Literary Landmark: John's Grill - Dashiell Hammett

San Francisco, Calif.

Dedicated: 1997

1997Hammett1John’s Grill in San Francisco, California was designated a Literary Landmark on June 27th, 1997 for its cameo appearance in Dashiell Hammett’s detective novel The Maltese Falcon. Hammett was also a frequenter of the bar and restaurant and it is rumored that he wrote some of The Maltese Falcon while sitting at a table there.

Hammett was born in St. Mary’s County, Maryland on May 27th, 1894. He attended college for a short time in Baltimore, however, he quit to go to work and support his family. He also served in World War I where he contracted tuberculosis, an event that haunted his health for the rest of his life.1997Hammett2

Hammett was the founder of the “hard-boiled” school of detective fiction. San Francisco became a main character in Hammett’s novels. His stories painted a gritty picture of American society. He died on January 10th, 1961.

Resources:

John’s Grill (website)

Maltese Falcon rules roost at John's Grill (SFGate)