North Beach of San Francisco
If there’s only one place you can go to in San Francisco, then North Beach is the one to go to. Also known as Little Italy, North Beach is dubbed by the American Planning Association as one of the “ten Great Neighborhoods of America”. With a blend of Italian shops and cafes and a pilgrimage for fans of the Beat movement, North Beach is a tourist magnet, as well as a place San Franciscans visit over and over.
1. Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is located in the middle of North Beach at the intersection of Columbus Avenue, Filbert, Stockton and Union Streets. Locals and visitors come here to take a break, walk their dogs, or, in the cases of the Chinese community, have their morning tai-chi rituals. It’s the best place to enjoy the sunny weather that visits San Francisco. Afterward, it’s easy to walk to any of the cafes and restaurants that surround the area.
2. Mama’s on Washington Square
If you have never lined up outside Mama’s in San Francisco for brunch, then you’ve never been or lived in San Francisco. This is the best place to have brunch in the city. It may be awhile before you get to eat their delicious meals (it’s at least a 1 hour wait on Saturdays and holidays and at least a 30 minute wait on regular days) but it is worth it. Try their Eggs Florentine and French Toast (they use their homebaked bread).
1701 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133; Tel. (415)362-6421
3. Liguria Bakery
For the best focaccia in town, go to Liguria Bakery. They have mushroom, pizza, rosemary, garlic and onion focaccia (and they have plain ones, too!). Their breads are baked first thing in the morning, so it’s always best to go there early. They are supposed to close at 2pm, but they never stay open past 11am because by 10am, they’re already sold out of their breads. So be sure to come early!
1701 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133; Tel (415)421-3786
4. City Lights Bookstore
Founded in 1953, City Lights Bookstore is one of the greatest independent bookstores in San Francisco. It has one of the best collections of arts, poetry and political books in the city. Anti-authoritarian politics insurgent thinking continue to strongly influence the list of books occupying the store.
261 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133; Tel (415)362-8193
There simply are too many places to visit at North Beach. Watch out for more North Beach features on Good Life Review!
