Sentinel Building - American Zoetrope

An Earthquake Survivor

Description

The Sentinel Building, one of San Francisco's few "flatiron" buildings, is at the foot of North Beach. A regal green sliver of a building, the Sentinel has housed many a notorious personage and larger-than-life myths in its nine stories. After its construction in the 1930s, political boss Abe Ruef worked from its top floor before being sent to San Quentin prison for graft; locals swear that the downstairs restaurant/speakeasy Caesar's Grill (shut down for violating certain Prohibition regulations) created the salad of the same name. Today, Francis Ford Coppola houses his production studio, American Zoetrope, in the building. Coppola, a famous epicure and owner of a Napa winery, also owns the downstairs cafe. To get the best view of this San Francisco landmark, look down Columbus Ave from North Beach, preferably from an outdoor cafe while sipping an espresso.