The Bell Tower

The Bell Tower
1900 Polk Street at Jackson
415-567-9596
A
Once upon a time when Polk Street was the gay center of San Francisco, this unique little building was home to one of the Noble Frankfurters that stayed open until the wee hours for those craving greasy sustenance after a long night imbibing beyond reason. An interesting and sharp young gal named Barb had bartended down in the financial district and bought the place and went through the beaureacratic morass of becoming a tax paying employer in this graft ridden city. It’s a cozy, small space with knee high windows that climb to arched moldings separating the ceiling and adorned with murals. All the windows look out on the busy corner of Jackson and Polk and there are mature trees that lend civility and ambience. Well worn in a way the reflects the casual, well lived in nature of the place rather than neglect, the décor consists of various old and new floors, deco paintings and murals, art glass hanging lamps, an old mahogany bar with red leather upholstered bar stools and chairs throughout. This is a neighborhood classic much like people like to think of ‘Cheers’ but its earned and justified here. Simplicity, friendliness and constant chatter compete with canned tunes and several large flat screened televisions showing sports events with the sound muted most of the time. The staff is as much at home as the regulars and banter between everyone is a constant, and welcoming. It’s small with about 14 tables up and down and maybe 18 bar stools at the bar and sidebar so it can get crowded, but has always been warm and friendly. The burger is excellent and pride shows in every aspect of the preparation and presentation. Good ground chuck is hand formed into half pound patties and char grilled to order, places on a toasted artisan bun that has actually been hollowed out to fit the meat and melting cheese like a glove. The large white steakhouse platter arrives with the burger open faced and several leaves of chilled romaine, a couple thick slices of fresh juicy tomato and red onion as well as a pile of good sliced pickles. Filling out the plate are a mound of almost perfect shoestring fries that are hot and crisp.

Sometimes the wait staff can be aloof which can be distracting and uncomfortable, but usually this really is Cheers with smiling staff and patrons sharing all sorts of good vibes all the time. They have a full bar, a bunch of artisan beers, a small wine list that is smart and fairly priced and bartenders that make great drinks with generous pouring and fine ingredients. The kitchen is exposed and looks down on the lower dining room and bar which is kinda cool, and the upper dining room is more intimate and quiet. In addition to the excellent burger, they offer a variety of sandwiches, salads and some mighty fine blue plate specials and everything is priced favorably for the young folks starting to climb the ladder of success. This is a fun, neighborhood saloon and pub that serves very good food, drink and atmosphere so get there early and don’t miss their burger.