Moss Beach in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Moss Beach Distillery
Historical Landmark - California Point of Historical Interest
One of the most successful speakeasies of the era was “Frank’s Place” on the cliffs at Moss Beach. Built by Frank Torres in 1927, “Frank’s” became a popular nightspot for silent film stars and politicians from the City. Mystery writer Dashiell Hammett frequented the place and used it as a setting for one of his detective stories.
The restaurant, located on the cliff, above a secluded beach was a perfect location to benefit from the clandestine activities of Canadian rum-runners. Under cover of darkness and fog, illegal whiskey was landed on the beach, dragged up a steep cliff and loaded into waiting vehicles for transport to San Francisco. Some of the booze always found its way into the garage beneath “Frank’s Place.” Frank Torres used his excellent political and social connections to operate a highly successful, if illegal, business. Unlike many of the other speakeasies along the coast, “Frank’s Place” was never raided.
With the repeal of the prohibition in 1933 Frank Torres remained in the food service business as one of the most successful restaurateurs along the San Mateo County coastside. “Frank’s Place” now called The Moss Beach Distillery still retains its spectacular view and secluded location above the ocean coves.
The Distillery also retains one of “Frank’s” former customers, as well. Its resident ghost, "The Blue Lady” still haunts the premises, trying to recapture the romance and excitement of “Frank’s” speakeasy years. The story of The Blue Lady was documented by the TV program "Unsolved Mysteries", and has been seen by millions of people around the world. Perhaps you will see her today!
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 37° 31.059′ N, 122° 30.766′ W. Marker is in Moss Beach, California, in San Mateo County. Marker is at the intersection of Beach Way and Ocean Boulevard on Beach Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 140 Beach Way, Moss Beach CA 94038, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bob Breen: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve's First Park Ranger (approx. half a mile away); In Memorial to the Commercial Fisherman Lost at Sea (approx. 2 miles away); A Rich Native History (approx. 2 miles away); Hotel El Granada (approx. 2½ miles away); Ocean Shore R.R. and Granada (approx. 2.6 miles away); Granada's Burnham Plan (approx. 2.6 miles away); Miramar Beach Restaurant (approx. 3.1 miles away); Cut Off! (approx. 4.7 miles away).
Also see . . . The Moss Beach Distillery. A Historical Landmark, Home to “The Blue Lady” Ghost (Submitted on April 5, 2013.)
Additional keywords. paranormal
Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2013, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 736 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 30, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 2, 3. submitted on April 5, 2013, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 4. submitted on February 23, 2022, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.