The most incredible bar !!! Great atmosphere and customers. Love this place ! I try to visit whenever I'm in north beach !

The ambiance here is totally old school San Francisco and an experience in itself. Cozy - okay a bit tavernish - but very welcoming. Drinks are far more reasonably priced than the nearby establishments and tables were full of friends (all ages) socializing or like us waiting to go on to their dinner reservation. Only food is saltines and a wedge of cheese - it's hilarious but works. In a city where so much has become the same with cool restaurants and stylish bars - it's a breath of fresh air - something I never thought I would say. We loved it and will be back.

Discover the Hidden Gem in North Beach, San Francisco Those who may not be familiar with Specs' Twelve Adler Museum Café might either miss it entirely because it is hidden in a busy corner of North Beach or bypass it altogether because it may not look inviting at first glance. So, let me tell you a little about its history and try to convince you that it is worth at least one visit, especially if you are into urban history, in this case, that of San Francisco. Adler Museum is not exactly a dive bar, but it is a watering hole that comes close to it in some respects! It has been a North Beach watering hole for many artists, poets, and musicians for over 50 years and was a bar for years before that. According to some accounts, it was also one of San Francisco's first lesbian establishments. The founder, Richard Simmons, nicknamed "Specs" because of the glasses he wore, was born in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston in 1928. He left Boston in 1948, became a merchant marine, and spent time in Europe. The first time he visited San Francisco was as a merchant marine. He returned to San Francisco in 1951 and eventually met his wife, Sonia Marantz. Fast forward to 1968, when the couple opened the bar in William Saroyan Place (Back then, it was called "Adler Place"). According to legend, Simmons got the money from royalties from the "MTA" song performed by The Kingston Trio, but this is another story in itself! Since its opening, Specs' has been a cultural institution and a beloved watering hole for a wide range of patrons. It started as part of the Beat and counterculture movement of the 1960s and has continued to attract a diverse crowd, reflecting San Francisco's vibrant community. The walls of the bar are covered with a wide variety of artifacts from around the world. Many of these items came from Simmons' personal collection and gifts from patrons and friends. Sailors who frequented the bar in its early days often brought souvenirs from their travels. The decor includes flags, political posters, nautical relics, Northwest Coast art, San Francisco and California history pieces, musical memorabilia, and more. Specs' is one of many historic North Beach businesses, including Vesuvio Cafe, City Lights Books, Caffe Trieste, and The Beat Museum. Together, they are a significant part of the neighborhood's unique history. In 2016, the City of San Francisco recognized Specs' as a Legacy Business, acknowledging its importance in the city's history. The bar is now owned and operated by Richard Simmons' daughter, Elly Simmons, and granddaughter, Maralisa Simmons-Cook, making it a women and family-run business. The cafe continues to uphold its founding values and remains a member of the hospitality workers' union, Unite Here Local 2. Not convinced yet? Well, what if I told you they have an excellent draft and bottled beer collection and make delicious cocktails?! They also feature a diverse monthly calendar of events, including live music, poetry readings, book parties, and more. Stop by for a beer next time you are in North Beach, and let me know what you think."

Some of the coolest history and just very good people- great service . Zero bullshit . Awesome atmosphere. Fairly priced . Clean . Highly recommended check out their calendar cause they often have cool events . Great bartenders!!!!

Lovee this bar. Good martini and also sell snacks. Tut in the corner was good vibes. Amble seating. Bartender gave me an extra olive.

An absolutely great dive bar with lots of personality and interesting characters who show up. Come here for cocktails and don't forget to order a basket of cheese and crackers for snacking on. This is literally the main reason we come here, cause who can say no to a big hunk of gouda and saltines??

If you are looking for a drink and you ask anyone who knows anything meaningful about San Francisco, then they will tell you that Specs' is an essential stop. Old school, perfect ambiance, great service, solid drinks, and they even got cheese and crackers! Make sure you pay them a visit (and tip well), whether you're a tourist or a resident.

Our friends got married and wanted to take pictures here as this is their go-to favorite bar and it was SOOO FUN!!! This place had this Russian (I think) bartender who is kind of slow in pace, but really interesting and there is a big block of cheese on the bar you can get a slice of, and just super random stuff from various time periods in history and it is just soo interesting. The drinks were good, I wouldn't say they were the best ever, but they were good and strong and we just had the best time looking at all the decor on the ceiling, the walls, in the walls and it was just a blast to stay and take pictures and get to know the others in the party and it was so fun. We even tried to go back after the reception, but they closed at midnight.