Tadich Grill is the oldest restaurant in San Francisco – and California – and the third oldest in the nation. Their history dates back to the gold rush, which, if you think about it in the perspective of how fast restaurants cycle in and out of business- is astonishing. Just to put 1849 into its proper place on the timeline, 1849 was the year that: the first boatload of gold rush prospectors arrived in San Francisco from the east coast, Zachary Taylor was sworn in as the 12th president, the safety pin and envelope making machine were patented, Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery, the first photograph of the moon – through a telescope, dry cleaning was accidentally discovered, Edgar Allan Poe died a mysterious death… and so much more. How incredible it is to have a few restaurants still in existence that date back to this active time in our nation’s history. When your travels take you to San Francisco, this is a restaurant worth experiencing.
The restaurant has moved a few times through the years- and is currently located near the bottom of steep California Street in a beautiful area of downtown.
Tadich Grill is the 3rd oldest in America, behind Antoines Restaurant in New Orleans and Union Oyster House in Boston.
No reservations, just get on the list and wait at the beautiful bar.
David will keep you entertained and take good care of you.
John Tadich- founder. At one point, Tadich’s parter split to open his own restaurant, stealing the byline “The Cold Day Restaurant”. Tadich changed his to “The Original Cold Day Restaurant”.
Old timely view vs current day below. Cool, huh?
You can feel the history of this wonderful place. The style of it and the vibe actually reminds me of Galatoires in New Orleans. 
Everything you need to know for your next trip to San Francisco- on a napkin, the contact info.
The tables are set with ingredients to personalize cocktail sauce flavor to your palette.
Seafood is the star here… so when in Tadich….while they do offer a full menu that includes steaks and other meats, definitely go for fish- Here are a few of the things our group had: 
Calamari
Halibut
Sea Bass
There is a Tadich book. More than a cookbook, this book is a San Francisco history lesson full of politics, earthquakes, vintage photographs and recipes… available through their website.
Next time you are headed to San Francisco, experience this delicious bit of California history – the restaurant is buzzy, beautiful and memorable.
More photos of beautiful San Francisco here– follow me on Instagram!
Your recommendations are spot on Courtney. We always look forward to dining at Tadich Grill when in San Francisco and, yes, they are known for their seafood.
Thank you for your endorsement Stacy! It is definitely a great place.
After reading this I’m positively drooling! Food looks positively delish!
Thanks Shelley. It is delicious. They have held true to their standards.
Courtney,
This is Your calling, as I mentioned previously!! I Love “to follow” you, and this one especially grabbed my heart as I left bits of my heart and soul in SF when I moved back to Texas. I’ll have this on my list for next trip…with my fiancé!!! I am getting married!!
Congratulations Bleakney! So exciting, thrilled for you- 🙂