Our Story
The Vibe & The Views
Classic San Francisco on the Waterfront
Family owned and operated since 1985, Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar captures the true essence of the city. We offer an innovative twist on traditional San Francisco seafood, served alongside unmatched, picturesque bay views.
Whether you're soaking up the sun at our sidewalk tables looking up at Telegraph Hill, grabbing a drink in the Beer Garden facing Treasure Island, or dining right at the water’s edge on our back patio—we have the perfect seat waiting for you.
Our Roots & The Family Business
Mac, Lei, Meighan & Family
A Sixth-Generation Legacy
Pier 23 Cafe’s deep roots began in 1985 when Flicka McGurrin, a sixth-generation San Franciscan, alongside her childhood best friend Peggy Knickerbocker, took a rugged waterfront dive bar and transformed it into a world-class restaurant.
Today, celebrating over 40 years of business, Flicka has passed the baton to her children—Mac, Meighan, and Lei. As the next generation to head the family business, they carry on the proud tradition of serving real, no-frills San Francisco character, outstanding seafood-centric cuisine, and finely crafted cocktails right at the water’s edge.
Flicka & Peggy 1985
The Local Respite & Lifetime Memories
The Ultimate SF Respite
We are a destination for lifetime memories. Over the decades, Pier 23 Cafe has been the backdrop for countless weddings, family reunions, milestone birthdays, and our beloved annual Howloween Doggie Costume Parade (yes, we are proudly dog-friendly!).
It’s where locals bring out-of-town friends to show off the true beauty of the Bay over comforting bowls of our delectable clam chowder, fresh Shrimp Louie salads, and signature crab cakes. We love bringing people together, we love top-tier live local music, and above all, we love San Francisco.
A Hub for SF History & Icons
From late-night legendary interviews to impromptu jazz sets, Pier 23 Cafe has long been a sanctuary for San Francisco’s true character.
As Seen on TV: Food Network superstar Guy Fieri has been a regular for years, recently featuring owner Flicka McGurrin and GM Mac Leibert on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Norman Reedus and Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead) also rolled through on their motorcycles for a waterfront lunch drop-in.
The Bourdain Seal of Approval: When the beloved Anthony Bourdain came to the city for The Layover, Pier 23 was his requisite stop, famously cementing it as the place where the locals actually go.
Cultural Legends: Over the years, our tables have hosted local icons like columnist Herb Caen (who celebrated his 80th birthday here), author Hunter S. Thompson, actor Johnny Depp, and Nancy Pelosi.
Impromptu Magic: You never know who will drop by—like Wynton Marsalis playing an unexpected live set after a performance at Davies Symphony Hall, or Sammy Hagar launching his famous Cabo Wabo tequila right out on our patio.
When legendary SF Giants manager Bruce Bochy was asked to sum up the ultimate San Francisco experience, his answer was simple: "Pier 23 Cafe and Oracle Park."
Meet the OUR DYNAMIC duo.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
Follow us on Instagram @pier_23_cafe to see what's happening on the dock today.