"At this North Beach bar, you can drink some riesling while surrounded by poetry books published by the indie press down the street. Golden Sardine fits in with the scenester tinned-fish-and-butter-filled wine bar trend of today, but somehow also feels in the vein of the neighborhood’s Beat bohemian past (it’s named after a Bob Kaufman poetry collection). There are black-and-white photos and wine bottles everywhere, plus poetry nights for those who moonlight as a wounded wordsmith. The best seat is in front of the large window by the entrance, perfect for wistfully staring at the new (cell phone-clad) bohemians who pass by while you play small-plate tetris with some serrano and comté on the slim bar." - Lani Conway