Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

What to know

Tucked away at 56 Ross Alley, the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is a legendary San Francisco business owned by Franklin Yee. Since opening on August 5, 1962, this establishment has remained one of the few remaining places in the United States that still produce fortune cookies by hand. Upon entering the windowless production room, visitors are immediately greeted by barrels of cookies in various shapes and sizes. The space is cluttered with machinery and hundreds of Chinese figurines, creating a dense, atmospheric environment where the factory churns out between 10,000 and 20,000 cookies every day. Guests can observe the skilled workers using motorized circular cast-iron griddles to create the cookies' signature thinness and crunch. This tactile process allows the factory to maintain a legacy of quality that has lasted for over six decades. Beyond the spectacle of production, the shop offers a high degree of customization. Customers can select their own flavors and toppings, and even write their own fortunes for special occasions, ranging from party favors to secret love notes.

Visitor tips

• Visit between 9:00 am and 6:30 pm on weekdays, or until 7:00 pm on weekends.
• If you need more than 500 custom cookies, contact the factory via email or phone to confirm your order.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the entrance is located in a narrow alley between Jackson and Washington Streets.

Nearby context

The factory is nestled in the heart of Chinatown, located on Ross Alley between Jackson Street and Washington Street. It is a short walk from the Hyde Street Cable Car Line and the Li Po Cocktail Lounge, making it an ideal part of a larger neighborhood exploration.