After 17 Years, 'Rainforest Café' On Fisherman's Wharf ShuttersRainforest Café at Fisherman's Wharf. | Photo: Andrea C./Yelp
Nathan Falstreau
Published on October 03, 2017

San Franciscans and tourists who wish to grab a bite to eat and a cocktail amongst mechanical elephants, tigers, gorillas and fake trees will now have to look elsewhere. After nearly 17 years, theme restaurant Rainforest Café at 145 Jefferson St. in Fisherman's Wharf has officially closed its doors. 

Keith Beitler, senior vice president and COO of specialty restaurant and amusement divisions at Landry’s Inc., the company behind the restaurant, confirmed the closing. 

"The landlord opted not to renew our lease, resulting in the closure of our restaurant," Beitler said. "The Rainforest Cafe at Fisherman’s Wharf closed its doors on Sunday, October 1st."

Photo: Silky S./Yelp

Beitler said he hopes to find jobs at other Landry's restaurants for Rainforest employees who lost their jobs.

"We value our employees, their work experience and dedication to our restaurant, and are working to relocate them to other Landry’s concepts," Beitler said. "We are grateful for the support of our community and encourage our patrons to visit our sister properties in the area." 

Other Landry's restaurants in San Francisco include two other Fisherman's Wharf restaurants, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Chart House on Pier 39, nearby McCormick & Kuleto’s at 900 North Point at Ghirardelli Square, and Morton's The Steakhouse at 400 Post St. near Union Square. 

Photo: Kim H./Yelp

In the meantime, fans of the Rainforest Café will have to head south to get their fix. With the closure of the San Francisco location, the closest branches are at Disneyland in Anaheim and at the Ontario Mills Fashion District in Ontario, California.