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Port of San Francisco to Demolish Alioto’s for $10M Fisherman’s Wharf Plaza Plan

A public plaza will replace the former restaurant to reconnect visitors to the inner lagoon through new lighting, a lagoon overlook, seismic upgrades.

At the intersection of San Francisco’s Jefferson and Taylor streets, heavy tourist foot traffic contrasts with the empty buildings of historic businesses like Alioto’s Restaurant. The iconic eatery, which closed in 2020 after having operated for nearly a century, will now be torn down.
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File image of Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.

Overview

  • Port director Elaine Forbes said years of tenant outreach failed to attract operators for the 11,000-square-foot building, which is now slated for demolition.
  • Phase one of the $10 million plan is scheduled to finish by summer 2026, while a second phase will focus on seismic retrofits and sea-level rise protections.
  • Visitor counts at the wharf plunged about 33% since 2019, and six major seafood restaurants—including Alioto’s—did not reopen after the pandemic.
  • Stakeholders such as restaurant owner Don McFarland hope the new plaza will boost dwindling weekday foot traffic and revitalize local businesses.
  • The port will preserve Alioto’s iconic sign and collaborate with the family on interpretive displays honoring the restaurant’s legacy.