Black Cat Café Site Heritage in San Francisco – GayOut Guide
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Black Cat Café Site

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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

Long before the Castro, San Francisco's queer life ran through a bohemian bar at 710 Montgomery Street in the old Barbary Coast. The Black Cat Café (1933-1964) drew writers, sailors, North Beach eccentrics — and, increasingly, gay men, who made it the most famous gay gathering place on the West Coast at a time when serving them was legally dangerous. Its heart was José Sarria, hired as a waiter in 1951, whose satirical drag operas packed the house every Sunday. He ended each performance by having the whole room stand, link arms and sing "God Save Us Nelly Queens" — in earshot of the jail across the alley where men arrested in bar raids were held. In 1961 Sarria ran for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the first openly gay candidate for public office anywhere in the United States, drawing some 6,000 votes and proving a gay voting bloc existed; he later founded the Imperial Court System, one of the world's oldest LGBTQ charitable networks. The bar also won one of America's earliest gay-rights legal victories: in Stoumen v. Reilly (1951), the California Supreme Court ruled the state could not revoke a liquor license merely because homosexuals gathered there. Authorities kept up the pressure anyway, and after years of harassment the license was revoked in 1963; the Cat closed in February 1964. What you see today: a handsome Jackson Square historic-district building with a commemorative plaque installed in 2007. The space now houses Maison Nico, a French bakery-restaurant — there is nothing queer to see inside, and the visit is the plaque, the facade, and the knowledge of what a room full of linked arms once meant. Pairs well with a North Beach walk.

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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 24 September 2026

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