Iconic Café Bastille and B44 in San Francisco to Close After Decades of Service
The End of an Era for Café Bastille and B44
Café Bastille and B44, two iconic restaurants in San Francisco’s Belden Place, are closing their doors after decades of service. Set to shut down on October 26, 2024, these two establishments have long been central to the city’s culinary scene. Café Bastille, with its Parisian terrace seating and live jazz, opened in 1989 and was a key player in transforming the then-unknown alley into a lively dining hub. B44 followed in 1999, serving popular Spanish dishes like Squid Ink Paella and Gambas Al Ajillo. Together, these restaurants embodied the charm and diversity of San Francisco’s dining scene.
A Legacy of Transformation
Co-owners Olivier Azancot and Eric Klein spearheaded the transformation of Belden Place, which also saw the success of their seafood restaurant Plouf in 1996. While Café Bastille became synonymous with French outdoor dining, B44 brought a lively Spanish tapas culture to the area. This combination made Belden Place a unique destination for locals and tourists alike.
The Impact of the Pandemic
However, like many restaurants, Café Bastille and B44 were severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Foot traffic in downtown San Francisco has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, especially the lunchtime crowds that once filled both restaurants. According to manager Sabina Antonova, who started at Café Bastille in 2006, the restaurants struggled to stay afloat despite reopening in 2020 with a combined French-Spanish menu.
Struggling to Stay Afloat
“We reopened after the pandemic and combined both restaurants to make rent and pay staff, but we cannot sustain it any longer,” Antonova said. The steep decline in office workers and tourists, coupled with rising operational costs, made it impossible to continue. The closure of these two beloved spots is a reflection of a broader trend across San Francisco, where many restaurants have struggled to survive in the post-pandemic world.
A History of Community
The history of Café Bastille and B44 is closely tied to the transformation of Belden Place, which evolved from a neglected alley into a vibrant dining destination. The terrace seating, live music, and eclectic menus drew regulars and newcomers alike, creating a strong sense of community. While Plouf closed in 2019 and other establishments faced similar fates, Café Bastille and B44 held on longer. Their closure marks the end of an era not just for Belden Place but also for San Francisco’s al fresco dining culture.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
Antonova shared an emotional message on social media, encouraging patrons to visit one last time before the restaurants close. “We will miss you immensely and we will miss our home,” she wrote. The announcement resonated with long-time customers, many of whom shared their memories of dining at Café Bastille and B44.
Uncertainty Ahead for Belden Place
As Café Bastille and B44 close, the future of Belden Place is uncertain. Olivier Azancot has confirmed that he has no plans to open another restaurant. This departure leaves questions about what might come next for this iconic alley. While Belden Place has a rich history, the challenges of the post-pandemic restaurant industry make it unclear what the next chapter will hold.
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