Legendary SF ‘castle’ beloved by Hollywood stars to reopen after 20-year saga

An iconic San Francisco restaurant known for its castle-like facade and A-list customers will reopen in September after being closed down for about 18 years since 2008.

The effort to open back up Julius’ Castle, first started by Italian American restaurateur Julius Roz in 1924, has faced a lot of bumps in the road since its current owner Paul Scott brought the property in 2012.

Scott said that he faced red tape, legal disputes, sliding hillsides and a fire in his attempt to bring the place back to life. After all those years, he’s finally gotten building permits, a new chef and a refurbished establishment.

“I didn’t realize this was going to figure so large in my life,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle. “But it’s been for the good, because it’s such a big part of San Francisco history.”

The restaurant, which has stunning views of the bay on Montgomery Street, was a popular hangout for local politicians and celebrities. Patrons included musicians such as Huey Lewis and Hollywood actors such as Robert Redford, Cary Grant, Sean Connery, Marlon Brando and Ginger Rogers.

Since Roz died in 1943, the castle-inspired building has passed through many owners but always kept the same name.

At one point, it was owned by legendary San Francisco music promoter Jeffrey Pollack, who operated it for 26 years before selling it off in 2006. That new owner refurbished the property and briefly reopened it in 2007 before closing down in 2008.

Neighborhood organization Telegraph Hill Dwellers helped the castle secure landmark status in 1980.

When Scott bought it, he said it was “severely dilapidated,” had leaks and required maintenance. “The building looked like hell,” he said.

The original structure had been built over the property line, which delayed permitting by two years. A hillside next to the castle threatened the structure, and a turret had to be rebuilt after being destroyed by a fire. Additionally, neighbors expressed concerns about noise and traffic if it reopened.

After a failed lawsuit trying to prevent the reopening, Scott was able to hire a designer to renovate the bar, fireplace and wood paneling. The exterior was repainted in tan, dark green and gold. The renovated restaurant will serve dinner, Scott said, but he declined to offer details on the menu.

“I feel bad about how long it’s taken,” he said. “But we’re trying to do it right.”

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