North Beach, Nob Hill

“The Firehose,” as some people call it, was built to honor the public servants who worked to restore the city after the great earthquake and fire of 1906. It is a great spot to hike to, with sweeping views of the bay, North Beach, and the Golden Gate Bridge, even from the foot. The old fashion elevator ride to the top is often cramped, but the porters make it amusing.

I stumbled on this little neighborhood pub quite by accident. Now it is easier to find, as it is the only awning on the block. Great beers on tap and pizza if you get the munchies, the diversity of the locals, all of whom seem to be regulars, give a great measure of the neighborhood. The SF Giants seem to be always on the tube, but the artwork of the owner and the people are sure to distract you. And don’t forget to address the Buddha on your way out.

Right off Columbus at Washington Square, this is the California headquarters of the Oregonian Brewers. With such beers as Dead Guy Ale and Hazelnut Brown, their “guest taps” add a diversity of beer that makes a great stopover before a show at Beach Blanket Babylon or just to watch the haps at Washington Square. Pass on the food though, there is too much good stuff around the next corner.

This Caffe also has a trattoria with sidewalk seating. True Italian cuisine, they serve the best “Pescatore” I’ve had since the good ole days at Malvina’s. I love getting an espresso and a panini on a sunny afternoon. The Steps of Rome sit just on the inland side of the Columbus saddle near Broadway, so in addition to having views of the TransAmerica Pyramid and Coppola’s restaurant, one is sheltered from the winds of the bay, to a degree.

A bostonian Hide-away in the city by The Bay. In addition to the great happy hour, They have a mini “Green Monster” on their patio, and always have Bostonian sports going on. Inside is dark… dark enough for a former inmate from Alcatraz to be a regular. It isn’t the Grey Finch, but I stop by whenever I’m in the Neighborhood.

For a great evening show, this really can’t be beat. This Cabaret has been running for 20+ years, and is constantly evolving so one would be hard-pressed to see the same show twice. Parodies on pop culture, Politics, and local celebrities are guaranteed to have you rolling in the illusory aisles, as the seating is rather cramped. You should buy tickets in advance, and make a night of it in the town. Drinks are served during the show, but take a while. I recommend getting in teh Balcony if you can.

I’ve had a few too many pints of Guinness Here, and I love it when people get down on the dance floor… uh, there is a dance floor, right? Damn you Tully Dew!!!

For a night on the town, it’s one of my favorite choices, as Sunny doesn’t dance, and the shows are always stunning, setting off a well-spring of petics from the miles and Billie-style sets that resonate down Columbus. For High Class, it’s “puttin’ on the Ritz.” The musicians are always swinging and scattin’ fat…

I have spent hours of perfectly good daylight in the basement browsing through the pantheon of books. The CityLights originally published Ginsberg’s Howl, so is a Mecca for bibliophiles like me. The poetry room up the back stairs also has lots of local stuff in addition to the classics, and I never come out without buying something.