Mary Etta Moose

1928 - 2023

Mary Etta Moose
December 21, 1928 - December 23, 2023
Mary Etta Moose, who co-founded two of North Beach's most iconic restaurants and gathering places -- the original Washington Square Bar & Grill and Moose's -- passed away peacefully at her home in San Francisco on December 23, 2023. She was 95.
"The Square" was opened on Powell Street in 1973 by Ms. Moose her husband, Ed (1929-2010) and their partner, Sam Deitsch (1929-2002). It became that rare packed-nightly place-to-be, where writers, politicians, artists, athletes, and lovers of its live jazz all crossed paths and connected.
"The consummate power hangout" and "a political vortex," per the San Francisco Chronicle, the Bar & Grill was even the subject of a book, "The Square: The Story of a Saloon," by Ron Fimrite.
On a given night there, one might spot Walter Cronkite, Tom Brokaw, Diane Sawyer, Studs Turkel, Tom Wolfe, Herb Caen, Dianne Feinstein, Willie Brown, George Moscone, Nancy Pelosi, Will Clark, Bob Lurie, Steve Young; and the list went on.
Ms. Moose created many recipes for the famed tavern's menu. She co-authored a book, "The Flavor of North Beach," mentored future star chefs like Gary Danko, and studied the culinary arts in Europe.
By 1987, The Square did more business per seat than any other San Francisco restaurant, according to the Chronicle.
After selling The Square, Ms. Moose and her partners enjoyed a successful second act: Moose's on Stockton Street with its landmark blue neon moose head. She again co-managed the restaurant and oversaw the kitchen from 1992 until its sale in 2005.
Beyond her signature institutions, Ms. Moose was a popular and beloved figure in her adopted North Beach, known for her infectious good nature, Cheshire Cat smile, and a laugh one journalist described as "a bold, lyrical trill."
She was a quiet philanthropist to many individuals and causes, including St. Anthony's Dining Room in San Francisco. Donations in her memory may be made to St. Anthony's Foundation or Doctors Without Borders.
She is survived by her sister, Veronica Reed and brother-in-law, Gary Reed of Sebastopol; plus 18 nephews and nieces scattered across the country.
There will not be a service. Mary Etta wanted family and friends to celebrate her life privately.