I never thought I’d see the day that I could write that the long-closed JULIUS’ CASTLE (since 2007) is going to reopen on Telegraph Hill. (My grandpa Ernie is smiling from the other side, he loved that place.) After all kinds of NIMBY complaints and opposition, the Planning Commission still voted positively to let the old-school establishment (a historical landmark!) reopen. In fact, it was a clean sweep of 7-0. All right!
The restaurant first opened in 1922 (although I have also seen 1923 and 1924 listed). Julius Roz, the Italian owner, even outfitted the Gothic revival building with “interior wood paneling from the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition” (via SFGate). And then there’s that view. And that deep history—numerous stars dined there over the years, from Cary Grant to Ginger Rogers (read more about its fascinating history here). Current owner Paul Scott—who purchased the restaurant in 2012 and lives on Telegraph Hill—is looking for an operator and will be busy restoring the restaurant. I will keep you posted on how his plans progress. 302 Greenwich St. at Montgomery.
The castle on the hill. Photo via NoeHill.com.
