Golden Sardine
Wine bar · North Beach
362 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Highlights
Riesling-focused wine bar serving tinned fish & snacks, with poetry
Riesling-focused wine bar serving tinned fish & snacks, with poetry
"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
"Fans of poetry and riesling will find a new home in Golden Sardine, as this North Beach bar specializes in both, with frequent poetry reading events and an owner who is involved with the West Coast Riesling Society. But that being said, this bar serves more than rieslings and serves as a nice, cozy gathering spot for even the non-poets in your group. The food selection rotates, but leans toward the tinned fish persuasion, making for a nice, light pairing with wine." - Paolo Bicchieri
"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
"On the nights when you just can’t handle going to another mediocre club that’ll keep you out until 2am, head to Golden Sardine in North Beach instead. At this laid-back poetry-themed bar, you can have a great conversation, sip on some red vermouth, and dig into some tinned octopus, all while surrounded by poetry books published by the indie press down the street. Head there on one of their poetry nights for live readings if you really want to embrace the whole literary vibe. For the best seat in the place, try to nab a spot at the big front window so you can get some excellent Columbus Ave. people-watching in while you’re ordering another bottle." - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong, lani conway
