In an era when San Francisco's historic establishments are closing at alarming rates, Vanessa Garcia stands as a guardian of the city's past while building its future. As owner of 7 Mile House, the last original mile house standing in its original location, Garcia has transformed a piece of Gold Rush history into a thriving 21st-century gathering place.
But Garcia isn't just a preservationist—she's a multi-talented entrepreneur who performs percussion with her band The Hookahs on First Fridays, champions dog-friendly dining policies that earned SF Weekly recognition five years running, and continues to innovate while honoring tradition.
"Running 7 Mile House isn't just about operating a restaurant," Garcia explains. "It's about maintaining a connection to San Francisco's history while making sure we're relevant to the community we serve today."
That philosophy shows in everything from the restaurant's Filipino-American menu—a nod to Garcia's heritage—to its dedicated dog menu featuring dog beer, ice cream, and "cigars" (jerky treats). The daily "Yappy Hour" from 3-6 PM welcomes four-legged friends with free peanut butter biscuits alongside human Happy Hour specials.
Garcia's commitment to community extends beyond the restaurant walls. She hosts regular history talks about the establishment's colorful 168-year past, including tales of Prohibition-era whiskey smuggling and illegal card games. These storytelling sessions, complete with complimentary coffee and mimosas, have become beloved events that connect newer residents with the area's rich heritage.
The Sunday brunch featuring DJ Mama San spinning R&B classics represents another facet of Garcia's vision—creating spaces where diverse communities can come together over great food and good vibes.
"San Francisco has always been a place where different cultures and generations mix," Garcia notes. "That's what 7 Mile House was in 1858, and that's what we try to be today."
In a city struggling to maintain its identity amid rapid change, Vanessa Garcia offers a blueprint for how businesses can honor the past while embracing the future.