kresge86]

I second the Alfred's recommendation. FYI - They used to, but no longer, do a table-side caesar. Harris' is another good "stuck in the past" steak choice.

Other fun options - Marcello's Italian, Tia Margarita, and Westlake Joe's.

[Calvinist]

Anyone been to Marcello's? I served on a jury with the owner. Wanted to check it out but haven't gotten around to it.

[DavidT]

I was at Marcello's several years ago. It was pretty good, but I would go with the Gold Mirror (Taraval@18th Ave.) as having a purer old-school vibe.

[kresge86]

I ate at Marcello's about a year ago. Went early and found ourselves surrounded by the blue-haired set. Totally surreal experience, but the food was pretty darn good. As I recall the drinks were only so-so. Alfred's bar/bartender is far superior, but Marcello's is still fun.

[Robert Lauriston]

Tommaso's makes some of my favorite pizza in the area.

Generally the food at Schroeder's is so-so, but the free meatballs they serve at happy hour (Thursdays & Fridays 5-7, rotating with mediocre fries and chicken) are great. Some more recommendations:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/3352...

[DavidT]

Try the Gold Mirror on Traval@18th Ave. for old-school Ital-American. Definitely closer to 1958 than 2008 there!

Joe's of Westlake on John Daly Blvd. in Daly City is another go to old-school joint. Stick with the grilled meats & fish!

[Cheesy Oysters]

Hey I love Casa Orinda for fried chicken, pasta with chicken livers and great cocktails. Familly always rave about the veal dishes. The don't do table side Caesar salad. They have a pretty classic supper club menu.

I was considering posting a review of the Dead Fish in Crockett but I think I'll just tag it along to this post. A friend had recommended the place and we were heading back home from Tahoe so we decided to check it out. I didn't realize that it was a throw back kind of place. Good cocktails and soups but everything else wasn't quite as good as we were hoping so I don't think we will be back even thought it is very convenient when you are on 80 and looking for something good.

Once again, can only seem to add a link to one place!

[Robert Lauriston]

Dead Fish is a corporate place, same company that has Boboquivari's, Calzone's, the Crab House, the Franciscan, and Strinking Rose in SF. It's not really stuck in the past, as it opened in 2004. It was previously Vera's Villa Valona.

Nantucket is the same general idea, similar view, but family-owned and cheaper. Very old-school menu (cioppino, fried seafood) and vibe.

[Cheesy Oysters]

Thanks for the clarification. I thought it was a newer place too but after going there, it just seemed like an old style place. Maybe we'll check out Nantucket next time. Thanks

[benjieats]

I checked out the fried chicken on a recommendation and thought it was pretty darn good. The price kept me from going back. It is a cool place, though.

[mpalmer6c]

For a 1938 feel, Original Joe's.

[Robert Lauriston]

Original Joe's is currently closed due to a fire.

[whiner]

I have no recollection of life prior to the early 80's. But House of Prime Rib *might* fit your bill?

[hill food]

drinks only - Cafe Tosca on Columbus below B'way. and Persian aub Zam Zam on Haight near Clayton I know, not the same without Bruno, RIPIR (Rest in Peace in Reno)

[Giselle]

Bertolucci's in South SF, Iron Gate in Belmont, Bella Vista in Woodside

[orezscu]

Those are three great mid-peninsula suggestions. Anywhere the Iron Gate is mentioned, one must also consider mentioning The Vans, also in Belmont, and for Chinese food (and decor) that hasn't changed in 30 years, Hong Kong Restaurant on Ralston. For a stuck-in-the-past breakfast and interior, try Millbrae Pancake House on El Camino.

[Shane Greenwood]

I forgot about The Vans, how's the food there?

[steve h.]

i have to stick up for tadich.
been going there for some time. always sit at the bar for a late (after 2 p.m.) lunch. my martinis are always poured into those crummy little glasses and my dozen oysters are always crammed onto the same plate they serve six. they are not about to change anything for me.
still, i'm treated pretty well and continue to go back. i wear a sport coat out of respect. there is no dress code.

[Truffle Dog]

For American-style stuck-in-the-past, I like House of Prime Rib.

For continental-style stuck-in-the-past, I like Jeanty at Jack's. I also like Chapeau! and I feel it fits into this category, but I have not been their since they bought Clementine so I would caution you to look for recent reports before visiting on my recommendation.

[SteveG]

Jeanty at Jack's is a half-decade old outpost of Bistro Jeanty in Yountville, itself probably only a decade old. The location for Jeanty at Jack's used to be Jack's restaurant, which opened at that location in 1864 and the current building was built in 1907.

[asianstamp]

Unfortunately, Jeanty at Jack's closed up shop earlier this month. That's sad too since I really enjoyed my DAT meal there earlier this year!

[ML8000]

Howard's at 9th and Irving. Bad 60's/70's mish-mash. Still the food is very good for what it is, diner food.

[Paul H]

My nomination for this award category is the Hayes Street Grill

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/28958

[SFDude]

House of Prime Rib is definitely the place to go. The meat trolley is a sight to behold and all of the sides (salads, yorkshire pudding etc.) are classics. In addition, the food is quite good and the service professional. I haven't been there in several years but there is no reason it should have changed.

The low end altnernative is the Palace Steak House in the Mission (Right off of Army Street). The decor is dumpy in a classic way and the service is friendly. Food is only OK but very inexpensive. I would recomend bringing your own wine ($5 corkage) unless you really like 2 Buck Chuck knock-offs.

[Janet]

Tommy Toy's is very hands on. Food comes out on a cart with candles, several servers per table, some food prepared at the table, wait staff in black suits, very formal and great food. The tasting menu is wonderful.

We felt we were back in the 50's.

[saffrongold]

IMO food at Palace Steak House is inedible. Baked potatoes taste like the aluminum foil they are baked in (or possibly microwaved and wrapped later) Steak is a cut of beef that is unrecognizable.

[Sharuf]

Celias in San Rafael will take you back. It's a classic Cal-Mex place with all the familiar gringo-friendly menu items. The place was created about 50 years ago and it shows - it even has a (no longer smoky) cocktail lounge. There's plenty of Mexican kitsch on the walls.

Their enchilada sauce, refried beans, and tortillas are especially good.

[Junie D]

Buttercream Bakery in Napa. 50's diner food.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/536588

http://www.buttercreambakery.com/50_y...

[anyhow]

Palo Alto Creamery (until recently, Peninsula Creamery) has earned that '50s American diner feel. I prefer the downtown PA original to the Stanford Shopping Center "retro-like" environment, though the menu is shared by both locations.

Possibly the best onion rings and milk shakes in the Bay Area. Wide range of decades-proved breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites that have always been made with premium ingredients and served with personality.

If you're willing to trade the table-side prep and martinis for a classic jukebox and a bakery counter to buy luscious pies ... drop in. You are going to feel welcome.

566 Emerson Street, Palo Alto. [phone]

[Sharuf]

Aaahh, the Peninsula Creamery. Fond memories of slurping up their milkshakes. They give you the entire blender container.

[redchair]

Alfred's is the spot. They might no longer do table-side Caesars, but they do offer at least one dessert that is in fire. Nothing like a a flaming, alcohol-soaked dessert to follow your martini and steak as you sit in a red leather(ette?) booth with your date.

[sugam]

Dont forget Bix, a beautiful spot, great drinks tucked away on a mystery alley :)

[DavidT]

Bix is a place that tries to be a retro-look place, but has only been in business 15-20 years (I think). Most of the places recommended here so far were in business in 1958. Bix certainly was not.

[Robert Lauriston]

Bix opened in 1988. The space was previously occupied by a bar called the Assay Office. During the gold rush, it was an actual assay office.

[wew]

Hayes Street Grill is now 30

[Shane Greenwood]

The Big 4 Restaurant in the lobby of the Huntington Hotel fits into this category too. It has a more upscale feel with an old money atmosphere. Bar area is dark wood, cozy, piano player, and small bistro tables. This is the kind of place where the waiters are still wearing ties and the host offers to take the ladies' coats. Menu is a mix of old standards and newer fusions. Gloria Ciccarone-Nehls is the chef.

I'd recommend this place for a dressier night out and when you want a quieter restaurant experience.

[Robert Lauriston]

The Big 4 is definitely not stuck in the past. It opened in 1976, if I remember correctly the space was offices before that. The decor and style of service may be retro, but the menu is mostly California / New American plus a few comfort foods like pot roast that would never have been served in the kind of old-school restaurant the Big 4 is intended to evoke.

http://www.big4restaurant.com/pdf/Big...

[Mick Ruthven]

Nick's at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica is a 50's throwback (don't know the actual date) that's still very popular. It's in the Sea Breeze motel right at the water's edge. I've been for lunch a few times and love their crab sandwich.

http://ruthvenphotos.com/newyearsevel...

[NoeMan]

Reviving this old thread.......

Val's in Daly City (chilled plate iceberg wedge salad), Caesar's in North Beach (classic multi-course meals with waiters with 40+ years' service), Bullshead in West Portal (looks like the old west; great buffalo meat), The Old Clamhouse on Bayshore (cioppino).

Also love and second Nick's Rockaway.

[glbtrtr]

Iron Gate in Belmont - table side, flaming chafing dish favorites from wilted spinach salad, steak diane and cherries jubliee with polished, black tie waiters.

[Ruth Lafler]

Francesco's in Oakland -- old-school Italian for 40 years. I just took a look at their menu, and they have both Caeser salad and spinach salad prepared tableside. It's near the Coliseum, so your chances of spotting a sports figure of some sort are good when the teams are in town.

[tomatoaday]

Many years ago, I used to really like Francesco's and found them to be a reliable Joe's type place but after moving back to the East Bay a few years back, I ate there twice and both times was awful. Chicken liver omlette once, an osso bucco special the other. Has anyone been there in the last year with a more recent , and hopefully better, experience?

[casalbore spirit]

Ugh!Francesco's is the worst example of old school or any style Italian food.Unhealthy,heavy ,no flavor.My Mom descends from Casalbore,Italy.I would take any other Italian food offering in the bay area from old school to present style...wood fired pizzas,fresh al dente pastas to my Mom's delicate homemade manicotti and more over this place ever.

[Shane Greenwood]

Which places would you go Casalbore Spirit?

[casalbore spirit]

Retro and kinda corny places I like in Oakland are The Fat Lady and Italian Colors.It's not outstanding food but tasty.The type of restaurant described in the first post ,to me,exists more in Brooklyn NY or Hoboken NJ than in the Bay Area.I can't remember the last time I've seen a caesar salad prepared tableside anywhere.

[Robert Lauriston]

I haven't seen a Caesar prepared tableside recently, but I've read a few reviews of local places that do it.

[pininex]

The Spinnaker in Sausalito still does it tableside.

[Chuckles the Clone]

I haven't been in five or six years or so, but Le Virage in Walnut Creek did a bunch of extravagantly overexuberant tableside preparations including Caesar salad as well as steak tartare.

There are only a couple of old mentions of the place here on CH and they're not exactly complimentary. My experience was much better but I can see how people might have issues. Still, in the context of this thread stepping inside from a bright hot Walnut Creek sidewalk is like taking an elevator to Lyon in 1963. I imagine.

Google street view suggests it's still there:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&s...

[Moroccanmama]

I used to like going to a place in the alley east of Kearny in the Financial District - Red leather, dark, very East-Coast kinda place with a bartender who knew how to make a mean martini. Can't recall name - is it still running?

[Robert Lauriston]

Sounds like Alfred's. It's only been there (former Blue Fox) since 1997, but they recreated the style of the original location on Broadway.

[Steve Green]

There also was a place just off Kearny on Maiden Lane that meets that description -- I think it was called The Iron Door or The Brass-Something-or-Other.

[larochelle]

I think you mean Iron Horse but its west of Kearny.

[Steve Green]

larochelle, you're right, it was the Iron Horse. According to the "Y" site, the address was 19 Maiden Lane. Just off Kearny (yes, west of Kearn)y, since Maiden Lane only runs from Kearny to Stockton).

[Robert Lauriston]

I think that's now the Otis Lounge, which is a pretty nice spot, though more or less at the opposite end of the spectrum.

[dhoffman1421]

This thread is like a trip down memory lane, I love a lot of the places listed. I didn't see Duarte's mentioned. In old Pescadero, great Cioppino and Ollalaberry pie!

[keg]

Here, here for Duarte (doo arts).

Tomasso's isn't stuck in the past. They got it right the first time.

[saffrongold]

I miss Vanessi's .

[casalbore spirit]

Casa Orinda is another throwback restaurant that does martinis,manhattans and various highballs.Meat and potatoes menu and known for their fried chicken.Decent food.Wait staff in traditional wait staff uniforms.Older clientele.

[Civil Bear]

Bills Place still does good burges and shakes on Clement. And there is always the Thursday Special lamb shanks at Tommy's Joynt.

[annabana]

Because my husband loves it, we had dinner at the Spinnaker in Saus. recently and it is really old school. The views (floor to ceiling windows encase more than two thirds of the place) are of course world class, especially when the sail boats come in or the full moon rises over Angel Island. The food, not so much, though if you order carefully its ok. If you don't want to commit fully, sit in the bar/lounge order from that menu and enjoy the same view.

[Robert Lauriston]

Horizons in Sausalito hasn't changed much since it was the Trident, the decor's still stuck in the 60s. The kitchen has kept up with the times, the food's pretty good.

Nostalgia site:

http://www.tridentrestaurant.com

[vivian]

My vote also goes to Iron Gate in Belmont. They have various table -side preps and flaming dishes. You might want to dress up just a bit. BTW, The Accorn left Menlo Park some time ago and hasn't been seen since. Its decline had been sad to witness.

[foodeye]

Anyone else miss Grisson's on Van Ness? Classic red-booth steakhouse, with a dim cocktail lounge and lots of gracious table-side preparations.

Does anyone know where to get a Steak Dianne these days?

[Robert Lauriston]

Grison's Steak & Chop House turned into Harris', which was a very retro place when it opened in 1984, and hasn't changed much since. They still have Steak Diane on the menu:

http://www.harrisrestaurant.com/menus...

[wolfe]

The Cheesecake Factory at Macy's has it on their menu. If you have friends in high places perhaps at certain senator's house in Pacific Heights.