The Odeon Cafe

Market St. at Eddy | map |

Opened: 1909 at this new location on the northwest corner of Market and Eddy in the Douglass Building. Art Siegel notes that the building was constructed in 1909. Jack Tillmany comments: 

"It opened in September - probably around the same time as the new Market Street Theatre further up the street and just in time for the Portola Festival."

After many name changes the Market Street Theatre ended up as the Esquire.  

An October 6, 1909 ad located by Jack. Before the 1906 earthquake the Odeon had been at 8 O'Farrell St., just off Market. 

 

The Odeon is on the left in this 1910 photo by Horace Chaffee from the San Francisco Department of Public Works that appears on the Open SF History Project website. Thanks to Art Siegel for locating it. That's the Flood Building on the right.

 

"Odeon Vaudeville" at the Cafe. It's a view from a 1915 souvenir booklet in the collection of Kevin Walsh. He shared what he calls this "much-retouched 'nighttime' photo" in a post on the BAHT Facebook page. Across Market note the signage for the Pantages Theatre and the Empress Theatre, later known as the St. Francis.  Jack Tillmany comments: 

 

"Apparently, their live orchestra was popular enough for them to expand to vaudeville, at least long enough for this photo to be taken."

 

The Odeon Cafe is in the 1915 city directory listing an address of Market and Eddy. They were calling themselves "San Francisco's leading restaurant."  The Yale Dentists above them was listed as being on the 2nd floor at 908 Market St. 

 

 

Thanks to John Freeman for sharing this c.1915 card from his collection. 

 

Jack Tillmany comments:

 

"Judging from the extent of newspaper coverage - advertisements - etc. this was a popular dining venue - enhanced by the orchestra - with an attempt at a bit of vaudeville - which probably was unsuccessful due to obvious reasons: Imagine trying to watch a juggling act while dealing with a plate of Chicken Tetrazzini. By 1936 it seems to have survived prohibition and the depression and the site operated as States Restaurant with a floor show and dancing."

 

 

"Floor Show and Dancing" says the banner. The States Restaurant is on the left in this 1936 photo of Powell and Market that was located by Jack Tillmany. 

 

Closing: The date is unknown. Jack notes that by the early 1940s the location had become a Gallenkamp's shoe store. 

An early 40s view west with the former Odeon/States location selling shoes. The Telenews and Esquire theatres are down the block. It's a photo by Meith Hagel for Life that appeared on a Vintage Everyday post about life in San Francisco c.1943. Thanks to Ernie Manzo Jr. for spotting it. 

 

 Jack Tillmany notes:

"In later years (1950s) - the site had become a typical downtown corner magazine/tobacco/booze venue with a back room which catered to more 'adult' tastes - nudie magazines - etc. - into which I was not allowed to enter."

Status: The building is long gone. The Powell St. BART station is on the site. 

More information: Jack Tillmany's Arcadia Publishing book "Theatres of San Francisco" can be previewed on Google Books. It's available from Amazon or your local bookseller.  

There was also an Odeon Theatre at 747 Market St. but it was a film house. 

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