The Saloon, Blues bar in North Beach, San Francisco, US.
The Saloon is a bar in North Beach that retains original wooden fixtures and a long counter dating to the 1870s. The interior maintains its classic period look and functions daily as a stage for live music performances.
Ferdinand E. Wagner, son of a liquor merchant from Stundwiller in Alsace, opened the tavern in 1861. It stood at 308 Dupont Street, which was later renamed Grant Avenue and renumbered 1232. Wagner and his family lived on the two floors above the bar, and one of his sons took over the business after his retirement.
The Saloon's name comes from the beer hall Ferdinand E. Wagner opened at this address; it was later shortened from Wagner's Beer Hall. The corner entrance on Grant Avenue carries a vertical sign reading "FRESNO" and "SALOON", and a window sign states "Since 1861". A "NO MINORS" notice on the corner post applies seven days a week.
This spot sits on Grant Avenue in the North Beach neighborhood and opens daily to visitors. Expect it to be crowded, especially in the evenings when live music performances draw larger crowds.
The original wooden bar counter was built outside the United States and brought to San Francisco in 1860. This rare piece remains a tangible link to that era that visitors encounter directly during their visit.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,777 contributors worldwide.