The Old Ship Saloon, Maritime bar in Jackson Square, San Francisco, United States
The Old Ship Saloon is a bar housed in a brick building at 298 Pacific Avenue that retains strong connections to its unusual origins. The space operates as a working establishment where visitors can experience how a stranded vessel became a social venue for the neighborhood.
The venue began in 1851 when entrepreneur Joe Anthony repurposed a stranded vessel called the Arkansas into a drinking establishment. This conversion happened during San Francisco's rapid expansion driven by the Gold Rush era.
The saloon maintains its connection to maritime traditions through nautical decor and serves as a reminder of San Francisco's Gold Rush heritage.
The bar sits near the Financial District in Jackson Square with straightforward street access. The surrounding area features brick streets and can be steep in places, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
Construction workers in 2016 uncovered remains of the original Arkansas ship buried 25 feet (7.6 meters) beneath the building's foundation. This discovery confirmed the venue's remarkable story and revealed that substantial portions of the original hull remain preserved underground.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
