Visiting San Francisco’s North Beach
Two worlds collide in the neighborhood of North Beach, depending on what side of the street you walk on, depicting San Francisco’s unique ability to combine the old with the new and quiet tradition with booming cabaret-style nightlife. Charming Italian restaurants complete with checkered tablecloths and a warm atmosphere that only first-generation Italian grandmothers can create meets blinking lights of dance clubs, live music in funky dives, and even strip joints on the corner of Columbus and Broadway.Whether you are looking for the perfect place for a romantic date, girl’s night out, or would like to discover the home of the Beatnik Generation and diverse cultures that make up the area, North Beach is a must-see neighborhood in San Francisco.
The streets alone in this neighborhood have a rich history. Grant Avenue, for instance, is the oldest road in San Francisco, which is also home to Chinatown. Italian and Chinese cultures combine in this neighborhood, but North Beach is mostly known as one of the best places to discover Italy and San Francisco’s literary history.
For book worms, or anyone looking to understand the allure of San Francisco to literary greats, such as Jack Kerouac or Allen Ginsberg, should check out The Beat Museum. The museum blends the history, literature, and Beatnik perspectives that ultimately changed America and the world—a perfect stop for history buffs and literary wizards alike.
North Beach has too many delicious restaurants to count—each one serves up an experience along with some of the best food in the city. Live music permeates the streets most nights of the week, but you can also always find a cozy, quiet café to sip cappuccino and enjoy a gelato. Here are a few of my picks for unforgettable dining experiences that may forever raise your expectations for dining out.
First off, wherever in the city you happen to be around brunch time, head directly to Mama’s on Washington Square! The trip and line that usually curves around the block is well worth it for the homemade breads, jams, pastries, and other heavenly breakfast creations. Voted best breakfast in the city by Zagat in 2007, this place is always chocked full of locals from open to close.
A trip to North Beach, much like a trip to Italy, wouldn’t be complete without a pizza pie. North Beach Pizza not only has great prices, but is home to quality pizza internationally acclaimed. There is also a location in Fisherman’s Wharf, but the North Beach location heightens the experience with its European charm.
A trip to Rome is only as far as the fun, flirty, and oh-so-delicious Steps of Rome Trattoria. The atmosphere is casual and fun, the waiters are cute, and the food is delicious. They play popular Italian music and the waiters have been known to sing and dance, especially if someone is celebrating a birthday, anniversary, job promotion, or even just a Friday night.
For a more unusual, but equally delicious food, try The Stinking Rose, named for its special ingredient, garlic, that even makes it way into the dessert. Or you may want to stop by The House, which serves up mouth-watering, dream-inducing Asian fusion cuisine—you may remember my gushing review of this place a few months back.
A dose of nightlife is easy to come by just by peeking in at a few of the restaurants and bars that will no doubt be buzzing with music and chatter. For those of you looking for bright lights and an experience in cabaret entertainment, stop by Bimbo’s 365 Club. Don’t be fooled by the name; it is not a scene out of Tony Soprano’s frequented strip joint. Rather, it is a throwback to the speakeasies of the 1930s and where Rita Hayworth first got her start. Now live musical acts, featuring everything from Motown to up and coming Indie bands can be found at this local hit.
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