Golden Sardine
Wine bar · North Beach ·
Wine bar with books, beer, snacks, and poetry nights
Wine bar with books, beer, snacks, and poetry nights
"From two longtime North Beach residents — one a Riesling fanatic and the other a bookseller — this new wine bar is already a go-to for poets and tinned fish fans alike. The seating area upstairs provides a classic look out on Columbus Avenue, North Beach’s iconic main drag. Alongside its neighbor up the block Red Window, Golden Sardine is one of the best-poised places to take in all that old-school San Francisco energy." - Paolo Bicchieri
"Don’t get us wrong, we love the small interior of this laid-back poetry-themed bar in North Beach. But the outside is just as great, thanks to the top-tier people-watching of the FiDi crowd heading home, uphill, in heels. Plus, the patio's not as cramped. On weekdays, stop by right after work for a vibe that we can only describe as “corporate-chic” (but without any Patagonia vests), and dig into some tinned octopus and goat cheese as you sip a heavy pour of red vermouth." - ricky rodriguez
"The patio at Golden Sardine isn’t the fanciest or the biggest, but it’s one of the best places for people-watching and having a leisurely drink after work. Sipping on red vermouth and digging into tinned herring at this poetry-focused North Beach bar just feels like the right thing to do. And while the inside can get packed, it’s never too crowded on the makeshift parklet. Take your time and order another glass while you nibble a cheese plate with jamón serrano, and enjoy the free entertainment of watching the crowd treading up Columbus Avenue." - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez
"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." - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez, lani conway
"A laid-back, poetry-laden wine bar on Columbus Avenue will host the pop-up Spoon and Pork on Sunday, April 6, serving Lechon, longsilog, mushroom adobo, tuna n’ eggs, and pork or vegetarian lumpia. In an Instagram post, ownership told customers Filipino food would be up for eats at “2ish.”" - Paolo Bicchieri
