Address 2170 Market St. | Built 1907 | |
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Location San Francisco, CA 94114 Type Nightclub, Bar, Restaurant, Private Event Space Opened 2003, under current ownership | ||
Cafe Du Nord is a bar and restaurant located in the Swedish American Hall, a music venue and event space located in the same historic building in San Francisco’s Upper Market neighborhood.
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History
Cafe du Nord has been serving San Francisco (almost) continuously since 1907. Reopened after restoration in the summer of 2015, it is once again providing San Franciscans with good food, good drink and good times. Tucked into the back of the historic bar is the Viking Room, a restaurant serving fresh seafood, American bistro cuisine, cocktails and champagne. The space which was previously a music venue (see notable shows and awards below), now has live music nightly Tuesday - Saturday in The Viking Room at Cafe du NOrd.
In 1906 the Swedish American Society engaged Swedish-born San Francisco architect August Nordin to develop plans for a new building for the group to call home. Laying of the cornerstone took place in an impressive ceremony amid gala festivities and dedication of the completed structure, designated The Swedish American Hall, occurred on December 22, 1907. Since that historic day, the Hall has been home to many businesses over the years, but there has been one strong voice behind the iconic building, The Swedish American Society.
In addition to the newly renovated bar, Café du Nord and the Basque-inspired restaurant, Aatxe, the Swedish American Hall now houses three event spaces that take over the second and third floors of the building; Freja, Odin and Balder Halls that have held countless celebrations over its 107 year history. With old world charm and fresh blood flowing through it, Ne Timeas Restaurant Group and The Bon Vivants bring a fresh approach to events with full-service catering (starting in 2016), catering partners and craft cocktail bar service for weddings, corporate events, conventions, meetings, parties, dinners, receptions, recitals and other special events.
Notable shows
Both Cafe Du Nord and The Swedish American Hall have hosted internationally known musicians, up and coming bands, and local artists nearly every night of the week. The venues are known for hosting many now famous bands when they were first starting out. Notable shows from the past ten years include Arthur Lee and Love’s last show, Neil Young, The Zombies, Dave Davies (the Kinks), John Cale, J. Mascis, Frank Black, Blink 182, St. Vincent, The Decemberists, Spoon, Iron and Wine, Rilo Kiley, Vincent Gallo, Mumford and Sons, Train, Cake, Sara Bareilles, Andrew W.K., Brian Jonestown Massacre, Girls, Alkaline Trio, and the comedian Scott Capurro.
Awards
The venue's intimate setting and reputation for hosting outstanding live shows have earned Cafe Du Nord and the Swedish American Hall numerous awards over the years including: a 2013 "Nightey" Award for Best Live Music Venue in San Francisco (under 400 capacity) the California Music and Culture Association's "Best Music Venue" 2012, Top 40 Music Venues in America, Paste Magazine, and one of California's "Top Ten Most Beautiful Music Venues," CA Home and Design.