The Waterfront Celebrates 77th Birthday

On December 5th, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the US Constitution was officially ratified, forever repealing Prohibition. The end of Prohibition finally made the manufacture, sale, and possession of alcoholic beverages no longer illegal thus allowing for businesses across the nation to post for a liquor license.

Days after, Chaffee Grant (Ulysses S. Grant's grandson) and partner Clair Blakley first opened The Waterfront to the San Diego public complete with a new custom bar, a few bar stools, a juke box, slot and pin-ball machines and several food snacks on the bar.

Today, The Waterfront has been running for the 77 years, which gives this local watering hole the prestigious title of "San Diego's Oldest Tavern." Apart from the old photos that line the wall, featuring several generations of The Waterfront's "crew," and scattered remnants of fishing expeditions, the Waterfront appeal is modern with little reminders of its beginnings which still linger in the air. The ultra-glamorous Gaslamp may be just a few blocks away, but locals have continually flocked to the Waterfront for the good food and cheap, cold beer with minimum embellishments.

And because we just love any good reason to party, trust us when we say you’ll want to head into The Waterfront on Thursday, December 2nd. Why you ask? To celebrate their 77th birthday of course!

Hot damn, that’s a whole lotta year’s worth of those tasty tater tots...

To commemorate the birth of San Diego's oldest tavern, The Waterfront hosts an annual anniversary party every December with all proceeds donated to a specific local charity. At this classic yearly party, The Waterfront offers its customers the ability to donate a minimum of $5, earning them a pin that allows the customer to enjoy 99 cent burgers (1.50 with cheese) and 50 cent beers from 2pm-10pm. Ummm, yes please!

Be prepared for a warp back through time as the entire staff and local residents dress up in the typical attire of the 1930s. That’s right people – pull out those flapper dresses, fedoras and suspenders from your Halloween costume drawer and get ready to celebrate the birth of a San Diego landmark.

Oh did we forget to mention that their burgers are hands down the best in town? And for only 99 cents a pop well then…Utah, gimme two! For more information, please visit The Waterfront in Little Italy.

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