Happy Hour Guide: North Beach
Happy Hour Guide: North Beach

Once bordering the infamous Barbary Coast, North Beach has become one of the most historic areas of the city. Through the rubble of the 1906 Earthquake emerged America's first topless bar, the Beat Generation, and a dense Italian population that bore baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. Today it's an eclectic blend of historic Victorians, Beatnik bars, flat screen TVs, and more. Read on for a roundup of North Beach's best happy hours.

Looking for more cheap drinks? Find the motherload on our SF Happy Hours Guide.

Mexican Munchies: Nico's Tacos

A modest taqueria along Grant Avenue, Nico's Tacos offer plenty for folks looking to fill their Mexican munchies in a land littered with pizzerias and panini. And while much of their menu stays true to the classic taqueria menu, Nico's deviates with alternative options inspired by Korean, Indian, Southern and other flavors.

Happy Hour: Every Day (3pm - 6pm)
Specials: $5 for 2 tacos and a PBR, $5 Margaritas, $5 Bacon Lovers Taco
Website: nicostacossf.com

Beers and Bites: Giordano Bros

Opened back in 2004 by a couple ex-Pittsburghers, Giordano Bros. has drawn a crowd with its beasty East-Coast-style sandwiches packed full of fries, slaw, and tons of Italian meats. Drop in during happy hour to wash down those big bites with craft beer at a low price. Stop by for a Steelers game for the real party to begin.

Happy Hour: Monday - Friday (3pm - 7pm)
Specials: $2 Select Bottles, $3 Bottles, $1 off Drafts
Website: giordanobros.com

Speakeasy Style: 15 Romolo

Tucked away in an alley beside Columbus and Broadway, this quiet speakeasy-style bar is worth the hunt. With a dimly lit interior and ample space, 15 Romolo holds its pride in artisanal cocktails and soul food bar bites. While the drink and food menus rotate seasonally, the $7 Pimms Cups during happy hour are always a sure bet. Stop in to pair a classy cocktail with lowbrow indulgences like Crispy Shrimp'n'Cornbread or Pork Sliders.

Happy Hour: Every Day (5pm - 7:30pm)
Specials: $7 Pimms Cup, $1 off wells/drafts, Discounted Sangria Pitchers
Website: 15romolo.com

Kennedy's Irish Pub Curry House

Kennedy's may be one of the weirdest spots in the city, but it's a must for anyone who visits. A strange mix of Indian food restaurant, Irish pub, and arcade - it really is a destination that pleases everyone. Take advantage of their cheap Guinness happy hour, then stick around for the foosball, air hockey, outdoor patio, and Tikka Masala. Feel free to bring a large group. This place can accommodate the masses.

Happy Hour: Every Day (5pm - 7pm)
Specials: $3 Guinness
Website: kennedyscurry.com

Beatnik Bar: Vesuvio

A blast from the past in so many ways, Vesuvio has stood the test of time since the 1940s. Home to the Beat Generation with common visits by Neal Cassady and Jack Kerouac, there's a certain special magic emanating from the old opera booths, vintage stained glass, and plastered walls covered in celebrity photos and art noveau. Be sure to get there early to claim a good booth, then reap the benefits with plenty of happy hour specials to keep you satisfied.

Happy Hour: Every Day (3pm -7pm)
Specials: $1 off Well Drinks, Wine & Beer; $3 off Pitchers of Beer and Wine Bottles
Website: vesuvio.com

All Day Deals: King of Thai

Okay okay… King of Thai doesn't really have a designated happy hour. It's just dirt cheap every day. A bi-level spot with a Thai restaurant and bar downstairs and a sports bar above, King of Thai is perfect to grab a quick bite or catch the game any day of the week. Head upstairs for free popcorn, cozy couches, and plenty of flatscreen TVs. Stay below for a more traditional dining experiences. But either way, be sure to take advantage of some of the cheapest prices in the neighborhood.

Happy Hour: Every Day (All Day)
Specials: $6 entrees, $2 - $3 Drafts,
Website: kingofthainoodlehouse.com

Beer Lovers: Columbus Cafe

Established back in 1936 to booze up the city's Longshoremen, the Columbus has stuck in it's spot for decades with 26 micro-brews on tap along with a pool table, photo booth, flatscreen TVs and a juke box. The self-proclaimed "Best Happy Hour in North Beach", Columbus does it's guests a service with a five hour buy-one-get-one drink special. Buy any draft beer during happy hour (except for Chimay) and get a free drink token good for any draft before 9pm.

Happy Hour: Every Day (4pm - 8pm)
Specials: 2 for 1 Draft Beer
Website: columbuscafesf.com

The Dive: Grant & Green Saloon

Housed along North Beach's dense bar strip, Grant & Green woos the crowds with live music and cheap drinks - even without the happy hour. Rarely with a cover and dishing up a five-hour happy hour throughout the week, this is one dark dive that's hard to leave sober.

Happy Hour: Monday - Friday (4pm - 9pm)
Specials: $1 Black Star Lager, $2 PBR, $3 Sailor Jerry
Website: Yelp Page

View MetroWize SF Happy Hours in a full screen map