Cafe Zoetrope San Francisco
A director's haven
Brooke from San Francisco
San Francisco has many fine neighborhoods, all very different from one another. There is one, though, that always maintains its identity. It seems untouched by time, and you can just feel the layers of history piled on one another here. I’m talking about the North Beach District. There’s much to enjoy—you can have a cold beer upstairs at Vesuvio’s, or have a hot date at Tosca’s, or enjoy some Foccacia at Ligueria’s Bakery. In the heart of North Beach, is a statement of a building: The Sentinel Building aka Columbus Tower. You can’t miss it, it demands your attention; a flat iron building, clad in white tile and copper. It’s nothing short of grand - and perfectly placed.
Being a film nerd, I’ve come to love the film history trivia associated with this building. Film director and vintner, Francis Ford Coppola bought the building in 1972, and made the Sentinel his headquarters for his film company, American Zoetrope. It blows my mind that such movies as The Godfather, Apocolypse Now, The Outsiders, and the Conversation were written, edited, and sound mixed here. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall during any of those productions. On the street level is his restaurant, Café Zoetrope. It’s a fun place to dine. On the walls, you can enjoy the mementos from Coppola’s film career. There’s nothing like indulging in delicious Italian food and dissecting his movies. You gotta go!
San Francisco Spotter Brooke
About this spot
916 Kearny St
- Mon - Fri 11:30 - 22:00, Sat 12:00 - 22:00, Sun 12:00 - 21:00
Calzone:
US$
22
4152911700
Our San Francisco City Guide
Find your way with 158 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco
William Stout Books
Architecture & design
"William Stout Books" in SF is a bookstore that specializes in architecture and design books - a true candy store for the serious building porn fan...
by
Byron
Beach
San Francisco Brewing Co.
Nice place to relax
Good beer, starters, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and desserts. Where do I start? "San Francisco Brewing Co." on Fisherman's Wharf has it all...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Kara's Cupcakes
Cupcake bakery to die for
"Kara's Cupcakes" in SF's Marina will soothe your sweet tooth like little else can. You'll want to gobble up everything with a big glass of milk...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Tunnels in Golden Gate Park
Love in the park
When walking in the Tunnels in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, keep your eyes peeled for the human element residing in the city and its surprises...
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Mrs. Doubtfire House
'90s film gem
The "Mrs. Doubtfire House" in San Francisco is yes, the one from the 1993 movie. It reminds me of my discovery of Robin Williams...
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Devil's Teeth Bakery Company
Devilish eats
"Devil's Teeth Bakery Company" in San Francisco makes the best breakfast sandwiches in town, hands down. It's the simple pleasures that matter!
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Radhaus
German eats
"Radhaus" in San Francisco promises an indulgent experience with German food and German-inspired dishes. This is so much more than a beer garden, however.
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Mollusk Surf Shop
Surfer vibes and fun apparel
"Mollusk Surf Shop" in SF makes you want to wear the threads they sell for the rest of your life. Such relaxed and comfortable style!
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
The Sword and the Rose
Metaphysical supply shop
"The Sword and the Rose" in San Francisco is a shop that's out of a fairy tale -- it's really a full-on magic store for all your magical supply needs!
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Toyose
Korean food in a garage
"Toyose" in San Francisco is a Korean restaurant in a garage! Curious yet? It's very intimate and the portions are very generous.
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Papalote Mexican Grill
Toda la familia
"Papalote Mexican Grill" is proof that in San Francisco we take our burritos seriously. As my taste matures, it's become my favorite restaurant for it.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Albion Castle
A real urban castle
"Albion Castle" is a real castle in San Francisco that belongs to the family that owns what used to be the city's only springs. For private parties only!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Heading to San Francisco?
158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 158 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves San Francisco
Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco
As featured on:
