Black Cat Café Site, LGBTQ+ heritage site in North Beach, San Francisco
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Black Cat Café Site

Tripadvisor (650) 4.4
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88
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GayOut Score
🦉4.4
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Address
710 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

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About this place Black Cat Café Site

From 1933 to the early 1960s, 710 Montgomery Street was home to the Black Cat Café, a bohemian bar on the edge of North Beach and the old Barbary Coast. It became the best-known gay gathering place on the West Coast at a time when serving gay customers could cost a bar its licence. In 1951 the owner, Sol Stoumen, won a California Supreme Court case (Stoumen v. Reilly) holding that a bar could not be closed simply for serving gay patrons. José Sarria waited tables and performed drag operas there on Sunday afternoons, closing with the whole room singing 'God Save Us Nelly Queens'. In 1961 he ran for the Board of Supervisors, the first openly gay candidate for public office in the US, and he later founded the Imperial Court System. No Black Cat operates there today.

Features

Gay Drag shows Food served Wine Bar Lounge area Drag scene Cocktail bar Reservation required Evening venue Live music

Insider Tips

Community Reviews

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GayOut Community

C
Christopher M
Aug 2026
★★★★★

This was completely worth it. Definitely get reservations in advance -seating is limited. We had reserved a table, but arrived early so camped out at the bar and just stayed there; it was great. I was convinced to share the Polenta-- I was dubious. It was fantastic, and wished I didn't have to share. Everything was good.

C
Claire B
Aug 2026
★★★★★

Maybe it wasn’t our evening ... a clam soup without clams. We were more on a consummate cauliflower .. Gnocchi presented as an appetizer numbered 5. They are not pasta but cheese fritters - barely cooked. 75 dollars for 3 starters + 1 glass of wine + a hot drink ... for a clam-free soup, a random starter ... all in a weird and subdued Mood. Bad pickaxe ⛏️ 😳😳

R
Robert1189📷🚴‍♂️
Aug 2026
★★★★★

Been many years since we had last been to the Black Cat, we had a very pleasant waiter, seated in the front room in the corner which was very nice. I ordered the special, trout and my wife had shrimp pasta, both dinners were excellent. It was nice atmosphere, and we enjoyed our evening out there.

C
CAfoodandwinelover
Aug 2026
★★★★★

This is the second time we have eaten here while vacationing in Cambria. Both times, our meal was exceptional. The food is expertly prepared using the best quality ingredients. Portions are generous. This restaurant deserves to be the best restaurant in Cambria.

K
Kathleen C
Aug 2026
★★★★★

What an incredible dinner. It was our anniversary so we wanted it to be special. It was! We had the hot bread, salads, scallops and trout. We topped it off with a delicious chocolate and caramel mousse with a cookie. We’re going back for sure!

C
Craig P
Aug 2026
★★★★★

The food was delicious, healthy, and well prepared. The atmosphere is casual, which fits for Cambria. The prices were right in line with the quality of the food.

M
Munro1954
Aug 2026
★★★★★

Discover a culinary treasure tucked away just off Main Street in Cambria. This intimate eatery offers a romantic dining experience. Our evening began with their exquisite homemade crab cakes, accompanied by a refreshing julienne mango and shrimp salad, all perfectly complemented by a zesty remoulade sauce. The main course featured succulent sea scallops nestled in a bed of creamy corn pudding, enhanced by a tomatillo cream sauce, earthy mushrooms, fresh cilantro, and a rich brown butter. The Black Cat impresses not only with its innovative flavors but also with its value. Generous portions are served at reasonable prices, and the attentive staff ensures a seamless dining experience. For those seeking a memorable meal in Cambria, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination. Its unique menu, featuring both sweet and savory creations, showcases the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence

S
Shiva P
Aug 2026
★★★★★

I ordered two salads for takeout. Each cost $15. What I got was a side salad which would need just 4 or 5 mouthfuls. Plus stale bread. Horroble salad, overcharge, and bad bread. Totally bad experiemce. The restaurant itself is run down. They need to renovate. Outside seating is dilapidated.

J
jen
Aug 2026
★★★★★

Great food, great service. Nice quiet restaurant in a converted bungalow. Beer and wine only, no liquor. The staff was friendly and helpful as the food was delicious.

T
Teresa S
Aug 2026
★★★★★

We went for an early dinner, as we had wine for lunch (haha). The charred caesar salad was nice. LOVED the polenta, the steak was cooked perfectly but ask for the sauce on the side. We also split a dessert. The restaurant was cold (as we got there when it opened) but the service was friendly.

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Last updated on 11 November 2026

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