San Francisco is changing before our eyes, so older places are getting hard to find. Whether it is the rising cost of living, absurd rent, changing trends, and fickle food scene there are still places that take you back in time. If you want some good old-fashioned fun, check out these retro places in San Francisco. All of these spots are filled with nostalgia, and are great places to explore and take both the kids and adults to have a wonderful time.
- Castro Theatre: 429 Castro Street
Michael P/Yelp The Castro Theatre dates from 1910, however the present building was built in 1922. Everything about this place takes you back in time including the neon sign, the ornate interior, ceiling and the dramatic pipe organ that is played before films and events.
- Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar: 950 Mason Street
Linda F/Yelp Built in 1945, the Tonga Room is part of the luxurious Fairmont Hotel in Nob Hill. Step back in time and enjoy the restaurant’s central lagoon, which was once a swimming pool.
- Tadich Grill: 240 California Street
Lin L/Yelp Tadich is an SF classic. This restaurant has been in the same family for about a 150 years! Also, the waiters have mostly been there for many years and give Tadich an authentic feel.
- The Beat Museum: 540 Broadway
Vikram V/Yelp Visit the Beat Museum and enjoy 1950s-1960s social history of the beatniks in San Francisco. The Beat Museum has not been restored or updated, so it looks like time has stopped here. Learn about the literary history of the 415 and step back in time.
- Tommy’s Joynt: 1101 Geary Blvd.
Kevin Y/Yelp This is a place that refuses to change, so Tommy’s is one of the last remaining old-school Hofbraus. This place is unforgettable from the moment you arrive, take some time to appreciate the giant vintage neon sign and the giant murals that cover the exterior walls at Tommy’s Joynt.
- House of Shields: 39 New Montgomery Street
Logan C/Yelp House of Shields is a beautiful, old bar with a classic neon sign. The building that this bar is indistinct along with the wood and ornate design features on the pillars and ceilings. Very old timey vibe here.
- Retro Fit Vintage: 910 Valencia Street
Retro Fit Vintage/Yelp If you want a full range of vintage and retro stylings and fashion then check out Retro Fit Vintage. This shop carries a full range of vintage wears from the 1920s to modern day.
- Cliff House: 1090 Point Lobos
Stephen D/Yelp The Cliff House personifies style, history, and a place of its own in SF. You’ll feel transported to a different time in San Francisco while dining here. However, first and most of all, breathe in the atmosphere, the ocean, and take in the classic surroundings.
- The Church of 8 Wheels: 554 Fillmore Street
Scarlett F/Yelp Strap on some skates, grab his (or her) hand, and flash back to the good ol’ days at the Church of 8 Wheels’ Roller Disco. You’ll feel like you’re at a 70s disco party, so put your funky retro clothes on for this place!
- Argonaut Book Shop: 786 Sutter Street
Argonaut Book Shop Facebook Page You’ll feel like you’re stepping into an old office or library at Argonaut’s book shop. Also, this bookshop has a connection to Alfred Hitchcock.
Have you been to any of these spots? Let us know. Also, if you’re into history and old things then check out What Life In San Francisco Looked Like In 1935.
Michael P/Yelp
The Castro Theatre dates from 1910, however the present building was built in 1922. Everything about this place takes you back in time including the neon sign, the ornate interior, ceiling and the dramatic pipe organ that is played before films and events.
Linda F/Yelp
Built in 1945, the Tonga Room is part of the luxurious Fairmont Hotel in Nob Hill. Step back in time and enjoy the restaurant’s central lagoon, which was once a swimming pool.
Lin L/Yelp
Tadich is an SF classic. This restaurant has been in the same family for about a 150 years! Also, the waiters have mostly been there for many years and give Tadich an authentic feel.
Vikram V/Yelp
Visit the Beat Museum and enjoy 1950s-1960s social history of the beatniks in San Francisco. The Beat Museum has not been restored or updated, so it looks like time has stopped here. Learn about the literary history of the 415 and step back in time.
Kevin Y/Yelp
This is a place that refuses to change, so Tommy’s is one of the last remaining old-school Hofbraus. This place is unforgettable from the moment you arrive, take some time to appreciate the giant vintage neon sign and the giant murals that cover the exterior walls at Tommy’s Joynt.
Logan C/Yelp
House of Shields is a beautiful, old bar with a classic neon sign. The building that this bar is indistinct along with the wood and ornate design features on the pillars and ceilings. Very old timey vibe here.
Retro Fit Vintage/Yelp
If you want a full range of vintage and retro stylings and fashion then check out Retro Fit Vintage. This shop carries a full range of vintage wears from the 1920s to modern day.
Stephen D/Yelp
The Cliff House personifies style, history, and a place of its own in SF. You’ll feel transported to a different time in San Francisco while dining here. However, first and most of all, breathe in the atmosphere, the ocean, and take in the classic surroundings.
Scarlett F/Yelp
Strap on some skates, grab his (or her) hand, and flash back to the good ol’ days at the Church of 8 Wheels’ Roller Disco. You’ll feel like you’re at a 70s disco party, so put your funky retro clothes on for this place!
Argonaut Book Shop Facebook Page
You’ll feel like you’re stepping into an old office or library at Argonaut’s book shop. Also, this bookshop has a connection to Alfred Hitchcock.
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