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Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: A Sweet San Francisco Tradition

Experience a San Francisco tradition: watch handmade fortune cookies being crafted at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Chinatown since 1962.

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Tucked away in Ross Alley in San Francisco's Chinatown, the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory offers a glimpse into the traditional art of handmade fortune cookie creation. Since 1962, this family-owned factory has been producing thousands of cookies daily, offering visitors a chance to witness the process and even customize their own fortunes.

A brief summary to Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

  • Monday 9 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Bring cash, as the shop may not accept credit cards.
  • Be prepared for a small wait, as the factory is a popular spot and can get crowded.
  • For a unique souvenir, have custom fortune cookies made with your own personal messages.
  • Don't miss the opportunity to sample freshly baked, unfolded fortune cookies.
  • A small tip is appreciated for taking photos and videos of the cookie-making process.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Dragon's Gate, the main entrance to Chinatown on Bush Street, walk north on Grant Avenue. Turn left onto Washington Street, then turn right onto Ross Alley. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory will be on your left. This walk is approximately 5 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the Ferry Building, walk to Clay St & Drumm St and take the 1 Muni bus (Geary + 33rd Avenue). Exit at Sacramento St & Grant Ave. Walk right up Grant Street, then make a left on Washington Street. Ross Alley will be immediately on your right-hand side. Single ride fare is $3. A day pass for unlimited rides on Muni buses, streetcars, and trains is $5.70. Cable car is also an option from downtown; exit at Powell St & Jackson St. Walk east on Jackson St, then turn right onto Ross Alley. A single ride on the cable car is $8.

  • Driving

    From the East Bay, take the Bay Bridge (I-80 West). Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 2C to merge onto Fremont St. Continue onto Front St, then turn left onto Pine St. Turn right onto Powell St, then right onto Jackson St, and finally right onto Ross Alley. Several parking garages are available in the vicinity, including the Chinatown Parking Garage on 728 Pacific Avenue, with hourly rates typically ranging from $4 to $8. Street parking is limited and metered.

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Discover more about Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown at 56 Ross Alley, is a unique and fragrant destination that has been hand-crafting fortune cookies since 1962. This small factory, tucked away in the oldest alley in San Francisco, offers visitors a peek into the traditional methods of creating these iconic treats. Inside the unassuming storefront, you'll find workers skillfully using motorized circular griddles to bake the cookies. The cookies are then gently twisted into the famous fortune cookie shape as the message is carefully placed inside. The aroma of warm, freshly baked cookies fills the air, creating a sensory experience that's hard to resist. Visitors can witness the entire fortune cookie-making process from start to finish. You can observe the staff as they pour batter onto hot griddles, insert the fortunes, and expertly fold the cookies into their iconic shape. For a small fee, you can even take photos and videos of the cookie-making process. One of the highlights of visiting the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is the chance to have custom fortune cookies made. You can choose your own messages to put inside the cookies, making for a memorable and personalized souvenir. Besides the traditional vanilla flavor, the factory also offers a variety of other flavors, including chocolate, strawberry, and green tea. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory isn't just a place to buy cookies; it's an experience that connects you to San Francisco's rich cultural history. It was designated a San Francisco Legendary Business in 2016. It's a must-see for anyone exploring Chinatown and seeking a taste of authentic San Francisco charm.

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