Famed Joe's Cable Car Restaurant Closing Up Shop
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – A San Francisco institution, known for its old-fashioned burgers, is getting ready to close its doors for good.
Joe Obegi started grilling burgers at Joe's Cable Car Restaurant, located on Mission Street near Silver, in 1965. "It was built to look like a cable car ," he said. "And it was window service."
Famed Joe's Cable Car Restaurant Closing Up Shop
Eventually, in 1983, Obegi expanded the restaurant to include booth and table seating. More recently, it was featured on the popular Food Network show, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," hosted by celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
"Good food brings good people and smiley people," Obegi said. "And I love that."
Known by loyal customers and food critics for having one of the best burgers in San Francisco, Obegi has been proud to "ground his own fresh chuck daily." The fresh ground beef steaks are made of 100% U.S.D.A., government inspected, choice beef chuck.
Diner Addy Canaveri said she appreciated the fact that Obegi has always used fresh ground chuck for his burgers.
"It's nice to have somewhere with high quality ingredients, but in a more relaxed atmosphere," she said.
Obegi said when he opened, the burgers cost 40 cents. Now, they're $11.
He said he doesn't want to sell because he doesn't want the quality of burgers to change.
The last day of service at Joe's Cable Car Restaurant is March 16.
