Restaurants

For many the Carnelian Room, sitting atop the Bank of America building, on the 52 floor personifies traditional old-school San Francisco. Having had dinner here, and many a lunch as a guest of a Bankers Club of San Francisco member, I can confirm that the place is special.  From the stone banker’s heart on the ground floor to the sky high killer view.  Thus the closure of the Carnelian Room at the end of this year will be another reminder of how dining out is truly changing in San Francisco, as much as the rest of the country.

Pacific Room @ Carnelian Room in SF

If you have never been to the Carnelian Room, picture Michael Douglas in the lunch scene in the movie The Game (which was filmed mostly in San Francisco).  Remember Sean Penn arrives late for lunch, the room is very formal, full of men in suits?  The image is pure old-school San Francisco, something out of the high rolling 1980’s a la Gordon Gekko, another Michael Douglas character.

There are many theories as to the closure, but it is likely that the expensive meals, easily $100 per person, and inconsistent service has taken its toll on return customers. An exclusive destination, the Carnelian Room has been popular since the days of venerable San Franciscan Herb Caen. This institution used to be on the top of the list for wedding receptions but now people seek more unique spaces out of town.

Golden Gate Room @ Carnelian Room

Hopefully a new tenant will be found and in the short term, the Rotary Club, Lion’s Club and others will hold events here. And maybe the Bankers Club members will keep bringing their business lunches to the 52nd floor.  San Francisco still has its share of investment bankers who like to dine out.  The list of old-school restaurants for business lunches continues to shrink in downtown San Francisco with Tadich Grill, Sam’s and Le Central among the few left.

This year I for one plan to find  a way to arrange a late lunch on one of the days the Blue Angels fly during Fleet Week. This sky high location has the best view – 360 degrees – to watch these fighter planes swoop across the city and bay!

If you love old San Francisco, this beautiful location is worth visiting to experience our city’s rich history. Sadly the Carnelian Room’s last dinner will be New Year’s Eve.

Facing the Transamerica Pyramid in the Coit Tower View Room @ Carnelian Room - Perfect for watching Blue Angels!

555 California St # 5200
San Francisco, CA 94104-1544
(415) 433-7500

View Lounge:
Monday through Saturday from 3pm, last call 10:30pm

Dinner:
Mondays to Thursdays 6:00pm to last seating at 9:30pm
Fridays and Saturdays: 5:30pm to last seating at 10:00pm

All photos courtesy of The Carnelian Room website