Curbside Cafe, a well-loved French bistro in Lower Pacific Heights, has bid farewell to San Francisco after more than three decades of operation. The closure of the iconic eatery was reported by the San Francisco Standard.
In a heartfelt announcement on Facebook, the restaurant expressed its sadness: “It is with sadness that we finally close the doors of Curbside Cafe. The lease has ended and we are personally not able to renew it.” However, SFGATE was unable to obtain a comment from Curbside Cafe at the time of publication.
The origins of Curbside Cafe can be traced back to 1978 when Lee Burns opened the original “Curb Side Cafe” at 2417 California St., according to the restaurant’s Yelp page. Remarkably, the building has served as a culinary haven since the devastating 1906 earthquake, as mentioned by the New Fillmore.
Just a year after its inception, the cafe changed ownership and underwent a transformation into a deli known as Eichelbaum & Co, serving an array of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. In 1989, Antoine Alliaume took over and rebranded the establishment as “Curbside Cafe,” emphasizing its French repertoire that included delectable dishes such as filet mignon, French onion soup, and mousse au chocolat.
In 2010, Olivier Perrier, who had been a server and manager at the restaurant, along with his wife Gwyneth Perrier, took over ownership from Alliaume. Interestingly, Gwyneth was initially a regular customer at Curbside Cafe, and it was within the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant that the couple first crossed paths.
Curbside Cafe was not only a place for exquisite cuisine but also a setting for romance. The intimate and enchanting ambiance often played host to date nights and even marriage proposals, creating lasting memories for many patrons.
“We’re grateful to all of you who have helped to make the restaurant a neighborhood gem because what would it have been without all of us together?” the Facebook post from Curbside Cafe expressed its gratitude. “Thank you, merci!”
As Curbside Cafe closes its doors, it leaves behind a legacy of exquisite French fare and cherished memories. The bistro’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the community it served for over thirty years, marking the end of an era in San Francisco’s diverse culinary scene.