Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Eagle Cafe Moves Up to Pier 39.
Would you believe that the building at which you are now staring was previously located two blocks away on the corner of Powell and the Embarcadero?
In 1978, the Eagle Cafe, run by the Andreotti family since 1927, was lifted up on jacks from its old location (which is now the northwest corner of the Pier 39 garage) and rolled down the Embarcadero to Pier 39 where it was hoisted up to its present spot on the second level, that being Dan Andreotti's preferred location. Rumors that Andreotti refused to stop serving lunch and drinks during the ride down the Embarcadero simply aren't true.
The Eagle almost didn't move anywhere. The San Francisco Landmarks Board, which in 1973 decided the Eagle "has no architectural or historical merit," suddenly decided that 1978 was a different matter. However, the last minute attempt to halt the Eagle's move was vetoed by the City Attorney.
The City Attorney made a wise choice. Pier 39 and Andreotti were adamant that the move take place and rather angry that the Landmarks Board stepped in at such a late date and reversed its earlier decision.
When
a young executive of
Pier 39 was asked what would
happen if a member of the
Landmarks Board laid in front of
a slowly rolling Eagle Cafe, he
shrugged his shoulders and simply
remarked, “SQUISH."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1978.
Location. 37° 48.529′ N, 122° 24.617′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Fisherman's Wharf. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Pier 39 and Embarcadero. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94133, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Our Legal Hassles. (within shouting distance of this marker); A Rare Moment of Cooperation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); San Francisco's Most Popular Postcard. (about 400 feet away); Kids for Hire. (about 600 feet away); Deep Pockets - But Not Deep Enough. (about 600 feet away); Alaska Packers (about 700 feet away); The $25 Reward That Cost $2,416,825. (about 700 feet away); The Big Pier 37 Fire. (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
More about this marker. The marker is attached to the outside of the Eagle Cafe, which is located on the upper level of Pier 39, in the very front of the complex.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 172 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.