The Washington Square Bar and Grill landmark restaurant near Washington Square in North Beach district of San Francisco is a favorite hangout for old-time San Franciscans and tourists alike. Herb Caen, arguably America’s longest-running newspaper columnist (who detailed happenings at the spot in his weekly SF Chronicle column) affectionately calling it ‘The Washbag,’ reflected on San Francisco’s rich cocktail history.
Opened in 1973 by local influential reporter and restaurateur Ed Moose, it became a meeting place for a generation of writers, politicians, musicians, professional athletes and social elite. In 2009, after a two-year hiatus it re-opened under the new ownership of Liam and Susan Tiernan, local fanciers of the restaurant who meticulously restored the ambiance and its heyday glory.
Red-accented walls, wood and brass details, white-clothed tables, large mirrors, memorabilia and photographs of local icons covering the walls give a timeless feel to the place.
Towards the back of the house, an upright piano sits against the wall; it gets a lot of use on a nightly basis featuring local talent. Most worthy of note is British composer and arranger Terry Disley, who in the early 90s worked with pop stars Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan. After moving to San Francisco in 1998 he formed his own band, the Terry Disley Experience, working with such young local talent as trumpeter Erik Jekabson, guitarist Lorn Leber and saxophonists Charles McNeal and Alex Murzyn. Here at WSBG, he serves a special kind of piano cocktail covering everything from Bach to Beatles to Lady Gaga.
Another Washbag favorite, Mike Lipskin (who splits his time between his native New York and San Francisco), treats the crowd with his unique sound of Harlem Stride jazz piano; the style of playing coined by legends such Fats Waller and Art Tatum. In the past, Mike has performed at Carnegie Hall, Davies Symphony Hall, New York's 92nd Street "Y" and the Newport Jazz Festival.
On Sundays, pianist Michael Udelson brings his eclectic mix of standards, jazz, blues and rock songs to The Washbag. Here’s what Liam Mayclem of CBS 5 says of Michael’s vast repertoire: "...everything from Chopin to Coldplay, or Rachmaninoff to Radiohead. You have to love that!"
The food at Washington Square Bar and Grill deserves a special mention: look for appetizers such as crispy fried Monterey calamari with Pepperoncini Aioli and baked goat cheese salad, and entrees like Schmitz ranch rib eye steak, grilled Kurobuta pork chop and local petrale sole. Lunch options include the famous WSBG burger (also available at dinner), corned beef Reuben, and pappardelle with slow-braised sugo.
A weekend brunch menu features favorites such as eggs Benedict and brioche French toast. The wine list offers an international selection; the bar serves all the classics featuring a fine selection of Scotches.
Maybe San Francisco has changed, but this unique SF landmark restaurant and piano bar — filled with nostalgia, proud of its rich history and its glorious past — is now keeping its eye on bright and successful future.
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The Washington Square Bar & Grill is located at 1707 Powell St. (at Union Street) in San Francisco. Call 415.433.1188 or visit www.washingtonsquarebarandgrill.com.
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