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
the cousins
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.
“Pier 23 Cafe is like our home,” so you know the family parties are always fun!
Flicka & Peggy 1985
Flicka & Winona always dancing
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 pop-ins by pop stars, Pier 23 Cafe has long been a sanctuary for San Francisco’s true character.
During his 2026 Castro Residency pop star, Sam Smith, chronicled his second visit to Pier 23 Cafe for the chicken wings! Serving an especially fierce look he snapped some pics by the waterside for his latest fun venture into the Instagram food world @samserved
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. An episode of Ride with Norman Reedus featured Norman and his co-star Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead) rolling through on their motorcycles and enjoying a waterfront lunch.
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, we’ve hosted local icons like columnists Carl Nolte & Herb Caen (both(!) of whom celebrated their 80th birthday here), SF legend and owner of Tosca (and dear friend of Flicka) Jeanette Etheridge brought author Hunter S. Thompson and actor Johnny Depp in one night when Depp was studying Thompson for the upcoming biopic extraordinaire Fear & Loathing, and Nancy Pelosi, herself, loves Pier 23 Cafe and comes in for family celebrations. This list reflects the broad scope of Pier 23 Cafe fans and shows it’s truly a place for everyone.
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."
