Old Fisherman’s Grotto

Fishermen’s Grotto and Tarantino’s Are Suing the City of San Francisco | Eater SF

"Established on the city's wharf in 1935, I note that Fishermen’s Grotto closed in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and was ultimately shuttered permanently after the Port of San Francisco initiated eviction proceedings in September 2023 while it was in the 53rd year of a 66-year lease. Its owner, Herringbone Tavern Inc., says it spent $2 million renovating the space — including accessibility upgrades and dry rot repair — and is now suing the city to recover those renovation costs plus unspecified damages, arguing the city failed to “maintain the character of Fisherman’s Wharf” (citing increased homelessness and criminal activity) and did not fix a crumbling seawall while citing earthquake risks in breaching the leases. The Port countered that the businesses owed back rent (reported initially as $1.4 million dating to March 2020 and later reported as $1.7 million), and the restaurant reportedly briefly reopened before eviction actions." - Dianne de Guzman