The Ritz Old Poodle Dog has a genealogy that dates back to 1849. The actual old poodle dog appears to have been a canine named Ami, who died 2 days after the original Poodle Dog moved from the original location to Bush Street in 1868. There the restaurant flourished with meals priced approximately for $1.00. The second floor boasted private dining rooms, perhaps appropriate for a rendezvous. On the 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors, there were intimately designed suites where diners could then venture for a very private dessert. The 6th floor was where banquets were held. This room and could serve upwards of 250 people.

The Old Poodle Dog was destroyed by the earthquake and fire of 1906. The restaurant re-opened in 1908 but closed its doors once again during prohibition. In 1933 the venerable restaurant re-opened at 65 Post Street. A family squabble closed the place once again in 1980 but was given yet another life by Cal Lalanne, a descendant of one of the original owners in 1984 when the Ritz Old Poodle Dog re-opened for the last time. The venture proved to be too costly and closed 18 months later.