North Beach in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Saloon
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 27, 2015
1. The Saloon Marker
Here before you is the oldest saloon in San Francisco. Alsatian immigrant Ferdinand E. Wagner ran a fruit store in this building from 1858 to 1859, later transforming it into “Wagner’s Beer Hall” in 1860. Taking over for his father in 1869, Edward Wagner successfully ran the establishment until its sale in 1884.
This saloon has had numerous owners over the years, surviving the 1906 earthquake with the help of San Francisco firemen and/or Navy crews. It then survived Prohibition by being renamed from “The Poodle Dog Saloon” to the prohibition name “The Poodle Dog Cafe”.
With the repeal in 1933, this establishment was once again a beer garden, changing names a few more times until it became just simply and rightly so “The Saloon” in 1984.
Erected 2014 by E Clampus Vitus, Yerba Buena Chapter No. 1.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.
Location. 37° 47.915′ N, 122° 24.427′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San
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Regionally, this marker is on California’s Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Francis of Assisi Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The Condor (within shouting distance of this marker); Unione Sportiva (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Old Broadway Jail (about 300 feet away); The Stinking Rose (about 300 feet away); Italian American Bank (about 300 feet away); Finnochio's (about 400 feet away); Peter Macchiarini Steps (about 500
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 27, 2015
2. The Saloon Marker
Also see . . . The Saloon. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on March 14, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Unknown, circa 1870s
3. Wagner's Beer Hall circa 1870s, when beer was only 5 cents.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,611 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 21, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
