The Origins of Maiden Lane
Before San Francisco’s 1906 earthquake, Maiden Lane was known as Morton Street. This was San Francisco’s notorious red-light district in the mid-19th century. In 1955, local merchants pushed for cars to be prohibited from the lane during certain hours which made it a popular hub for pedestrians. By 1958, it was described by journalists as “one of the finest shopping streets in America.” One of Maiden Lane’s biggest draws is that it’s home to San Francisco’s only Frank Lloyd Wright designed building. It was a long jump for an area that was previously described as having disease-ridden brothels and tumultuous mobs.
The Transition from Morton Street to Maiden Lane
Morton Street was destroyed during the earthquake and rebuilt into Maiden Lane. The new name is said to be inspired by the Maiden Lanes of London and New York, but others say it’s also a nod to the neighborhood’s past. Today, the pedestrian mall in Union Square is closed to cars from 11am to 5pm daily. Frank Lloyd Wright’s building is now a San Francisco Designated Landmark which homes ISAIA (a men’s clothing store).
Maiden Lane Today
Today, you can stop by Maiden Lane for luxury shopping from designer brands like Gucci, Tory Burch, and Cartier. Even if you’re not looking to spend or stop by a spa, it’s a nice quaint area to walk through filled with greenery and unique architecture. A popular attraction is the Hawthorne night club which opened in 2014. It’s a luxurious hangout with Austrian drapes, lounge seating, state-of-the-art sound systems, and nightly performances. During the summer, they host musical guests and offer discounts for drinks if you reserve in advance.
One of the most famous stops on Maiden Lane is Iron Horse, a cocktail bar decorated with stained glass and chandeliers. According to Iron Horse, celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were regulars. Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio even held their wedding reception there. It’s also a favorite of Denis Leary, a stand-up comedian and actor. They also double as a coffee shop with a kick — spike your caffeine with Kahlua, Bailey’s, rum, or whiskey.
