The Bella Union

The Bella Union Theater: A Legendary San Francisco Entertainment Venue
The Bella Union Theater, a renowned Gold Rush-era entertainment establishment, has been a cornerstone of San Francisco's vibrant nightlife for decades. Situated at 803-805 Kearny Street, the Bella Union Saloon and Theater has been a bustling hub of gambling, drinking, and performance activities since the mid-1800s.
Boasting a rich history of burlesque shows and musical concerts featuring orchestras and symphonies, the Bella Union has long been a gathering place for the city's pleasure-seekers. It was Samuel Tetlow, however, who truly brought burlesque to the stage, making it a hallmark of the venue's entertainment offerings. Between sets, Tetlow employed costumed waitresses to sell drinks to patrons, fostering an exclusive gentlemen-only atmosphere and further cementing the Bella Union's disreputable status.
In 1873, Samuel Tetlow took ownership of the Bella Union Theater. Some speculate that the establishment, along with the El Dorado Theatre, was designed by esteemed French Architect Prosper Huerne, who greatly influenced San Francisco's building industry for nearly three decades.
By 1896, the Bella Union had moved to a new location at 712 Kearny Street. However, the saloon's reputation had soured in the eyes of the San Francisco Police Department due to its association with gambling and debauchery.
Despite its typical men-only policy, the Bella Union occasionally served as a family theater, presenting melodramas for all to enjoy. The venue's design featured a spacious bar area and an intimate theater encircled by curtains. The stage itself boasted an exquisite painted curtain, which, when drawn up, revealed performers engaging in suggestive and titillating songs and dances.
Over the years, the Bella Union has played host to a multitude of popular performers, including Ned Harrigan, Lotta Crabtree, James A. Hearne, J.H. O'Neill, Maggie Brewer, Eddie Foy, Junie McCree, Pauline Markham, Jefferson de Angelis, and Flora Walsh.
As of 1880, the Bella Union Theater remains a testament to San Francisco's colorful past and thriving entertainment scene. This legendary venue continues to captivate audiences with its risqué performances and lively atmosphere, making it an unforgettable part of the city's cultural fabric.

Performers who became popular here included Ned Harrigan, Lotta Crabtree, James A. Hearne, J.H. O'Neill, Maggie Brewer , Eddie Foy, Junie McCree, Pauline Markham, Jefferson de Angelis, and Flora Walsh.

Type

Theatre / Concert hall