Bohemian San Francisco | Page 8

was
destroyed by fire some fourteen years ago, was the favorite resort of
many of the noted men of the West, and the grill had the distinction of
being the best in San Francisco at that time. The grill of the Old Palace
Hotel was also of highest order, and this was especially true of the
Ladies' Grill which was then, as now, noted for its artistic preparation
of a wondrous variety of good things.
Probably the most unique place of the pioneer and post-pioneer eras
was the Cobweb Palace, at Meiggs's Wharf, run by queer old Abe
Warner. It was a little ramshackle building extending back through two

or three rooms filled with all manner of old curios such as comes from
sailing vessels that go to different parts of the world. These curios were
piled indiscriminately everywhere, and there were boxes and barrels
piled with no regard whatever for regularity. This heterogeneous
conglomeration was covered with years of dust and cobwebs, hence the
name. Around and over these played bears, monkeys, parrots, cats, and
dogs, and whatever sort of bird or animal that could be accommodated
until it had the appearance of a small menagerie. Warner served crab in
various ways and clams. In the rear room, which was reached by a
devious path through the debris, he had a bar where he served the finest
of imported liquors, French brandy, Spanish wines, English ale, all in
the original wood. He served no ordinary liquor of any sort, saying that
if anybody wanted whiskey they could get it at any saloon. He catered
to a class of men who knew good liquors, and his place was a great
resort for children, of whom he was fond and who went there to see the
animals. The frontispiece of this book is from one of the few existing
(if not the only one) photographs of the place.
Equally unique, yet of higher standard, was the Palace of Art, run by
the Hackett brothers, in Post street near Market. Here were some of the
finest paintings and marble carvings to be found in the city, together
with beautiful hammered silver plaques and cups. Curios of all sorts
were displayed on the walls, and among them were many queer wood
growths showing odd shapes as well as odd colorings. A large and
ornate bar extended along one side of the immense room and tables
were placed about the room and in a balcony that ran along one side.
Here meals were served to both men and women, the latter being
attracted by the artistic display and unique character of the place. This
was destroyed by the fire and all the works of art lost.

At the Cliff House
Three times destroyed by fire, and three times rebuilt, the Cliff House
stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the Sundown Sea, where
San Francisco's beach is laved by the waves of the Ocean. Since the
first Cliff House was erected this has been a place famous the world

over because of its scenic beauty and its overlooking the Seal Rocks,
where congregate a large herd of sea lions disporting much to the
edification of the visitors. Appealing from its romantic surroundings,
interesting because of its history, and attractive through its combination
of dashing waves and beautiful beach extending miles in one direction,
with the rugged entrance to Golden Gate in the other, with the
mysterious Farallones in the dim distance, the Cliff House may well be
classed as one of the great Bohemian restaurants of San Francisco.
Lovers of the night life know it well for it is the destination of many an
automobile party. During the day its terraces are filled with visitors
from abroad who make this a part of their itinerary, and here, as they
drink in the wondrous beauty of the scene spread before them, partake
of well prepared and well served dishes such as made both the Cliff
House and San Francisco well and favorably known and whose fame is
not bounded by the continent.
But for a most pleasant visit to the Cliff House one should choose the
early morning hours, and go out when the air is blowing free and fresh
from the sea, the waves cresting with amber under the magic touch of
the easterly sun. Select a table next to one of the western windows and
order a breakfast that is served here better than any place we have tried.
This breakfast will consist of broiled breast of young turkey, served
with broiled Virginia ham with a side dish of corn fritters. When you sit
down to this after a brisk ride out through Golden Gate Park, you have
the great sauce, appetite, and with a pot of steaming coffee whose
aroma rises like the incense