There is no documented history on Sam Wo Restaurant and its early beginnings from its founding in 1912 , although it was believed to be the oldest restaurant in Chinatown , possibly predating the 1906 San Francisco earthquake . At least one account states that Sam Wo had occupied the same 813 Washington Street location from 1907 . Sam Wo was primarily well-known by San Francisco locals for its " famous ... no-frills , late-night food and its you-get-what-you-get service " and 3 AM closing time . In the 1950s Sam Wo was a Beat Generation hangout , featuring such luminaries as Michael McClure , Allen Ginsberg , and Charles Bukowski
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Sam Wo