An... "AllCityProject" wouldn't be so named if it did not fully represent/ change a... or every neighborhood... and as many historically relevant landmarks as absolutely possible. The Fillmore "Jazz" District is one of the city's most notable entertainment landmarks and has been since the mid to late 1940's. Also referred to as the Harlem of the West... the Fillmore has seen it's fair share of change, growth, and gentrification... yet has somehow managed to keep most it's flavor and historical flare throughout countless and massive redevelopment projects, and an influx of "visitors" turned "natives". Beginning in 1880 or so... through the 1890's... the original inhabitants of the cobble stoned Fillmore streets were Jewish and Japanese, working class migrants, that were forced to move away from the overcrowded streets of San Francisco's Downtown and local marine docks. The Jewish and Japanese community began to grow and thrive during those years and there were a number of vegetable gardens, butchers, and bakeries readily available for the growing wave of new inhabitants.
Yet, just a short time later... after the 1906 earthquake and ensuing mass destruction; most of the city (east of Van Ness) lay in ruins and burnt to the ground. The Fillmore miraculously managed to stay virtually unscathed and unharmed... and soon became the City's main thoroughfare and place of commerce while the reconstruction of San Francisco's infrastructure went underway!
Once the political machine was able to return to a rebuilt City Hall... the Fillmore became the premiere place for food, arts, and entertainment. Shortly there after, many of the Jewish inhabitants moved to other areas of the city. A huge number of Japanese, African American, Filipino, and Russian families and business owners moved in to fill the void. Fast Forward 75 years...
Now, The Fillmore District continues to remain one of the City's premiere locations for great live entertainment, great food, festivals, art, and business.
Despite several major face lifts, tummy tucks, and metaphorical nose jobs...The Fillmore District remains a major staple and destination for locals and tourists.
The All City Project took the party to Bruno's, located at 1375 Fillmore just south of Geary Blvd. Now...this place had a lot of flavor and a great feel. The walls are covered in great pictures, action shots, posters, paintings, and memorabilia of Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie, The Rat Pack, and a host of other musicians.
The first thing that jumps out at you, once you walk in, besides the great pictures and perfect choice in paint color; is THE MASSIVE GRANITE BAR AND BLINDINGLY LARGE FLAT SCREEN TELEVISION!!! Although, Bruno's only serves beer and wine, they have a great selection of both to keep your palate pacified. The Kitchen is open and you can see that hot ass oven blazing away and the great crew in the back working hard! Mike was the cool boss man of the house, and Audea (The AUSSIE) was our bartender and server. They were both extremely friendly and receptive to our little social experiment. Mike even invited us to come and watch WORLD CUP for the semi-finals and finals. Right on you two. The food was great and the service was great.
So, if you are looking for a great place to eat (just don' sit near that hot ass oven), drink, and enjoy a historical neighborhood at it's finest...I suggest you get off your high horse, take your bee-hind down to the Fillmore District, south of Geary Blvd, and enjoy Bruno's great eats and atmosphere.
Thank you: ACP, Ed, Jah Dolla, Phil, Laurie, Damian, Joanne, Rob and Sonia, Otmar, Jamal, Mike and Audea.
Don't forget to come down to see the World Cup during the semi-finals and finals @9am.
My name is Stretchvet and I approve this message!
