By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | June 29, 2022 | Food & Drink, Travel & Recreation, Culture, Neighborhoods, Shopping, Entertainment, Local, Community,
Just a few blocks inland past both the Embarcadero and Chinatown lies the magnificently historic and vibrant North Beach neighborhood, filled with cultural sites, food, and architecture. Also known as "Little Italy" from its large influx of Italian American immigrants settling in this hilly quarter in the 1880s, this area was also the breeding ground for both the Bohemian and Beat Movements during the 1900s and 1950s, respectively.
This distinct confluence of Italian heritage and countercultural progression has now famously defined the bustling North Beach neighborhood as the inspirational center for fine dining, transgressive literature, and creative nightlife. To ensure you see the most of this small, but thriving community, we have compiled this guide with all the unmissable historic bars, cafes, restaurants, and more for a truly edifying day of art and culture.
See also: The Ultimate Guide To A Day In SF's Beachy Sunset District
601 Vallejo St / Website
Having made our list as one the most cozy coffeeshops in the city, you already know you can't have a bad start of your day here. Tucked away in a corner just off of the famed Columbus Avenue, this bright cafe has been a trusted anchor to the community for over 50 years, inviting everyone in for a rich cup of traditional Italian espresso and breakfast pastries guaranteed to set your morning right.
261 Columbus Ave / Website
Following breakfast, a trip to North Beach just isn't complete without a visit to the monumentally pivotal City Lights Bookstore. This was the legendary shop that fostered the great 50s and 60s Beat Movement luminaries of Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Jack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg of his groundbreaking “Howl.” Perusing through every aisle of this whimsical labyrinth of books will truly inspire you and have you leaving with your new favorite read!
916 Kearny St / Website
Integral to the North Beach neighborhood is the iconic green building that signifies the beginning blocks of the district. Not only is the historic landmark the most iconic Instagrammable view, but its ground floor also hosts quite the picturesque bistro. Having lunch here within its traditional French interior, or even out on their breezy patio, makes the perfect meal break, as the extremely friendly servers will guide you through their extensive European wine and dining menu. Definitely have some pizza while here!
540 Broadway / Website
Next, to obtain a full understanding of just how culturally significant and large the Beat Movement of the 50s was here in San Francisco, we highly urge you to visit its cute and packed museum. Here you will find numerous archived manuscripts and poems of the Beat trailblazers to comprehend the efforts, impetus, and impacts that went into transforming both this neighborhood's and the wider national zeitgeist's art and literary scene.
210 Columbus Ave / Website
After an illuminating walkthrough from the museum, why not pop over to this absolutely cute bakery to refuel? You won't be able to resist their long glass case full of divine classic Italian pastries and desserts such as cannolis, eclairs, and large cake slices, which you can enjoy under their baby blue awning with a fantastic view of the neighborhood.
155 Columbus Ave / Website
Comstock Saloon is another must here, as it remains as one of the oldest bars to still exist in San Francisco! Since 1907, this speakeasy-style joint has been serving classic cocktails and delicious plates to its constant herd of loyal patrons. This place keeps with the historic tour of North Beach with its restored architecture and cozy lighting, which go perfectly with our recommendation of a traditional serving of absinthe here.
430 Columbus Ave / Website
Since 1991, The Stinking Rose has been delighting patrons new and old with their unparalleled garlic-adorned interior and menu. With their catchphrase “We season our garlic with food”®, prepare to have some breath mints on hand after indulging in all their impeccably garlicky fare of Garlic Roasted Prime Rib, Forty Clove Garlic Chicken, and even their Gartini and garlic ice cream!
850 Montgomery St / Website
Head down to Cigar Bar & Grill's beautifully serene brick patio afterwards to dance off your dinner with their live bands and salsa nights. Here you will encounter a large glass display of only the most premium cigars, yet you do not have to smoke to attend their swanky string-light venue and enjoy any of their creative cocktails like their Smoked Rosemary Old Fashioned and perfectly seasoned empanadas or ceviche bites.
255 Columbus Ave / Website
One last essential visit in this artistically historic wonderland is Vesuvio Cafe, where you can sit in the same spots that Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg did as they read and wrote their cardinal literature. This two-floor bar is the embodiment of eclectic, from the eccentric artworks adorning the walls to the inventive drinks that pay homage to the legendary Beat icons.
Vesuvio is unequivocally the best way to end your long day of enrichment here, as the establishment's merriment will leave you with a greater appreciation for those that fostered this brilliant community.
See also: Visit This Historic Cafe Pivotal To San Francisco's Cultural Renaissance For National Poetry Month
Photography by: Caleb George/Unsplash