(415) 362-3370

255 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133 37.7974 -122.4061

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Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Northeast

VESUVIO.COM

Hours:

Monday To Sunday From 06:00 AM To 02:00 AM

Last updated 6.23.11

Category:

Lounges, Bars & Clubs, Neighborhood Bars, Bars & Pubs, Whiskey Bars, Wine Bars

Payment Methods:

American Express, Cash, Visa, MasterCard

Bar & Pub Special Features:

Happy Hour

Bar & Club Special Features:

21 & Over, Specialty Cocktails, After Work

Minimum Age:

21

Recommended Drink:

Jack Kerouac

What People Are Saying About Vesuvio

Featured Review

Patrick Heig

Contributor

A gaslit candle chandelier hangs above a mirror-backed bar, where a black cat statue is startled stiff. Jazzy art posters fill nearly every square inch of the walls, while couples spanning several generations buzz over a Van Morrison soundtrack. Next to the bookshelf littered with Cuban literature, a wood staircase winds toward the balcony. Upstairs, tons of tables and a couple of coveted booths overlook the first-floor action, while windows rising from the floor offer views of the North Beach strip. This spot is steeped in Beat history and emits a bohemian vibe. It's a prerequisite on any…

Editor's Tips

What to Drink:
The house-specialty "Jack Kerouac" is a potent pink cocktail featuring rum, tequila and lemon twist.
Where to Sit:
Arrive early to score the "psychiatrist" or "John Wilkes" booth, located in opposite corners of the balcony.
Save Time:
This place only accepts cash; the nearest ATM is located on the corner of Broadway and Columbus.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/15/11

Cozy. Comfortable. Colorful. Gezellig.

by DukeSF at Citysearch

The Bohemian atmosphere feels thick with creativity. Every nook and cranny has character. It's an awesome bar with fair prices.

I like sitting upstairs and watching the charades below (both in the bar and outside).

Outside there's often some form of quality "street theatre" starring the various vandals, vagrants and other random people who hang out by the big mural in the alley next door.

Vesuvio's is by far my favorite bar in San Francisco.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/25/09

Soak in all the atmosphere of city

by partaaaay at Citysearch

You can almost hear "Hey Jack Kerouac"... when you grab a seat by the upstairs windows.  Enjoy the excellent food, vintage wine.

Soak in all the atmosphere of city as you sip your fav cocktail and be at your most bohemian best.

Relax, enjoy, take a deep breath, and be thankful you live in San Francisco :)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/22/06

A must if you're in North Beach

by lemonpixie at Citysearch

Vesuvio is one of the best bars in Sf. It caters to a wide array of different people. It's full of history, great social scene, and very awesome drinks. They don't skimp on the quality of their alcohol. Try and go up stairs to the "John Wilkes Booth" its got waitresses who are highly attentive evenm if the bar is full to the brim with people. If you're in North Beach you absolutely must go!

  • Pros: Knowledgable staff, and overall a feel good place
  • Cons: Sometimes too crowded
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/04/06

Phenomenal bar ambiance

by daughteire at Citysearch

I love this place. Every dusty, dirty corner of it. Wonderful. And full of charm. Remember to bring your own food, though--all they've got is alcohol. So if you're hungry, bring in a couple of sandwiches from Molinari's Deli down the street.

  • Pros: Fabulous ambience
  • Cons: No food
4.5 Star Rating: Recommended

02/19/03

Awesome bar

by vandana_nair at Citysearch

Great ambience, service, and drinks (website, too). All in all, a great place to hang out. And if you get a chance, stop by the neighbouring "City Lights" bookstore as well.

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