Vesuvio Cafe
About
Lounges
Price Range : $11-30 ($$)
Vesuvio Cafe is the best place to spend your leisure time tasting delicious food and enjoying the nice atmosphere. After visiting our restaurant you will definitely have a wish to come back!
Location
Adress: 255 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 362-3370
Work Hours
Business info
- list_altTakes ReservationsNo
- credit_cardAccepts Credit CardsYes
- tap_and_playAccepts Apple PayNo
- local_parkingParkingStreet, Private Lot
- directions_bikeBike ParkingYes
- groupGood for GroupsYes
- new_releasesAttireCasual
- insert_emoticonAmbienceCasual, Classy
- volume_upNoise LevelAverage
- music_noteGood For DancingNo
- local_barAlcoholFull Bar
- turned_in_notGood For Happy HourYes
- calendar_todayBest NightsThu, Fri, Sat
- control_cameraCoat CheckNo
- transit_enterexitOutdoor SeatingNo
- wifiWi-FiNo
- tvHas TVYes
- scatter_plotHas Pool TableNo
Reviews
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Lizzie S.
This is one of my favorite bars in SF because it has so much history and also looks like it has a lot of history. Jack Kerouac frequented this? Sign me up!
It's located in North Beach just outside of Chinatown, close to City Lights bookstore. The interior and decor are busy, crowded, papers, art, and lots of color. I don't know how else to describe it but it's fun and exciting, just pulsating with energy and character and life.
I'd recommend going upstairs which is quieter and more intimate. Drinks are very good and service is quick and helpful. -
W C.
This is a special old school, neighborhood bar not pretending to be anything it isn't. Saying that it has "character" would not be doing it enough justice. We came here with our friend wanting to grab a drink before taking our daughter to City Lights next door. We were pretty disappointed to hear that we couldn't bring her in because they don't serve food and therefore don't allow children and yada yada yada. Fine. So, we basically hung out in shifts of two while the third party stayed outside with the sleeping toddler.
Cocktails are what your expect and we do appreciate that they offer half pints. Service was fine. There is just something magical about entering the alternate reality of this place and feeling transported back in time. Definitely recommend as a stop if you're in North Beach. -
Sofia R.
One of the best dive bars in San Francisco and probably my favorite in North Beach!
So much character just looking at the place, even more so walking in. A great bar to walk into on your own, with friends, or with a date. I love sitting upstairs the most!
You MUST visit this bar if you're visiting, you'll see why people fall in love. -
Deena S.
Great small bar! It has "Beat" as in Beatnik memorabilia everywhere you look. Apparently all the literary people, writers, who lived in San Francisco used to spend time here socializing and writing. I was hoping that by having a drink I could soak up some inspiration from their spirits.
We arrived during Happy Hour when beer, wine and well drinks are $1.00 off. I had a glass of Prosecco and my husband had a glass of Pinot Noir. We both enjoyed it very much and really liked Vesuvio! -
Donovan H.
There are dive bars and there are DIVE bars! "Vesuvio Café" is definitely the latter of the two as this place has been a longstanding San Francisco landmark ever since 1948! You heard me right, a historic pub/lounge that has stood up right when all the baby boomers were still babies. Keep in mind, this place is NOT a café nor does it even serve food for that matter. It's a straight up bar; old, historic, and that authentic gritty feel to it.
As far as the location, Vesuvio is directly at the ever-popular corner of Columbus Ave. and Broadway in the heart of North Beach. It is placed directly across the street from "City Lights Bookstore"; also a well-known place that I've been to on numerous occasions. For many, this is a part of town where the tourists flock. But for myself, I was born and raised here so most likely my parents stepped foot into this bar back in the day.
I came here via-Muni bus with my lovely lady on a Saturday evening around 7:30pm. Parking in this part of the city during all hours is virtually non-existent so it is highly recommended to arrive by foot, bike, bus, or rideshare. The artwork and exterior murals is part of the fun and by just looking at this place, it takes you back to the 1960's when Beatniks and hippies made their presence known here. And truth be told, this place was a common hangout for legendary blues-rock artist Janis Joplin that called San Francisco her home in the late-60's.
As I mentioned, the bar is old and upon entering, you are taken back a few decades. There is a main floor which houses the main bar area as well as ample seating throughout. You will find vintage photos mixed in with stained glass chandeliers. The best part of Vesuvio is that they have an entire second floor (which is where my lady and I sat). This floor offers lots of seating and several windows which are great for people watching everyone walking up and down Columbus Ave.
They have a full bar and a very impressive amount of beers on tap. Since I was in San Francisco, it was only appropriate that I ordered a couple of pints of San Francisco's very own Anchor Steam beer. Price was a decent $6.00 which wasn't bad since we were in a very touristy area. The entire vibe here was chill and it was a great way to enjoy our Saturday evening. Overall, if you're looking for an old school, no-frills bar with a lot of history, I would definitely give "Vesuvio" a try!