SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) – Patrons of the Cliff Home have been lamenting the upcoming closure of the famed restaurant on the finish of 2020.
Overlooking Ocean Seashore and recognized for its sweeping views, the Cliff Home has a wealthy historical past. As soon as a bar and brothel within the late 1800s, it survived the 1906 Earthquake and Fireplace however a 12 months later, burned to the bottom. In 1973, Dan and Mary Hountalas took over the restaurant with a long run lease from the Nationwide Park Service.
Grasp Chef Ralph Burgin was on the decision when the phrase got here down, no extra leases. “We have been knowledgeable by the choice that the Park Service designates the Cliff Home as a ‘Discontinued Operation,’” Burgin mentioned.
The Cliff Home was already struggling as a consequence of COVID shutdown and chef says this was the ultimate straw.
Cliff Home. (CBS)
“Because of this, we have now to shut down and transfer out all our private property. Put it in storage proper now. Relying on how lengthy it takes, it might need to be auctioned off.”
A long time of reminiscences. San Francisco legends dined right here together with Danny Glover, Clint Eastwood, Grace Slick and Herb Caen. Now the stemware is stacked and the kitchen is chilly and darkish.
Of us got here by the restaurant Monday in disbelief. Taylor Stilwell, who recalled a primary date on the restaurant, is outraged by the closure.
“That is horrible! This can be a staple to San Francisco,” Stilwell advised KPIX 5. “I’ve been right here since ’97. Once I flew right here the primary time, I used to be assembly my husband on the time, who wasn’t my husband then, this was our first date.”
John Stebel got here up from Half Moon Bay, “I bear in mind how this was earlier than it was renovated and the brand new renovation is gorgeous,” he mentioned.
Late Monday afternoon, through an e mail to KPIX 5, the Park Service claimed the lease was ended on the request of the restaurant. Fingers are pointing. It’s unclear simply the place all that is going. Chef Bergin says 180 folks have misplaced their jobs. “It’s unhappy, I imply that’s the place it’s at.”
The present lease is just for the subsequent two weeks, then the Cliff Home might be boarded up and fenced till a brand new operator is vetted.
