The Best Night Spots to Visit in North Beach, San Francisco
Sip, Sway & Savor in the City’s Most Charming Neighborhood
North Beach isn’t just for sourdough and sea lions. When the sun dips behind the Golden Gate and the city lights start to twinkle, this iconic San Francisco neighborhood comes alive in the most deliciously vibrant way. Whether you're after a smooth glass of red in a tucked-away wine bar or craving live jazz with a Negroni in hand, North Beach is where Old World charm meets buzzing nightlife.
Here are the best night spots in North Beach where you can live deliciously after dark:
📍 Tosca Café
Where vintage glam meets classic cocktails
Tosca Café is pure magic. With its moody red leather booths, antique jukebox, and legendary house cappuccino cocktail (don’t be fooled—it’s boozy), this place feels like you’ve stepped onto the set of a noir film. It’s a must for those who love a little drama with their drink.
What to order: The House Cappuccino (made with brandy and chocolate), or their impeccable martini.
📍 Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Café
A quirky speakeasy full of character
Tucked down an alley just off Columbus Ave, Specs’ is the kind of place you almost want to keep secret. Think mismatched chairs, strong pours, and walls covered in oddball memorabilia. It’s got major dive bar energy—with soul.
What to expect: Beatnik vibes, pool tables, and locals waxing poetic over bourbon.
📍 The Saloon
Oldest bar in SF, and still going strong
If you’re in the mood for gritty, unfiltered fun with live blues every night, head to The Saloon. It’s been around since 1861 (yes, really), and it’s the kind of joint where you can lose yourself in the music and forget what decade it is.
Best for: Dancing like no one’s watching, cheap drinks, and authentic vibes.
📍 15 Romolo
Hidden cocktail haven in a historic alley
It’s a bit of a treasure hunt to find 15 Romolo, but your reward is a sultry, candle-lit bar with a killer cocktail list. Nestled inside the former Basque Hotel, it oozes speakeasy chic without trying too hard.
Signature sips: The Pimm’s Cup or their creative seasonal concoctions. Perfect for date night or catching up with stylish friends.
📍 Savoy Tivoli
Laid-back bar with a lush back patio
Looking for somewhere more casual? Savoy Tivoli is a neighborhood favorite with strong drinks, retro charm, and a rare gem in SF: a plant-filled outdoor patio. Come for happy hour, stay when the DJ starts spinning.
Why go: A low-key spot with just the right amount of buzz.
📍 Vesuvio Café
A bohemian time capsule with serious literary cred
Across from City Lights Bookstore, Vesuvio is where the Beat poets once boozed and mused—and it hasn’t lost its edge. Grab a drink upstairs, people-watch from the balcony, and soak in the colorful, eclectic atmosphere.
Order the Jack Kerouac (a whiskey-and-tequila love affair) if you’re feeling bold.
Insider Tips for a Night Out in North Beach
Most bars are walkable, so wear chic but comfy shoes.
Hungry? Grab late-night focaccia at Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe or a slice at Golden Boy Pizza.
For a little extra sparkle, end your night with a rooftop view at Coit Tower—magical under the stars.
North Beach is where San Francisco’s sultry, storied past meets an effortlessly cool present. Whether you’re chasing jazz, gin, or just good vibes, this neighborhood is the perfect place to let your hair down and live deliciously.
