Seized in 1924 for a large quantity of liquors Julius’ Castle has always been a place of surprises. Welcome to Julius’ Castle a San Francisco Landmark since 1980. It sits at 1541 Montgomery Street on Telegraph Hill. This castle-shaped building has served as a visual landmark and restaurant for many years.
Julius Roz started building it in 1923 with architect Luigi “Louis” Mastropasqua. The castle’s design pays tribute to Layman’s Wooden Castle. That earlier German-style castle was a Telegraph Hill tourist attraction from 1882 to 1903. Both Roz and Mastropasqua had come from Italy to San Francisco just before Layman’s Folly closed. Salvaged redwood and maple from the Panama–Pacific International Exposition demolition in 1919 became part of Julius’ Castle.
The San Francisco Planning Department describes its architecture. It combines Gothic Revival and Arts and Crafts styles. In the 1920s Julius’ Castle even sported a pink coat of paint. During Prohibition it operated as a speakeasy.
After Roz died in 1947 Julius’ Castle continued to operate. Its interior featured Victorian-era decor. Diners enjoyed views of the San Francisco Bay. Celebrities loved Julius’ Castle. Robert Redford Cary Grant and Sean Connery were frequent guests. Marlon Brando Ginger Rogers and Sir Edmund Hillary also visited. Even the entire cast of The Empire Strikes Back dined here. Julius’ Castle also appears in Dashiell Hammett’s novels. The 1951 film The House on Telegraph Hill was filmed at Julius’ Castle.
After many owners Julius’ Castle closed in 2007. The City approved its reopening in 2017. But neighbor complaints about crowds and noise caused delays. The reopening is now scheduled for 2023.
Paul Scott an attorney bought Julius’ Castle in 2012. He is renovating this old tourist spot. His goal is to make it a destination for celebrities prom dates and engagements again. All he needs is a chef.
San Francisco Heritage president Woody LaBounty calls Julius’ Castle a “murky strange building”. It has a unique association with nightlife and entertainment. The location is unbeatable.
The castle combines Gothic Revival and Arts and Crafts styles. Some historians link its design to the Telegraph Hill Observatory. This earlier wooden castle stood where the Coit Tower parking lot is today.
In 2009 Preservation Magazine noted Julius’ Castle’s celebrity appeal. Bay Area politicians frequented Table 34. Musicians like Huey Lewis and Journey visited. Robert Redford Sean Connery and Ginger Rogers were regulars. Sir Edmund Hillary once dined with a group of mountain climbers.
Mayor Emeritus Art Agnos remembers Sunday dinners with his family here. He calls Julius’ Castle a quintessential historic San Francisco restaurant.
Today Julius’ Castle awaits its revival. Its history is rich with stories of famous guests Prohibition-era secrets and architectural charm. As you stand here imagine the laughter the clinking glasses and the breathtaking views that have made Julius’ Castle a beloved landmark for nearly a century.