The Washington Square Bar & Grill

1707 Powell Street

Tel: 415-989-8123

The Washington Square Bar & Grill is the classic North Beach saloon and watering hole created almost a quarter century ago. This is one of only a handful of the great, enduring power joints in San Francisco, nurtured and maintained today by Peter Osborne who does it well on his terms. Ed Moose wove the 'washbag' into the collective history of San Francisco like no other modern saloon. This tradition continues, and now almost a stone's throw from Moose's where the larger than life Ed now hangs his hat, probably a good five sizes larger than what he wore when he started all those years ago. This restaurant has some of the best celebrity-watching this City has ever enjoyed.

There isn't anything uncomfortable about the Washington Square Bar & Grill. It fits like a fine, kidskin glove, and from the moment you enter you'll feel at home. The bar is the great equalizer here, all men ARE created equal. By that I mean that it can take what seems like an eternity to get a drink here, but it's worth it. The drink will be fine, the production of assembling it well worth the time. Like musical chairs, people move, excuse themselves to visit with others at tables in one of the two intimate dining rooms, stand for awhile, strike up conversation with just about anyone about just about anything. If you're awake while sitting at this bar and just listen you'll think you heard the innermost secrets of power and prestige being shared freely at this wooden altar. The barmen are resolute, dissolute and absolute, their word is the final authority, and they can charm and abuse with charm; Washington Square is really about the best bar in town to get an earful of something you never knew you wanted to know in the first place, but it's great fun.

The food is good, not great, but solid and mainstream. Peter Osborne has the credentials of a chef. Ask the staff what's good when you're there, they're direct and honest, and truly want you to have a good time with your food as well as your drinks. The restaurant features some very good soups, excellent salads, a variety of pastas and a solid burger. Most of the specials are gone by the time I eat which speaks for itself. They have some great appetizers and so-so desserts.

But the real reason I love the 'washbag' is the feel of the place: it's electric, the people watching is the best in town, there's always great piano and frequently a duo or trio playing between the two dining rooms. The walls are covered in truly unique remembrances of things the joint has been involved with over the years including the penny pitch to benefit St. Anthony's Kitchen, the infamous, world traveling softball team 'Laupins Sauvages' that whipped the Russians in its own effort at global diplomacy, the jazz played by Stan Getz, Norma Teagarden and so many other greats. All who work here are fascinating themselves, and they put genuine effort into making you feel comfortable, at home and even when they're swamped, as is often the case, you form allegiance almost instantly. I love this place, I think it's one of the greatest joints in America, perhaps the world. I'm sorry I wasn't more specific about the food, but I always am flooded with the whole experience of this place. Of which the food is only one part. Washington Square 's one of those rare places that provide a truly unique entertainment experience, and I go back and it's still there. I think this place is a must.

Stu Smith

comments and suggestions to Stusmith97@aol.com

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