San Francisco’s North Beach Neighborhood Guide
February 23, 2023Located in the northeastern part of The City, North Beach is a vibrant neighborhood in San Francisco lined with delicious restaurants, lively cafes, and unique shops. Known as SF’s Little Italy, you’ll find legendary pizzerias, cafes, gelato, and more. It’s a must-visit when you’re in The City, and here are a few spots to explore on your next visit. Our apartments at Crystal Tower, 350 Union, 2130 Stockton, and 2133 Stockton are near it all!
Cafes
Caffe Greco
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Cavalli Cafe
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Think cappuccino, cannoli, tiramisu, and more delicious Italian treats! North Beach has many great cafes to choose from to satisfy your sweet cravings and enjoy a cup of coffee. Known for its tiramisu, Caffe Greco serves world-famous illy Caffè and offers indoor and outdoor seating to sit back and relax in. Cannolis are a favorite at Cavalli café on Stockton, where they are made to order. Both spots are within walking distance from our apartments at Crystal Tower and 350 Union!
Attractions
Washington Square
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The Beat Museum
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North Beach Farmers Market
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Moments away from our apartments at 2130 Stockton and 2133 Stockton, Washington Square is an urban oasis and popular gathering space in the neighborhood. Many festivals and movie nights are held throughout the year and the park is a wonderful spot to people-watch, dog-watch, or relax on the grass on a warm day. The Beat museum opened in 2003 and is dedicated to preserving the works and memory of the Beat Generation. Admission is only $8, and it’s a short walk for our residents at 350 Union! The North Beach Farmers Market has expanded year-round and opens every Saturday from 9 AM – 1 PM. Stop by for locally grown produce, fresh baked goods, and more; the market’s a 5-minute walk from Crystal Tower!
Shopping
Grant Ave
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City Lights Bookstore
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As for shopping, you’re in luck with the shops on Grant avenue! Vintage clothes, unique finds, collectibles, and more can be found at the stores in this area. Vacation, a secondhand shop offering vintage apparel and accessories is a popular stop for those looking to thrift and go home with some clothing gems. Luckily for our residents at 350 Union, it’s only a 4-minute walk away! City Lights Bookstore has been a staple in North Beach since 1953 and was the nation’s first all-paperback bookstore. They now carry an impressive selection of hardcovers and paperbacks and are a quick 4-minute drive or 10-minute MUNI ride from our apartments at 2130 Stockton and 2133 Stockton.
Restaurants
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
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Sotto Mare
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Arguably one of the most popular and beloved pizza spots in The City, is Tony’s Pizza in North Beach. Owned and operated by Tony Gemignani, a 13-time World Pizza Champion, all ingredients served are imported from Napoli, ensuring authenticity and deliciousness. Sotto Mare is a popular spot in the neighborhood, offering fresh fish and shellfish, and their renowned cioppino, an Italian stew of seafood simmered with tomatoes and wine. Both of these tasty restaurants are within walking distance from our apartments at Crystal Tower!
Bars
The Devil’s Acre
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Belle Cora
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Don’t be fooled by the name, The Devil’s Acre is a lively bar in North Beach with many heavenly libations including the “Call a Treuse” cocktail or “The Golden Era.” This dim space feels like a step back in time! Belle Cora is named after the madam of the Barbary Coast during the mid-nineteenth century and is a wine bar, but has plenty of beer and food options to please everyone. Both of these spots are a quick Uber/Lyft/Taxi ride away from Crystal Tower, 350 Union, 2130 Stockton, and 2133 Stockton, so you can drink responsibly.
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