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    Columbus Cafe

    3.8 (383 reviews)
    Open 2:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Columbus Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    COLUMBUS CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Divey
    Casual
    Classy

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    Recommended Reviews - Columbus Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos

    Danielle P.

    First time bar crawling in North Beach! Wanted to participate in the Halloween Bar Crawl going on and was very glad I did. It was super lively and busy, but the line to get in here felt like there was no wait at all. There was a pool table at the top level and retro / rustic vibe to the place. There's also bathrooms available. I will say it's relatively small inside, but they make up for the bottom downstairs bar. We got to go in because of a Halloween birthday party celebration and it was such a nice space. The bartender serving us was so fun and even gave us free henny shots! Great service. Def a bit pricy though and they pour heavy just as a warning. Would want to go back again with a group when it's less busy!

    Aperol Spritz
    Jean C.

    So we just needed a place to sit and have a drink. This place is clean, good service, drinks were average. Had an Aperol Spritz and an Espresso Martini (on tap). Finished with a Guinness that came in a small G glass, was too cold and it wasn't poured correctly. But they have plenty of other of beers on tap. There's a pool table and a jukebox.

    Business marquee
    Martinez D.

    I recently had attended a private party in the Columbus Cafe downstairs room. There was a wonderful bartender ( James ) who was attentive and made great cocktails. No host bar. Although there is no bathroom attached to the room, there are restrooms in the main bar up the staircase. Great space for a good vibe intimate party atmosphere.

    Denise C.

    This block is super cool and old-fashioned...alternative...2 bars...Gino and Carlo and Columbus Cafe in North Beach Little Italy...I used AMI app to play music for a small fee and play billiards as well...try the 2 bars...have gone to the restaurant Sotto Mare...and also Golden Boy pizza many times...this block is super fun...glad that we enjoyed it...with my family too...always inviting...alternative...fun...North Beach...the 2 bars have ephemera on the wall...boxing...billiards plaques...worth visiting for tourists and inhabitants....first times and hopefully not the last times...

    Private room rented for movie night
    Kev H.

    I got invited to this café located in the Little Italy of San Francisco, for a private event hosted by my friend for a movie night. My friend rented more specifically the private room of this establishment, which was a perfect place for fun gathering with friends. The private area (downstairs) also had its own bar, so you and your friends could enjoy delicious drinks as you watch your movie. The place also allowed us to bring food from outside, so my friend got us pizza and salad. The bar staff kindly helped us set up the food and provide some utensils when we realized that we didn't bring any. Overall, it was a good experience. My only complaint is probably just the restrooms, which seemed a little bit dirty to me, but then again it's probably quite a normal standard for bathrooms at a bar in SF...

    a drink in a glass with a straw
    Shalini G.

    What better way to spend over an hour waiting for a table to eat cioppino next door... There were 2 seats at the bar available There were seemingly locals playing pool in the back There was the heavily intoxicated and over dramatic lady riding her date in a booth Stiff drinks with efficient service Yup pretty good night

    Bolicious Balloons  @ Columbus Cafe
    Skiidoz H.

    I attended a private party on 6/1/24. We had Michael as our Bartender. He was EXCELLENT from the moment we arrived to decorate, until the end of the party . His Energy was so lovely and welcoming. The space was lovely & very intimate. Everyone enjoyed themselves. I would recommend this space to all that wants to throw a private party. We were able to have a professional balloon artist by the name of BOLICIOUS BALLOONS come. She was really great as well! She arrived on time , ready to set up and bring the party to life just alone with her Balloons. Having Michael as the Bartender was the BEST. ( all should request him) If you want to go by and visit him before booking to meet and watch how he works you can also catch him bartendering on Monday nights !!

    Margarita was nice and strong!

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    11 months ago

    Great bar... crappy bartender.....looked annoyed the whole time. We left and decided to spend our money elsewhere.

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    7 months ago

    If you want to overcharged and shamed for not tipping. This is the perfect place for that, extremely rude bartender

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I would've given this place 5 stars but the bartender was a jackass. No social skills whatsoever.

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    Page 1 of 10

    Ask the Community - Columbus Cafe

    When is karaoke?

    Around the corner at Tupelo every Tuesday! Or Maggie McGarry's on Wednesdays!

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    Review Highlights - Columbus Cafe

    During the week, I was tempted with a buy one get one free happy hour and three dollar fernet shots.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

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    Sweetie's Art Bar - Bar

    Sweetie's Art Bar

    4.1(172 reviews)
    0.4 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill
    $

    Sweetie's Art Bar is a bar for regulars, that much was evident when I stopped by as a visitor to…read moreSan Francisco. The service was great, the atmosphere was more than what I expected, in a good way, and all the local regulars were friendly. There is free billiards, and the prices for drinks is typical for the area circa 2026. Four pints of beer ran me ~30$. You can smoke outside on the patio. Closing time is flexible, but listed rather early. I stayed around 15 minutes after the official closing time and the place was still hoping. I had a great time.

    Omg how much fun was this place. I just did another review about a bar, and it was a bit boring. We…read morearrived here before they opened, one bartender for the evening! Crazy right! This is definitely a neighborhood bar cause everyone seemed to know each other. Everyone walking buy was waving to others, even an ex coworker back in the day, I saw... it's been 20 years. This place feels like a speakeasy but with none of that other stuff. All the walls are covered with stuff, lots and lots of stuff. The bar itself looked like it sat maybe 10 people at most. The place didn't feel that big. They do have a pool table and a couple of cute places to sit and have an intimate conversation. They have a parklet and a couple of tables right in front. People were nice but you can tell this place makes strong drinks, they were all pretty tipsy. They do have food, but it's very minimal, and yes it was again just the bartender having to deal with everything. They had small bar items, a small little kitchen, with an oven to make pizzas. They have a great drink menu, the specials are on the board. I had their basil daiquiri and let me tell you! Yum!! It was perfect, had great flavor. Just the right amount of sweetness, made with love. Whenever someone thinks of daiquiri, they think of a mixed, slushy, drink with whip cream.. this is an original daiquiri This place was reasonably priced, about 10 bucks a drink! Crazy for the city.. been paying $18-$20 for a cocktail! My favorite part was the Buddha! You have to come in and immediately rub his belly!

    Photos
    Sweetie's Art Bar
    Sweetie's Art Bar - Inside

    Inside

    Sweetie's Art Bar

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    Li Po Cocktail Lounge - Mai tai

    Li Po Cocktail Lounge

    4.0(844 reviews)
    0.3 miChinatown
    $$

    Li Po is legendary, literally! Established in 1937, it'll be the 90th anniversary next year!…read more It's an old, vintage, retro, and historic bar, and it certainly feels like a lot of things in here are decades old, even almost 100 years old. The Chinese decor outside and inside add to the amusement, I felt like I was in the epic 1980s film "Big Trouble in Little China". Bartender has been friendly enough each visit. The legendary famous Mai Tai is a secret recipe, costs $12, and will give you a nice love you long time buzz with just one. The place was surprisingly moderately busy and lively on a Sunday night! Maybe this place could use a fresh paint job and remodel, but that would be a travesty to this old girl.

    The first time I came to Li Po's was for Halloween in 2024. I didn't eat enough before coming here,…read moreso this was my final bar of the night. Flash forward to now. I finally made a comeback over this last weekend when I went with a group of friends after dinner nearby at China Live. I saw a whole new side to the bar. Previously, I didn't realize that they have a basement section, which in my opinion is worth checking out and way better than staying on the first floor. My group headed downstairs as soon as we entered and lined up to buy drinks. I ordered one of their infamous mai tai's, the same drink that pushed me over the edge a couple years ago. It was just as sweet as I remembered, but since I'd just eaten, I didn't feel jittery or like it was too much at all. There's just something about being served a cold cocktail in a paper cup. I have no complaints. It was filled to the brim with the frothy drink. I hope using disposable cups makes the staff's cleanup faster and easier. I'm really glad i visited this familiar yet transformed haunt with a different group of friends in a new year. It was so good to be back.

    Photos
    Li Po Cocktail Lounge - The entrance

    The entrance

    Li Po Cocktail Lounge - Entrance

    Entrance

    Li Po Cocktail Lounge - Downstairs bar

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    Downstairs bar

    Buddha Lounge - Enlightened!

    Buddha Lounge

    4.1(377 reviews)
    0.3 miChinatown
    $

    When in Chinatown souvenir shopping stop at this little hole in the wall bar that serves really…read moregood martinis !! Small space but cozy (some might call it divey) but clean! The bartender engaged in fun banter and he had a good diverse playlist. There are 3 TVs playing football with 4Niner fans cheering and repping the bay! Too bad they lost to the Seahawks! We then proceeded down to the other fun spots!

    Buddha Lounge is a hidden bar nestled on the corner of San Francisco's Chinatown. It's right across…read morethe street from Li Po Cocktail Lounge which is a bar that people will usually hit up together because they're so close. They both also serve "Chinese mai tais" which is a mai tai with rums and some baijiu (Chinese liquor). I ordered the Chinese mai tai here after just having had one at Li Po. While the one at Li Po was on the sweeter side, the one here was a lot stronger. I watched the bartender as he made the drink and I could tell the percentage of alcohol in the glass was way higher. I knew it would be potent and it definitely tasted so. This bar serves "Lucky Buddha" which is essentially beer in a unique Buddha bottle. When we came here on a Saturday night the music was playing loudly and it had more of a loungey and clubby vibe compared to Li Po. It had a more modern interior and had bar counter space where people congregated. If you're looking for a lively vibe with a cool history this is a great spot to go.

    Photos
    Buddha Lounge - Outside

    Outside

    Buddha Lounge - Renovated Bar

    Renovated Bar

    Buddha Lounge - Bartender's Specialty

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    Bartender's Specialty

    Tony Nik's Cafe - Cocktails, bartender's recommendations

    Tony Nik's Cafe

    4.3(344 reviews)
    0.0 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill
    $$

    Such a fun place to grab a few drinks and truly unwind after a long day. This was my first time…read morevisiting, and I can confidently say it will not be my last. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere immediately stood out. The vibe is relaxed yet lively, making it a great spot whether you're stopping by casually or planning to spend a few hours enjoying yourself. The overall energy of the place made it easy to settle in and enjoy the evening. Everything felt welcoming and well put together, from the ambiance to the music and crowd. It's the kind of spot where you can have great conversation, laugh, and completely decompress without feeling rushed. The service was excellent from start to finish. The staff was attentive, friendly, and consistently checked in without being overbearing. Drinks were made well and delivered promptly, which really added to the experience. Overall, this is a great place to relax, enjoy well made drinks, and soak in a fun atmosphere. I would absolutely return and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid spot to unwind and enjoy a great evening out.

    Tony Nik's isn't just a bar, it's basically a North Beach time machine. I first walked through its…read moredoors in the late 1990s after moving to San Francisco, but the bar itself dates back to 1933, opening right as Prohibition was ending. It was founded by Anton "Tony" Nikitovich and quickly became a gathering place for the neighborhood's Italian and Croatian communities, where people came to swap stories, argue politics, and enjoy a stiff drink after a long day. And honestly, that tradition carried on well into the years when many of us became regulars. I hadn't been back for a few years until recently, when I decided to stop in again. The bar wasn't overly busy, but a handful of neighborhood folks were sitting at the counter, trading stories over their drinks. It felt instantly familiar. Not much has changed since the early 2000s when I used to come here regularly, and that's exactly what makes Tony Nik's special. Step inside, and it still feels like a mid-century film set: tufted leather seating, a long wooden bar that's seen nearly a century of San Francisco history, and that iconic neon sign glowing outside. While much of the city has reinvented itself again and again, Tony Nik's somehow held onto its soul. It's a grown-up bar without being stuffy, no loud club music, no trendy gimmicks, just well-made cocktails, a classic jukebox, and an atmosphere that feels earned rather than manufactured. The bar stayed in the Nikitovich family for decades, and the current owners were wise enough to preserve both the name and the vintage character Tony originally created. It's one of those rare places that reminds you what North Beach used to be, and, thankfully, still is.

    Photos
    Tony Nik's Cafe - The Champagne of Beers

    The Champagne of Beers

    Tony Nik's Cafe
    Tony Nik's Cafe

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    Columbus Cafe - divebars - Updated June 2026

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