7 Mile House Celebrates 168 Years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

168 Years Strong: 7 Mile House Celebrates Anniversary with New Dog-Friendly Experience and Adobo Giveaway

Bay Area Landmark Launches Region’s First Official Dog Menu, Offers Free Adobo, Dog Meals, History Talk, and $1.68 Jack Daniel’s Shots

Brisbane, CA, January 31, 2026 — Founded in 1858, 7 Mile House is the San Francisco Bay Area’s oldest continuously operating restaurant and bar, still serving guests in the same location and under the same name. It is also the last original mile house remaining in the region.

During the Gold Rush, mile houses were built at every mile along the route from Portsmouth Square in San Francisco to San Jose, serving as stagecoach stops, mile markers, hotels, restaurants, and brothels. Over the past 168 years, 7 Mile House has evolved from 19th century roadhouse to an illegal sports gambling den to the lively sports bar, entertainment venue, and dog-friendly restaurant it is today — a testament to its resilience and ability to adapt through generations.

To celebrate its 168th anniversary, 7 Mile House will host a full day of festivities featuring free adobo and rice bowls for the first 200 guests, free dog meals for all dine-in pups, $1.68 Jack Daniel’s shots, and complimentary coffee and mimosas during a history talk by owner Vanessa Garcia, whose family has stewarded the landmark since 2004.

The event also marks the launch of the Bay Area’s first official dog menu, designed exclusively for dogs dining alongside their humans. The menu features dog-friendly main courses, desserts, and pet-safe novelty options such as dog beer, wine and cigars, reinforcing 7 Mile House’s position as the Bay Area’s most dog-friendly restaurant.

Beyond its anniversary celebration, 7 Mile House offers a year-round dog program including Dog Pawties with cakes, treats, custom décor, and Pacifico-sponsored doggie gift baskets; daily complimentary treats and water bowls; Yappy Hour from 3–6 p.m. with free peanut butter biscuits; and a V.I.D. (Very Important Dog) punch card program rewarding pups with a free fifth meal.

“7 Mile House has been a haven for dog lovers since we opened our outdoor patio in 2014 — years before the pandemic-era adoption boom,” said Vanessa Garcia, owner of 7 Mile House since 2004. “We’ve always believed that if dogs are part of your family, they should be part of where you gather. Welcoming four-legged guests is deeply woven into our culture and our space.”

The anniversary celebration is not only a milestone of longevity, but a reflection of constant reinvention and continuity. At a time when many historic establishments have shuttered, the minority-owned, multi-generational Garcia family has remained committed to preserving this Bay Area landmark. Their dedication includes publishing the restaurant’s own history book, See You at the 7: Stories from the Bay Area’s Last Original Mile House, co-authored by Garcia and her cousin, Regina Abuyuan, ensuring the story of 7 Mile House lives on for future generations.

“7 Mile House has always been part of our family’s everyday life,” said 26-year-old co-owner Visadora Villacarlos and daughter of Garcia who has been involved in the family business since she was 14. “Carrying this legacy forward is personal — it’s about protecting the stories, the people, and the sense of community that make this place feel like home.”

While the building has witnessed more than a century and a half of change, its purpose has remained the same: to be a place where the community gathers, feels welcomed, and shares a meal. That legacy comes to life during this anniversary celebration — honoring where 7 Mile House has been and where it continues to go.

event details

Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026

Location: 7 Mile House, 2800 Bayshore Boulevard, Brisbane, California

featured Specials

10:30 - 11:30am

7 Mile House History Talk with complimentary mimosas and coffee hosted by Vanessa Garcia, co-author of See You at the 7: Stories from the Bay Area’s Last Original Mile House (Available for purchase here)

11:30 am - until supplies last

Free Adobo and Rice Bowls for the First 200 Guests (one per person, take out only)

All Day (dine-in only)

Free dog meals for dine-in dogs (select meals only, 1 per pup)
$1.68 Jack Daniel’s Shots (2 per person) in honor of the 168th anniversary
Double Rewards Points for our loyalty members both dine-in and take out
Free Corona t-shirts and Pacifico collapsible water bottles

PRESS CONTACT:

Visadora Villacarlos

7 Mile House

visadora@7milehouse.com

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About 7 Mile House

Established in 1858, 7 Mile House is a historic, family and dog-friendly restaurant serving up a unique mix of homestyle American and Filipino food. 7 Mile House is the only Bay Area Mile House left standing in its original location and is the oldest restaurant and bar in the Bay Area still operating under the same name in the same location. From its colorful history as a stagecoach stop in the 1800s and an infamous sports gambling joint in the 80s, to becoming an award-winning establishment, 7 Mile House boasts great food, drinks, entertainment, unique history and a strong partnership with the community it serves.

About Vanessa Garcia

Vanessa Garcia, originally from the Philippines, was a drummer, singer and founder of the Philippine-based all female pop-rock group 'Prettier Than Pink'. After graduating from the University of the Philippines in 1996, she moved to the US, and graduated from Golden Gate University with a Masters in Science degree in Public Relations (1999). Vanessa worked as a PR consultant for legacy technology companies such as Sun Microsystems and Sybase. Using only her music and PR background, Vanessa took over 7 Mile House in 2004 and turned it into an award-winning family and dog-friendly restaurant and sports bar. She is also a pioneer of the Filipino food movement in the Bay Area, introducing dishes like adobo and sisig to a mostly American and Italian menu. In 2018 Garcia wrote and self-published the book 'See You at the 7 - Stories From the Bay Area's Last Original Mile House', positioning herself as a historian and guardian of 7 Mile House history. She has also recently connected with her music, playing drums and singing with her band, The Hookahs, every first Friday of the month.

Three Generations of Women at the Heart

To this day, three generations of the Garcia women continue to shape and grow 7 Mile House. Cleopatra Garcia, known as “Mom” to staff and regulars, is famously recognized for her popular ube cheesecake and other beloved desserts, which many guests come specifically for. Visadora Villacarlos, Vanessa’s daughter, supports the restaurant’s continued growth by managing operations and marketing initiatives, ensuring that 7 Mile House remains both rooted in tradition and responsive to a modern, evolving community. Together, their shared commitment reflects a legacy built not only on history, but on family, resilience, and a deep love for the people … and dogs … who walk through the doors.