Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant

With killer views of the waves crashing onto Ocean Beach, the Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant is one of the best places to grab a bite and watch the sunset in San Francisco. Before its current incarnation, the 1925 Spanish revival building served as a beach changing room, an Army outpost during WWII, and a VFW hall. The disused building was shuttered in 1970, but spared for its landmark WPA murals and mosaics. Come to see the murals, and stay for the food and Ocean Beach views. Upstairs, above the visitor center, the Beach Chalet Restaurant serves fresh fish and steaks. Downstairs, opening out to Golden Gate Park, the sunny and more casual Park Chalet offers burgers or fish and chips, and live music on weekends.

During the Great Depression the United States government supported artists by commissioning murals in public buildings. There are several places where you can see the WPA (Works Progress Administration) murals in San Francisco. My favorite spot is The Beach Chalet on The Great Highway near Ocean Beach. All the murals here were painted by Lucien Labaudt. He also painted murals at Coit Tower and George Washington High School. The magnolia wood staircase, featuring sea creatures, was sculpted by Michael von Meyer during the same time. Upstairs is the restaurant and bar with great views of the ocean. The bar has its own brewery and produces special San Francisco beers. Definitely take some time to explore this end of Golden Gate Park on a nice day!