Julius' Castle, a San Francisco restaurant renowned for its distinctive castle-like facade and celebrity clientele, is set to reopen its doors in September after an 18-year closure. The establishment, originally opened by restaurateur Julius Roz in 1924, has been the subject of an extensive and challenging restoration effort led by its current owner, Paul Scott, who purchased the property in 2012.
Scott's journey to reopening the iconic venue, located on Montgomery Street with panoramic bay views, was marked by significant hurdles. These included navigating bureaucratic red tape, engaging in legal disputes, addressing hillside instability threatening the structure, and recovering from a fire that damaged a turret. Despite these obstacles, Scott has secured the necessary building permits and a new chef, and the establishment has been refurbished.
"I didn’t realize this was going to figure so large in my life," Scott told the San Francisco Chronicle, "But it’s been for the good, because it’s such a big part of San Francisco history."
Throughout its history, Julius' Castle has been a favored haunt for local politicians and renowned celebrities. Patrons over the decades have included musicians like Huey Lewis and Hollywood actors such as Robert Redford, Cary Grant, Sean Connery, Marlon Brando, and Ginger Rogers. The building, designed with a castle motif, has retained its name through multiple ownership changes since Roz's death in 1943. At one point, it was operated for 26 years by prominent San Francisco music promoter Jeffrey Pollack before being sold in 2006. The subsequent owner briefly reopened it in 2007 before its closure in 2008.
The restaurant building itself has historical significance, having secured landmark status from the neighborhood organization Telegraph Hill Dwellers in 1980. When Scott acquired the property, he described it as "severely dilapidated," noting significant leaks and the need for extensive repairs.
Further complicating the restoration, the original structure had been built over the property line, causing a two-year delay in permitting. The adjacent hillside posed a structural threat, and a turret required rebuilding after a fire. Additionally, community concerns regarding noise and traffic were raised regarding its potential reopening. Following a lawsuit that attempted to block the reopening, Scott proceeded with renovations, which included refurbishing the bar, fireplace, and wood paneling. The exterior has been repainted in a palette of tan, dark green, and gold. The renovated restaurant is slated to serve dinner, though specific menu details have not yet been released.