Noirish cocktial bar in an alley off the Broadway strip.

by Ramona Emerson

15 Romolo, which was revamped by Coco500’s Scott Baird and Aaron Smith, is the kind of place to go for a little North Beach ala Ginsberg instead of North Beach ala tourists in sweat suits. Upon entrance, the dark, noirish feel of this spacious and pleasantly un-bustling bar is a relief after the retina-scorching neons of the Broadway Strip just half a block down but a world away. This is a cocktail joint, with two of the city's top bartenders, which means that the best seats in the house are at the bar where patrons can watch these skilled mixologists artfully crafting drinks with names like the Fiscal Agent, which combines bourbon, green chartreuse, maraschino, sweet vermouth, and a cacao nib tincture. Don’t dismiss the carnival-themed fare, such as corn on the cob and funnel cake, which tastes even much better when not prepared by the grubby-fingered carnies at the state fair. All cocktailed-up and sunken into the deep banquettes, it’s easy to spend an entire night in this cozy bastion of old-school North Beach, where the glow from nearby strip club marquees is actually quite romantic.

This hidden haunt reemerges after a remodel as a cozy North Beach destination for classic cocktails and bar food.

by Contributor

07/26/06

Hidden gem!

by shoegal84

This place is hidden in an alley way, but if you can find it, it's worth it! The bartenders are supper nice, and attentive, drinks are good...although my martini didn't exactly turn out like it was supposed too, but it was still pretty tasty!

It's cozy and dim, sort of romantic if it weren't for all the other people in there.

• Pros: Cozy, and fun.
• Cons: None that I can think of.

04/30/05

User review by miki156

by miki156

I usually avoid Broadway like the plague because it's not really my scene. However, after a stop here I was blown away by the place. There is a casual yet stylish aura surrounding the place that also serves up a mean cosmo. The staff was unbelievably friendly and I was able to order a drink within the five minutes I was standing at the bar on a Friday night. I would highly recommend giving this place a chance.

• Pros: friendly staff, great drinks, ambiance

07/16/04

This is a residential hotel

by n_b_bohemian

This really is not a "tourist" hotel; people live here in pretty cramped rooms with no TV's and pay rent by the month.

• Pros: Cheap local living, Neighborhood
• Cons: , No private bath, Dont allow cooking

07/16/04

Very nice lounge with welcoming staff

by n_b_bohemian

I usually tend to avoid these kinds of places because the clientele has that urban yupster feel that I really detest. But on my one visit to 15 Romolo, the staff was exceptionally charming and I felt the price I paid for my imported beer was pretty good for a place that looks this upscale. I was in a t-shirt and blue jeans and didn't feel out of place at all. It looked like a good conversation lounge with comfortable sofa's and chairs scattered around low tables and the lighting is a nice, subdued level. Most of the staff speak fluent Italian.

• Pros: Relaxing atmosphere, Nice staff, reasonable beer costs
• Cons: , zero parking

08/17/03

mm1

by mmam1

This was the first time we went there. The atmosphere is quite good. However, they did not have some very basic drinks. Bloody Mary's etc were not available. Also, a crappy Vodka screwdriver costed 8 bucks. I would not go back.

08/05/03

fun weekend spot

by slyman1009

Romolo's is a great place on weekends, weekdays it's a little slow. Expect to wait a while to get drinks from the bartenders. It's one of the better bars in SF.

05/18/03

Bar Good/Bouncer Bad

by sfgal79

I've enjoyed coming to Romolo over the past few years. However, on my last trip there (5/17/03) I decided never to return again. I enjoy the atmosphere and the drinks, but the bouncer at the door is terrible. His harassing manner, led me to believe that it was not worth my patronage. Unless you enjoy being ACCOSTED--stay away.

• Pros: Atmosphere, Drinks
• Cons: Bouncer, Staff, Workers

07/17/02

Speakeasy charm

by dj_thump

A very cool atmosphere right off strip club central! A great sexy lounge with cheap food and strong drinks. Dark and sexy. Cheers!

• Pros: great atmosphere, friendly bartenders, dark and elegant