Ross Alley, Historic alley in Chinatown, San Francisco, United States
Ross Alley is a narrow, one-block passage between Jackson and Washington streets in Chinatown where pedestrians move through this crowded neighborhood. On one side sits the fortune cookie factory, while the other side holds small shops and restaurants that make the passage feel lively and tight.
The alley started in 1849 and was named after Charles L. Ross, a pioneer trader who built his house next to what was then called Stout's Alley. During the Gold Rush and the growth of Chinatown, it became a busy area for trade and living.
The fortune cookie factory here keeps alive traditional crafting methods that have been passed down through generations, and visitors watch workers fold warm cookies by hand. This practice connects the alley to the deeper story of Chinese communities who built their lives in San Francisco.
Visitors can reach this alley on foot from either Jackson Street or Washington Street, and the factory operates during regular business hours. The tight space can get crowded during peak times, so visiting early morning or late afternoon tends to be calmer.
Several famous action films were shot here, including scenes from the Indiana Jones universe and other Hollywood productions. This film history makes the alley a place where you can experience Hollywood and local history at the same time.
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