In 1905, Maurice Bernstein opened a small counter stall in Oakland. It was so successful that in 1912, he established Bernstein's Fish Grotto in San Francisco. It was best known for its unique entrance: a ship’s prow jutting out over the sidewalk. The ship was a faithful reproduction in size and detail of Christopher Columbus’ Nina. It was outfitted with marine gear, tackle and a gangway. (I'm not sure if the different facades shown above were before or after this nautical theme.)
Inside the restaurant, the marine theme continued. Bernstein’s had seven colorful dining rooms: the Fisherman’s Cave, the Pilot Room, the Sun Deck, the Main Salon, the Cabin Nooks, the Upper Deck and the Porthole Counter. The restaurant was also world famous for its Coo-Coo Clams from Coo-Coo Cove.
Bernstein's was designed by Arthur S. Heineman who also created the Milestone Mo-Tel. Some of the restaurant’s mottos were: "Colorful in every respect", "A Fact! Fish caught at 5am served here the same day!", and "The Ship That Never Goes to Sea." There was another restaurant called "The Los Angeles Fish Grotto" in downtown L.A. on West 6th St. It was under the same management but I don't think it had the same theme décor.
