Pouring my previously bought Starbucks Latte into the insisted-upon ceramic mug introduces me to Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Bar, a cross between a bar and a café. Located at Union and Columbus, the once Mafia-owned cigar bar is now the place to check out the Washington Square scenery, one of San Francisco’s three original parks. Mario’s is known for their delicious Focaccia sandwiches, and their San Francisco service, a unique blend of friendly/hipster with shades of ‘I’m too cool’.

‘Have you been to Beach Blanket Babylon?’ is a question that gets asked to every San Franciscan. This hilarious musical satire is one of the many reasons true North Beachers, 'don’t climb up the hill,’ and has no mercy for anyone - be it celebrity, politician or social issue. The show began in X’s basement, and was relocated to Café Fugazi, due to its popularity.

After the performance drinks are a must, and North Beach is certainly not lacking in alcohol. There is something for everyone, be it O’Reilly’s Irish Pub, North Star for the free pool, super-trendy Sip or local-favorite Tony Niks Café. Exemplifying the area’s Beat Generation roots is Vesuvio. Right next to the classic City Lights Bookstore, it’s where Jack Kerouac and Dylan Thomas got intoxicated many times over.

Coit Tower is the next stop. Built in 1933, this 210-foot concrete tower is the perfect place to survey the city. Any squawking heard on the way up could be coming from the parrots that have made this tower their home, as this city seems to attract the out-of-place and exotic.

If, once again, stomachs start to rumble, Golden Boy Pizza is where San Francisco gets its slice. For those who prefer high-end dining; Joe DiMaggio’s Italian Chophouse and Fior d’Italia (San Francisco's OLDEST Italian Restaurant) serves up all the Italian you need. The San Remo hotel is right upstairs the Fior d’Italia, so it’s the perfect place for out-of-towners to stumble up to.

Another place to rest is Hotel Boheme, echoing 1950s San Francisco hip. Its central location is convenient for sneaking off to some of the city’s best strip clubs, located on Broadway. And, no worries. It’s San Francisco, we don’t judge here.