Built in 1908, The Hotel Utah Saloon has been a SOMA neighborhood hangout serving drinks, live music, and tasty food for almost 50 years. Stop by and experience this historic San Francisco watering hole and cultural icon.
“..this is a cool room…” – John Mayer
THE HOTEL UTAH SALOON – SF
Built in 1908, The Hotel Utah Saloon has been a SOMA neighborhood hangout serving drinks, live music, and tasty food for almost 50 years. Stop by and experience this historic San Francisco watering hole and cultural icon.
“..this is a cool room…” – John Mayer
Built in 1908, The Hotel Utah Saloon has been a SOMA neighborhood hangout serving drinks, live music, and tasty food for almost 50 years. Stop by and experience this historic San Francisco watering hole and cultural icon.
SHOW TIMES: 7PM WEEKDAYS, 8PM WEEKENDS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
SHOW TIMES: 7PM WEEKDAYS, 8PM WEEKENDS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
If you don’t see tonight’s show listed, online sales have stopped and tickets are available at the door.
Thu Feb 6
Comedy Night hosted by Meera Patel
Jalisa Robinson
Mark Noyer, Darlene Bereznicki, Iris Benson, Ajay Damodaran, Damian Montes, Meera Patel
Mark Noyer, Darlene Bereznicki, Iris Benson, Ajay Damodaran
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $20.00
Stand-Up
Fri Feb 7
A Night of Rock, Pop, and More!
The Hot Mess, Richard Stuverud, Silver Fuzz
The Hot Mess, Richard Stuverud, Silver Fuzz
Show 8:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $10.00
Rock
Sat Feb 8
HHV presents A Night of Punk/Rock
Dollar Store, Kauz Of Affliction , Cut-Rate Druggist, Mushro
Dollar Store, Kauz Of Affliction , Cut-Rate Druggist, Mushroom Juice
Show 8:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $12.00
Punk
Mon Feb 10
Monday night
Open Mic at Hotel Utah
with host Brendan Getzell
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Singer/Songwriter
Tue Feb 11
Hotel Utah's Tuesday night
Open Bluegrass Jam
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Bluegrass
Thu Feb 13
Goatblower Booking presents
Ancient Rage, Brüja, Aseptic
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $10.00
Metal
Fri Feb 14
Chromespider presents A Dark Valentine’s Day Night
Ceremony81, Unwoman, XoX, Screaming Creatures , DJ Goblyn
Ceremony81, Unwoman, XoX, Screaming Creatures , DJ Goblyn
Show 8:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $10.00
Goth
Sat Feb 15
The Utah presents
Uromastyx, Ketam, Atom Swan
Show 8:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $10.00
Alternative
Sun Feb 16
A wonderful night ft.
Pro Blues Jam
A FREE EVENT
Show 6:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Blues
Mon Feb 17
Monday night
Open Mic at Hotel Utah
with host Brendan Getzell
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Singer/Songwriter
Tue Feb 18
Hotel Utah's Tuesday night
Open Bluegrass Jam
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Bluegrass
Wed Feb 19
Hard Rock Night
Durango Dogs, Wasted Years, The Wonderland Rejects
Durango Dogs, Wasted Years, The Wonderland Rejects
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $12.00
Rock
Thu Feb 20
HHV presents
Charm World, Polythene Pam, Catherine Denuvaring
Charm World, Polythene Pam, Catherine Denuvaring
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $10.00
Alternative
Fri Feb 21
Hotel Utah presents
Kris Chavez, Ethan Burns, Sonamó
Kris Chavez, Ethan Burns, Sonamó
Show 8:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $12.00
Folk
Mon Feb 24
Monday night
Open Mic at Hotel Utah
with host Brendan Getzell
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Singer/Songwriter
Tue Feb 25
Hotel Utah's Tuesday night
Open Bluegrass Jam
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Bluegrass
Wed Feb 26
A Night of Indie Weirdness
Arthropod, Trona, Fruits!
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $10.00
Alternative
Thu Feb 27
HHV presents
Matt Axton & Badmoon
RMS Trio, Forever Goldrush
RMS Trio, Forever Goldrush
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $12.00
Americana
Sat Mar 1
Indie/Alt Night
Sedan Morrison, Echo Set, Sad Numbers
Sedan Morrison, Echo Set, Sad Numbers
Show 8:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $10.00
Alternative
Sun Mar 2
A wonderful night ft.
Pro Blues Jam
A FREE EVENT
Show 6:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Blues
Mon Mar 3
Monday night
Open Mic at Hotel Utah
with host Brendan Getzell
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Singer/Songwriter
Sat Mar 8
BendreTheGiant THE DEEP END TOUR
BendreTheGiant
Ash Puddle, BAYSTAR
Ash Puddle, BAYSTAR
Show 8:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $10.00
Indie
Mon Mar 10
Monday night
Open Mic at Hotel Utah
with host Brendan Getzell
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Singer/Songwriter
Tue Mar 11
Hotel Utah's Tuesday night
Open Bluegrass Jam
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Bluegrass
Sun Mar 16
A wonderful night ft.
Pro Blues Jam
A FREE EVENT
Show 6:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Blues
Mon Mar 17
Monday night
Open Mic at Hotel Utah
with host Brendan Getzell
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Singer/Songwriter
Tue Mar 18
Hotel Utah's Tuesday night
Open Bluegrass Jam
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Bluegrass
Wed Mar 19
A Night of Indie-Pop & Post-Punk
Brittany Bridgewater
Alex Holloway and The Junior Painkillers, Pupils of Punk
Alex Holloway and The Junior Painkillers, Pupils of Punk
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $10.00
Indie
Mon Mar 24
Monday night
Open Mic at Hotel Utah
with host Brendan Getzell
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Singer/Songwriter
Tue Mar 25
Hotel Utah's Tuesday night
Open Bluegrass Jam
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Bluegrass
Mon Mar 31
Monday night
Open Mic at Hotel Utah
with host Brendan Getzell
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Singer/Songwriter
Tue Apr 1
Hotel Utah's Tuesday night
Open Bluegrass Jam
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Bluegrass
Sat Apr 5
Caiola
Bre Kennedy
Bre Kennedy
Show 8:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $25.00
Singer/Songwriter
Sun Apr 6
A wonderful night ft.
Pro Blues Jam
A FREE EVENT
Show 6:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Blues
Mon Apr 7
Monday night
Open Mic at Hotel Utah
with host Brendan Getzell
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Singer/Songwriter
Tue Apr 8
Hotel Utah's Tuesday night
Open Bluegrass Jam
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Bluegrass
Mon Apr 14
Monday night
Open Mic at Hotel Utah
with host Brendan Getzell
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Singer/Songwriter
Tue Apr 15
Hotel Utah's Tuesday night
Open Bluegrass Jam
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Bluegrass
Sun Apr 20
A wonderful night ft.
Pro Blues Jam
A FREE EVENT
Show 6:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Blues
Mon Apr 21
Monday night
Open Mic at Hotel Utah
with host Brendan Getzell
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Singer/Songwriter
Tue Apr 22
Hotel Utah's Tuesday night
Open Bluegrass Jam
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Bluegrass
Mon Apr 28
Monday night
Open Mic at Hotel Utah
with host Brendan Getzell
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Singer/Songwriter
Sun May 4
A wonderful night ft.
Pro Blues Jam
A FREE EVENT
Show 6:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Blues
Thu May 8
A Night of Americana, Alt Country, & Rock
Aaron Ball Band
Deborah Crooks
Deborah Crooks
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
21+, $12.00
Rock
Tue May 13
Hotel Utah's Tuesday night
Open Bluegrass Jam
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Bluegrass
Sun May 18
A wonderful night ft.
Pro Blues Jam
A FREE EVENT
Show 6:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Blues
Tue May 20
Hotel Utah's Tuesday night
Open Bluegrass Jam
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Bluegrass
Tue May 27
Hotel Utah's Tuesday night
Open Bluegrass Jam
Show 7:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Bluegrass
Sun Jun 1
A wonderful night ft.
Pro Blues Jam
A FREE EVENT
Show 6:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Blues
Sun Jun 15
A wonderful night ft.
Pro Blues Jam
A FREE EVENT
Show 6:00PM
at The Hotel Utah Saloon
$0.00
Blues
A proud member of
Independent Venue Alliance
500 4th St. San Francisco, CA 94107
415-546-6300
General: [email protected]
Jobs: [email protected]
Monday Open Mic : www.theutah.org
If you would like to play at the Utah, please use the booking request form
If you have a question about a show, please email [email protected] Do not email show requests. Only form requests will be considered.
The Utah Inn
Despite our name, we do not run a hotel. The Utah Inn is a hotel located in the same building, at 504 4th Street. Please contact them at: 415-495-0617 https://theutahinn.com/
HOURS
Open Daily at 11:00 AM;
bar open until midnight (or later on show nights)
Kitchen hours:
11:00AM to 11 PM
UTAH NEWSLETTER
Join our email list for updates on shows and events (only 1 or 2 emails a month, we promise!)
BAR BITES
Utah Bar Nuts – $6
Roasted nuts in a secret Utah spice blend
World Famous Jumbo Utah Wings
Served with blue cheese dressing, carrots & celery
6 for $16 (1 flavor)
12 for $26 (2 flavors)
Flavors: Buffalo, Teriyaki, Barbecue, Sweet Chili, Nashville Hot, Adobo & Lemon Pepper
Pulled Pork Sliders – $17
12-hour smoked pork shoulder, house BBQ sauce, spicy Spanish slaw, topped with deep fried pickled shallots served on mini potato buns
Potato Skins – $15
Three large roasted Russet potato halves loaded with smoked pulled pork, cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon bits & deep fried pickled shallots
Basket of Fries or Tots sm $7 – lg $12
Ballpark Garlic Fries – $14
Chili Cheese Fries/Tots – $14
Saloon Pups – $8
Savory deep fried balls (3) made of cornmeal, cheddar cheese, jalapeño & bacon. Topped with hot spiced honey
Utah Dips – $18
House-made turkey & chicken sausage coated in cornmeal batter, deep fried & served on a stick
BURGERS & SANDWICHES
Add-ons: cheese (American, Swiss, blue crumble, cheddar or pepper jack) $1; caramelized onions $1; sautéed mushrooms $1; avocado $2; guacamole $3; chili $2; bacon $4; side of tots $3 or side of house-cut Kennebec fries $3
Flame Broiled Utah Burger – $19
Flame broiled beef patty served on a brioche bun with spicy Utah sauce, pickles, butter lettuce, tomato & onion
Black Bean Burger (veg) – $17
Black bean patty (black bean, onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, garlic, sweet chili sauce, panko) served on a brioche bun with guacamole, spicy Utah sauce, pickles, butter lettuce, tomato & onion
KFC – our Killer Fried Chicken Sandwich – $19
Try it Nashville Hot style or w/ house-made Buffalo or BBQ sauce – add $1
Fried panko-crusted, buttermilk-brined chicken breast served on toasted brioche bun with house-made garlic aioli, butter lettuce, pickles, red onion & tomato
Also available with grilled chicken breast
Sky High Saloon PLT – $17
Deep fried pork belly, tomato, butter lettuce & roasted garlic aioli served on toasted San Francisco sourdough bread
Add avocado $2
Beez’s Hot Link – $18
House-made spiced pork & beef hot link smoked in apple & hickory chips with Alabama white sauce. Topped with bell peppers & onions & served on a hoagie roll
Hot Pastrami Sandwich – $22
16-hour smoked brisket, Utah sauce, Grey Poupon mustard, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions & sauerkraut on butter toasted San Francisco sourdough bread
Saloon Dip – $22
Sliced house smoked roast beef, creamy horse radish, Au Jus, provolone cheese, caramelized onions served on a hoagie roll
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, fish, or shellfish increases one’s risk of foodborne illness.
OTHER PLATES
Utah Seasonal Salad – $13
Add grilled chicken $4
House-made Beef Chili – cup $6, bowl $12
Served with cheese, sour cream & scallions
House-made Bean Chili (veg)
– cup $4, bowl $10
Served with cheese, sour cream & scallions (can be served vegan)
Utah Home-smoked Ribs – $23
5-hour smoked ribs tossed in Utah BBQ sauce & served with homemade potato salad
Soup d’jour – cup $4, bowl $10
DRAFT
Twisted Tea Hard Ice Tea
Golden State Mighty Dry Cider
21st Amendment Blood Orange IPA (7.0%)
Drake’s Hefeweizen
Elysian Space Dust Double IPA (8.2%)
Firestone 805 Blonde Ale
Fort Point KSA
Modelo Especial
Pacifico
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA (6.7%)
Trumer Pilsner
BOTTLES/CANS
Blue Moon
Budweiser
Bud Light
Corona Extra
Guinness Draught (15oz.)
Lagunitas The Beast of Both Worlds IPA (8.0%)
Leffe Blonde
Michelob Ultra
Miller High Life
Modelo Especial
Modelo Negra
PBR
Smithwick’s Red Ale
Stella
White Claw Mango Hard Seltzer
NON-ALCOHOLIC
Athletic Brewing IPA NA
Stella Liberty NA
Lake Street Dive – 2012
John Mayer – 2013
Frank Black – 2009
ZZ Ward – 2012
Think about the Hotel Utah Saloon for your next event! The Utah is available for lunches, happy hour events, entire venue buyouts, and whatever private event needs you dream up. We host groups of up to 75 for semi-private events, or up to 200 people for fully private events. We have affordable and flexible pricing based on your event needs and timing.
The stage and the loft are fully equipped with updated and high-quality lighting, sound, and projection systems. Our kitchen & bar provide a wide range of tasty food and hearty drinks for you and your guests and can accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice. From a no-host bar with our standard menu, to special appetizers, or even a customized buffet, we will make your event everything you need.
For more information, or to check availability for your next event, email [email protected]
THIS IS AN OLD PLACE
It was built in 1908, when the Barbary Coast was still going strong. In 1908, the year Bette Davis was born. The year of the first Model T. 28 years before the Bay Bridge. This bar was standing (and probably serving) before, during, and after Prohibition. Come drink that vibe.
Starting it off, there was the Deininger Family. As a family, they opened the Saloon and commissioned furniture makers in Belgium to design and create its ornate back bar. Since they were serving the city’s best beer, Fredericksburg, the brewery initials ‘FB’ were carved into the back bar (and are still there)! Beer arrived by horse and carriage in wooden kegs that were lowered into the cellar.
The Hotel Carnot (upper right) 1923
Al's Trans Bay 1950
A PLACE WITH A SKETCHY PAST
Gamblers, thieves, politicians, hustlers, friends of opium, goldseekers, godseekers, charlatans, police, fancy miscreants — they all visited the Saloon. And that was when SOMA was just a lonely section of the San Francisco waterfront.
After the Bay Bridge was finished in 1936, SOMA came into its own. The Saloon (and the hotel upstairs) was home to longshoremen, merchants, metalsmiths, and furniture makers, with constant traffic flowing back and forth between San Francisco and the East Bay.
AND GOOD STORIES
Next came the decade of the American Dream. In the 1950s, Al Opatz presided over the Saloon. Al didn’t like neckties. If someone wearing a tie got close enough, Al made his move and cut the tie off with scissors. His favorite way to greet someone was to offer them his hand and say “Shake the hand that shook the world”. World shakers like beat poets, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, and Bing Crosby bent elbows with gangsters and the cocktail generation. Al eventually bought the bar in 1966 and renamed it Al’s Transbay Tavern. Al’s Transbay gets a mention in a Coppola film, “The Conversation.”
Bring it to 1977. Paul Gaer, who co-wrote the story for the 1979 film “The Electric Horseman,” bought the bar from Al. He renamed it The Utah, and built a stage to support local music, experimental art, writers, comedy, and theater. San Francisco loved it, and Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, and the Pickle Family Circus broke it in.
At the bar in 1974. Al's Trans Bay Tavern
STORIES THAT GO ON
Hard to believe that after a century a place can still have the same personality. In the midst of a neighborhood that has reinvented itself so many times, the Hotel Utah Saloon still glows with the mahogany bar, serves quality drinks and real food, cooked onsite, to all comers, and provides a welcoming stage for independent local and national acts.
The stories keep coming. Curious yarns with details we can’t go into. Come in sometime, experience it, and feel it for yourself.
500 4th St. SF, CA 94107
415-546-6300
General: [email protected]
Jobs: [email protected]
Open Mic : www.theutah.org
If you would like to play at the Utah, please use the booking request form
If you have a question about a show, please email [email protected] Do not email show requests. Only form requests will be considered.
HOURS
Open Daily at 11:00 AM;
bar open until midnight (or later on show nights)
Kitchen hours 11:00AM to 11PM
UTAH NEWSLETTER
Join our email list for updates on shows and events (only one or two emails a month, we promise!)
The Utah Inn
Despite our name, we do not run a hotel. The Utah Inn is a hotel located in the same building, at 504 4th Street. Please contact them at: 415-495-0617 https://theutahinn.com/
Think about the Hotel Utah Saloon for your next event! The Utah is available for lunches, happy hour events, entire venue buyouts, and whatever private event needs you dream up. We host groups of up to 75 for semi-private events, or up to 200 people for fully private events. We have affordable and flexible pricing based on your event needs and timing.
The stage and the loft are fully equipped with premium lighting fixtures, high-quality sound, and customizable projection systems. Our kitchen & bar provide a wide range of tasty food and hearty drinks for you and your guests. From a no-host bar with our standard menu, to special appetizers, or even a customized buffet, every effort will be made to accommodate specific dietary restrictions and make your event everything you need.
For more information, or to check availability for your next event, email [email protected]
THIS IS AN OLD PLACE
It was built in 1908, when the Barbary Coast was still going strong. In 1908, the year Bette Davis was born. The year of the first Model T. 28 years before the Bay Bridge. This bar was standing (and probably serving) before, during, and after Prohibition. Come drink that vibe.
The Hotel Carnot (upper right) 1923
Starting it off, there was the Deininger Family. As a family, they opened the Saloon and commissioned furniture makers in Belgium to design and create its ornate back bar. Since they were serving the city’s best beer, Fredericksburg, the brewery initials ‘FB’ were carved into the back bar (and are still there)! Beer arrived by horse and carriage in wooden kegs that were lowered into the cellar.
A PLACE WITH A SKETCHY PAST
Gamblers, thieves, politicians, hustlers, friends of opium, goldseekers, godseekers, charlatans, police, fancy miscreants — they all visited the Saloon. And that was when SOMA was just a lonely section of the San Francisco waterfront.
Al's Trans Bay 1950
After the Bay Bridge was finished in 1936, SOMA came into its own. The Saloon (and the hotel upstairs) was home to longshoremen, merchants, metalsmiths, and furniture makers, with constant traffic flowing back and forth between San Francisco and the East Bay.
AND GOOD STORIES
Next came the decade of the American Dream. In the 1950s, Al Opatz presided over the Saloon. Al didn’t like neckties. If someone wearing a tie got close enough, Al made his move and cut the tie off with scissors. His favorite way to greet someone was to offer them his hand and say “Shake the hand that shook the world”. World shakers like beat poets, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, and Bing Crosby bent elbows with gangsters and the cocktail generation. Al eventually bought the bar in 1966 and renamed it Al’s Transbay Tavern. Al’s Transbay gets a mention in a Coppola film, “The Conversation.”
At the bar in 1974. Al's Trans Bay Tavern
Bring it to 1977. Paul Gaer, who co-wrote the story for the 1979 film “The Electric Horseman,” bought the bar from Al. He renamed it The Utah, and built a stage to support local music, experimental art, writers, comedy, and theater. San Francisco loved it, and Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, and the Pickle Family Circus broke it in.
STORIES THAT GO ON
Hard to believe that after a century a place can still have the same personality. In the midst of a neighborhood that has reinvented itself so many times, the Hotel Utah Saloon still glows with the mahogany bar, serves quality drinks and real food, cooked onsite, to all comers, and provides a welcoming stage for independent local and national acts.
The stories keep coming. Curious yarns with details we can’t go into. Come in sometime, experience it, and feel it for yourself.
500 4th St. S.F., CA 94107
415-546-6300
General: [email protected]
Jobs: [email protected]
Mon Open Mic : www.theutah.org
HOURS
Open Daily at 11:00 AM
bar open until midnight (or later on show nights)
Kitchen hours 11:00AM to 11PM
UTAH NEWSLETTER
Join our email list for updates on shows and events (only one or two emails a month, we promise!)
The Utah Inn
Despite our name, we do not run a hotel. The Utah Inn is a hotel located in the same building, at 504 4th Street. Please contact them at: 415-495-0617 https://theutahinn.com/
Think about the Hotel Utah Saloon for your next event! The Utah is available for lunches, happy hour events, entire venue buyouts, and whatever private event needs you dream up. We host groups of up to 75 for semi-private events, or up to 200 people for fully private events. We have affordable and flexible pricing based on your event needs and timing.
The stage and the loft are fully equipped with premium lighting fixtures, high-quality sound, and customizable projection systems. Our kitchen & bar provide a wide range of tasty food and hearty drinks for you and your guests. From a no-host bar with our standard menu, to special appetizers, or even a customized buffet, every effort will be made to accommodate specific dietary restrictions and make your event everything you need.
For more information, or to check availability for your next event, email [email protected]
THIS IS AN OLD PLACE
It was built in 1908, when the Barbary Coast was still going strong. In 1908, the year Bette Davis was born. The year of the first Model T. 28 years before the Bay Bridge. This bar was standing (and probably serving) before, during, and after Prohibition. Come drink that vibe.
The Hotel Carnot (upper right) 1923
Starting it off, there was the Deininger Family. As a family, they opened the Saloon and commissioned furniture makers in Belgium to design and create its ornate back bar. Since they were serving the city’s best beer, Fredericksburg, the brewery initials ‘FB’ were carved into the back bar (and are still there)! Beer arrived by horse and carriage in wooden kegs that were lowered into the cellar.
A PLACE WITH A SKETCHY PAST
Gamblers, thieves, politicians, hustlers, friends of opium, goldseekers, godseekers, charlatans, police, fancy miscreants — they all visited the Saloon. And that was when SOMA was just a lonely section of the San Francisco waterfront.
Al's Trans Bay 1950
After the Bay Bridge was finished in 1936, SOMA came into its own. The Saloon (and the hotel upstairs) was home to longshoremen, merchants, metalsmiths, and furniture makers, with constant traffic flowing back and forth between San Francisco and the East Bay.
AND GOOD STORIES
Next came the decade of the American Dream. In the 1950s, Al Opatz presided over the Saloon. Al didn’t like neckties. If someone wearing a tie got close enough, Al made his move and cut the tie off with scissors. His favorite way to greet someone was to offer them his hand and say “Shake the hand that shook the world”. World shakers like beat poets, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, and Bing Crosby bent elbows with gangsters and the cocktail generation. Al eventually bought the bar in 1966 and renamed it Al’s Transbay Tavern. Al’s Transbay gets a mention in a Coppola film, “The Conversation.”
At the bar in 1974. Al's Trans Bay Tavern
Bring it to 1977. Paul Gaer, who co-wrote the story for the 1979 film “The Electric Horseman,” bought the bar from Al. He renamed it The Utah, and built a stage to support local music, experimental art, writers, comedy, and theater. San Francisco loved it, and Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, and the Pickle Family Circus broke it in.
STORIES THAT GO ON
Hard to believe that after a century a place can still have the same personality. In the midst of a neighborhood that has reinvented itself so many times, the Hotel Utah Saloon still glows with the mahogany bar, serves quality drinks and real food, cooked onsite, to all comers, and provides a welcoming stage for independent local and national acts.
The stories keep coming. Curious yarns with details we can’t go into. Come in sometime, experience it, and feel it for yourself.