The Great Revolving Restaurant Debacle: The Rise, Fall, and Rise (Again!) of San Francisco's Equinox
Ah, San Francisco. City of sourdough, cable cars, and...restaurants that spin? Yes, you read that right. Once upon a time, perched atop the Hyatt Regency like a glamorous disco ball, resided the Equinox, a restaurant famous not just for its food (though I'm sure that was delightful too), but for its majestic ability to rotate.
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| What Happened To The Equinox Restaurant In San Francisco |
Those Were the Days: A 360° Dining Experience (Literally)
Imagine this: you're enjoying a romantic dinner (or a boozy brunch with the besties, no judgement here) while the city slowly unfurls beneath you. The Golden Gate Bridge winks at you from afar, Alcatraz chills you with its history, and the Financial District hums with the energy of a thousand deals being struck. All thanks to the equally impressive and slightly nausea-inducing rotating platform of the Equinox.
This marvel of modern engineering (or maybe just a really strong motor) became a beloved San Francisco icon. Tourists flocked for the view, locals celebrated special occasions while the city twirled around them. It was a place of magic, a place of questionable table manners if you got a bit too tipsy...but a place nonetheless!
QuickTip: Repeat difficult lines until they’re clear.
The Plot Thickens (or Thins Out, Depending on How You Look at It)
Then, in 2007, the unthinkable happened. The Equinox ground to a halt. Some say it was a tragic grease shortage, others whisper of a disgruntled employee with a vendetta against spinning restaurants. The truth, as always, is probably somewhere in between (probably maintenance costs). Whatever the reason, San Francisco was left with a stationary shell of its former glory.
The Plot Twists Like a (Hopefully Functional) Revolving Restaurant
But fear not, dear reader! This story, like the best San Francisco sourdough, has a delightful twist. In April 2024, after 17 long years, the legend returned! The Hyatt Regency, in a move that deserves a standing ovation, decided to breathe new life into the once-dormant turntable.
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of engineer Dennis Alcaire (who probably muttered a few choice words under his breath while wrestling with those gears), the restaurant is now slowly but surely spinning again. Currently, it's only open to hotel guests, but hey, that just makes the experience even more exclusive, right?
So, What Does This Mean for You, the Discerning Diner?
Here's the important part:
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
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- The Equinox is back in business (kind of).
- It's currently only for hotel guests (so book a staycation, why don't you?).
- There's no word yet on when the public can experience the revolving magic (but keep those eyes peeled!).
In the meantime, you can always visit the Hyatt Regency for a stationary meal with a view. It just won't be quite as...well, dizzying.
FAQ: Your Guide to San Francisco's Revolving Restaurant Renaissance
How to relive the glory of the Equinox (sort of)? Book a stay at the Hyatt Regency and enjoy the (currently stationary) views from the restaurant space.
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
How to convince them to open the revolving restaurant to the public? Start a petition, write them a love letter (to the restaurant, not the engineer...although...), spread the word!
How to find out when the public can experience the rotating magic? Keep an eye on the Hyatt Regency's website and social media for updates.
How to prepare for a meal on a rotating platform (just in case)? Dramamine is always a good option. But seriously, focus on the view and the delicious food, and you'll be fine!
How to impress your friends with your knowledge of obscure San Francisco restaurants? Casually drop this story into conversation. Instant "most interesting person at the party" award, guaranteed.
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