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Category: Bars
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph HillMon-Sun. 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
"What a great dive bar. Small, crowded, friendly, lots to see and people to meet. Every time I roll into San Francisco I hit this bar. Have…" read more »
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Shelter from the poonono.
I've always been a sucker for back alley bars. The allure of something hidden and mysterious always captivates my imagination, and while the prospect of being mugged keeps my curiosity in check, the promise of sampling fine spirits poured by a mixology maestro is enough to make me grow a pair of new ones.
Walking the length of Broadway's 'strip' (the most apropos nickname ever given to an SF neighborhood), we chortle at the sight of bouncers with necks the size of a grown man's thigh and stoop sluts flaunting their improbably large bodacious tatas (humina humina humina). Our iPhone's Yelp compass points toward an alley named Romolo, and not more than 20 feet up a slight incline, a small neon sign beckons softly, "pssst, this way, mind the STDs."
Stepping over puddles and rivulets (knowing that it hasn't rained in over a week), we clamber up the alley and peek through a doorway into a soft-lit, wooden interior. A fully-stocked bar illuminates one half of the room, while the rest of the interior is outfitted with a smattering of tables and chairs and a jukebox pumping some reasonable tunes. Gazing around, we could swear we'd been here before, albeit in a slightly less sober state. Could it be? A cozy, nook of a bar located mere footsteps away from Broadway's bedlam?
Scott Baird and Josh Harris (of Coco500 and Rye fame) reopened 15 Romolo in mid-February of 2009, amidst some modest fanfare. Being the mastermind behind Quince 2.0's stellar cocktail menu, Scott was the draw, and he and Josh have made some appreciable changes to 15 Romolo.
The cocktail menu, containing originals and classic concoctions (both straight and 'twisted'), is drinktastic. Among the many libations we experienced that night, standouts were:
- Hunter's Flip, (porter, rum, sasparilla and nutmeg)
- Fiscal Agent (bourbon, chartreuse and cocoa nibs)
- Vieux Carre (rye, Benedictine and peychaud's bitters)
- (off-menu) Smokin' Bols (in-house infused Bols Genever gin)
Not only is 15 Romolo a drinkie's haven, but the bar gets huge props for serving grub until 1:30 a.m., with some interesting menu items that include a hot dog stuffed in a tortilla, slathered with cheddar and deep fried. Fried cheese dog...? Bring it.
What isn't altogether clear is whether the clientele is aware of the bar's caliber. On our visit, the party of six next to us was quaffing cosmos and coronas while fondling each other as if they were auditioning for a Tommy Hilfiger ad (FAIL). How they stumbled across this oasis, we couldn't guess, but they were a bit of an ambiance killer, and they certainly weren't there for the food or the magic potions.
We didn't mind. More for us.
most of my yelp buddies love this place, but i just wasn't feelin it at all. i have several reasons, not just one or two. 1)the bartenders didn't seem to care/didn't seem to want to be there. 2)my cranberry vodka sucked. fuck this "real" cranberry shit, gimme some ocean spray. 3)the jukebox was trippin out on us. 4)it was dead on a saturday early-evening. 5)they didn't have coke. what the?!?!
the only positives i got out of this place were the $2 7-ounce beers. i don't think i've ever seen that before. i also really like the chips & guacamole. i don't like guacamole, but their's was very good.
maybe it's because we had just come from my favorite bar ever, kezar pub, but i just didn't like this place at all. maybe i'll give it another try sometime, or maybe i'll head to the bars that i like in north beach instead.
I've lived in North Beach for over a year now, and 15 Romolo is easily my favorite bar in the neighborhood. This bar is a hidden gem, tucked away in an alley between skeezy Broadway and rowdy Grant Street (not its exact location, but more or less), and if you didn't know what you were looking for, you would walk right by and never know that you missed some of the best cocktails in all of North Beach.
This dark wood bar has the air and feel of a speakeasy, complete with the mustachioed bar tenders and a laundry list of top-shelf alcohols most of us have never heard of before. Each drink is meticulously prepared with home-made tinctures, simple syrups, infusions, and rims... The drinks range from classics like Pimms' Cups and Gin Fizzes, to custom concoctions.
As some have noticed, service can be slow since many of the drinks take 5 minutes to make. However, if you're not in a rush, the wait is well worth it.
Even better than the drinks is Romolo's menu, which is very high-end gourmet bar food. The pork sliders are amazing, as are the Boricua wings. If you ever see the Squab and Waffles (high-end chicken and waffles) as the daily special, order it! You will not be disappointed!
if you don't "kinda love" this place then you either don't know what you're talking about or you haven't be 21 long enough to appreciate a decent cocktail.
also...i used to work on broadway and you see some ridiculous shit go down in that alley...ridiculous shit.
Practically my Platonic ideal of a bar: cool backstreet location, scruffy, enthusiastic mixologists, delicious fatty snacks, with a woody, slightly down-at-the-heels interior and no tvs.
15 Romolo, I love you but you're bringing me down!
I'm a huge fan of 15 Romolo, so don't let the three stars fool you. In fact, I only just now signed up for Yelp so I could review the place and hopefully influence the management to make a key change.
First, and most importantly, 15 Romolo has great drinks and great food. My favorite drink in the entire city is their Rio Grande. The management has made a strong effort to get consistency across bartenders since 15 Romolo renovated and established their current drink list. I've noticed this positive evolution in drink quality during my last couple of visits.
There is a significant problem though that I'm surprised others on Yelp haven't mentioned given that I've experienced it consistently at 15 Romolo. The service is terrible! I've been to many of the "artisanal" cocktail spots in the city and I realize that quality drinks take a little longer to make. But the service at 15 Romolo is unacceptably slow. On both recent visits, even when the place was only moderately busy, whole rounds were consumed before a newly ordered drink was delivered. I would sit and drink my cocktail while my friend watched and, just when mine was gone, her cocktail would finally be delivered. Then the cycle would repeat with my newly ordered cocktail. Doesn't it benefit both 15 Romolo and its patrons to have enough staff behind the bar to meet demand?
And while I'm on it, the waitress who works the tables is a tad surlier than most hipster waitresses. But I'll give her the benefit of the doubt! Perhaps she's worn out by how slowly she is able to deliver drinks to her customers. For that, I would be surly too.
15 Romolo I love you, but you're bringing me down! Please get the service right like you have the food and drinks.
Last night was my first time at 15 Romolo. Wow! I had no idea this place existed, much less was fun and not as skanky as the rest of the scuzzy bars within stumbling distance from here.
The drinks were made by pros. I know they had some special liquor out last night, and mixed drinks to go with it (Chartreuse!), and I did indulge in a couple of these. I had a Chartreuse Swizzle and a ... crap. It was the middle one in the menu, it comes in a martini glass and is very limey, including some lime flavored foam floating on top with a candied slice of orange. YUM! The prices of these luscious drinks was a bit steep, but the quality makes the value worth it. Did I mention that the Swizzle also had candied pineapple garnish? Or rather I think it might be called brûléed (it was carmelized in its own juice!). I dunno, but it was HOT.
Plus Karaoke DJ Glenny Kravitz ( http://www.yelp.com/bi... ) was there, with something he calls the GONG show. Holy crap, I don't like karaoke, but this was a blast!
Thanks 15 Romolo for such a good evening. I will definitely return!
You know the secret to running a laid back, cool nightspot off of Columbus and Broadway? Elevation. Thugs and douchebags are lazy or don't want to get their D&G polo shirts all sweaty so they tend not to climb steep grades. That and neon that doesn't even allude to the presence of a bar (is there even an actual hotel here or is that just more subterfuge?) keeps the crowd limited to people seeking out a laid back, cool nightspot off of Columbus and Broadway.
The speakeasy theme isn't taken to absurd extremes; you don't need to know any passwords or nonsense like that. It's mostly limited to the fixtures and the selection of carefully prepared classic and house cocktails.
It ain't fast and it ain't cheap though. That's the thing.
I'm going to preface this review by saying that I was terribly drunk when I stumbled into 15 Romolo.
My friends and I came here on Saturday night. It's tucked away in an alley off of Broadway and I would never have guessed it was there if it weren't for my friend who recommended it. The interior was nice (from what I can recall). The reason I'm giving this place 5 stars solely resides on the bartender Brandon. He was super polite, introduced himself and understood me as I slurred "gin and tonic" at him. He also made my friend a tasty strawberry cocktail, but I couldn't tell you what it was called. It's never easy dealing with drunks on a Saturday night, but he was patient and I appreciated it.
There's something to be said for a finely made cocktail, and even more to be said about the place you can get it.
Hidden down an alley off Broadway and up some steps lies the wonderful cave that is 15 Romolo. Romolo wins due to their extremely knowledgeable bar staff and attention to detail in all their cocktails. This is one of those bars where you will want to order your martini with gin. As it should be.
The entire bar is an open room with a hard wood floor throughout. Inside it's a really great mix of a classic old tyme (spelled with a 'y') bar and a typical locals bar complete with jukebox.
I've been in to Romolo several different nights on several different days of the week but, every time, this place has been a winner. It's never been so crowded that I couldn't get a drink from the bar in a reasonable time. And that's quite an accomplishment when you think about how long it takes to make a good drink like they do here.
Great bar to check out, especially after work some day during the week. Order something on the menu and you'll be sure to tell the bartender "thank you" once you're done.
Amazing place, tucked away from the Broadway hustle and bustle strip in an alley. The speakeasy style decor and easy going bartenders, the environment was superb to kick back a few drinks after a hard day work.
I was talking with the barmaid at Rye, turns out 15 Romolo is their sister restaurant.
Definitely will come back to try the bar food.
Well done on the interior... wood, minimal, dimly lit, nothing to distract. It's a beautiful space. Tucked in an alley to boot. Love that.
The bartender was friendly, but missed the mark on a Vodka + Soda. Then it was explained to me that they specialize in *their own concoctions.* Whatever, if you can't do a vodka soda... well, then. He re-made it without issue and much more successfully.
Romolo's a totally comfortable spot to throw a few back and enjoy. It wasn't horribly crowded on a Thursday night.
Hole #4 in my friend's birthday bar crawl.
http://www.yelp.com/li...
First impressions is that this is a very classy bar, dim lighting and dark wood against the collection of bottles of liquor creates a very nice atmosphere inside. The guys at the front door were pretty cool, still inside was crowded as heck. Despite all their liquor on display, the birthday girl wanted to do a jager bomb which they ran out of jager, then wanted to try to do a liquid cocaine, the bartender disappeared for another 10 minutes to help other patrons to come back and say she couldn't make that. In the end we got a couple of shots of goose. In my eyes, all show and very little substance from my experience. One thing to notice right across the narrow street form the front door is a very funny mural. It in itself makes for a funny and inappropriate photo op.
The cocktails were ok, nothing crazy. The fried mac n' cheese balls were pretty good, especially after a few cocktails ;-)
Walk up a hill in what appears to be an ally to find intricate murals painted on the sides of the opposite building and you see a neon hotel sign. Are you in Europe you ask yourself? Until you walk into this door that you wouldn't have found if the smokers standing outside didn't give you a clue.
But sure enough- you are in San Francisco. You look at the bartenders and they are all wearing caps and covered in tattoos. The clientele for a Thursday night are mixed... some wannabe hipsters, some real ones and other crossover creative yuppie types.
The lighting is great for a date, there are tables to sit at and they serve a fantastic range of appetizers (try to pulled pork sliders and the fried jambalaya balls).
Specialty cocktails are $9 each.
I tried the "amazona"
sagatiba velha cachaça, coconut milk, ginger, lime,
angostura bitters, nutmeg
They put too much bitters in.
Order the fresh mojito instead.
I'd go back.
Teetering up the steep alleyway to get to this great bar, not such a problem. Teetering down them again as the night winds down, a testament of balance and will power, my friend! All makes for a good adventure, and gives you a good excuse to hang on to that cute boy you've been tossing drinks back with all night.
This is a great bar, minimally decorated, lots of open space, great dark wood, and low lighting. The people who frequent the place are laid back; the bartenders are nice; the drinks were strong. At least my drink was strong, but since I drink whiskey, neat, that's not a feat. Perhaps I should say my drinks were generous.
And who doesn't love funnel cake? They were a highlight of every trip to the pier or amusement park as a child, and their wonderful sweet crispness remains so, but in an all grown up version.
15 Romolo.. one of those yelp elite, and I know I'm a cool person spots.
And yes, it lives up to all its hype. Tucked away in the sweet stripper neighborhood, Romolo shows that a back alley is for more than a quickie.
Regardless of how classy the joint and the drinks.. they bring you back to Midwestern county fairs with their funnel cake!!
I always give a shout out to bars that have their own drink menus, it's way more fun than ordering a Jamo and Ginger. I had the Golden Triangle (a couple of them), scotch is the main ingredient... Need I say more?
As everyone else says.. yes, the pork sliders are PHENOMENAL. They go straight to a Wisconsin Girl's heart with the cole slaw on top... YUM
I definitely need to go back to experience the scene later at night!
Summary: picnic fare + unique libations = American classic
Besides getting lost and feeling like I was on my way to a strip club on Brodway, I heart the crap out of 15 Romolo. I have a feeling it's going to a bar I frequent often now!
I walked in and literally felt like I was entering my fifth grade art class strictly because of it's classroom style feel and the art-style bar stools. The stools RULE because they have backs! I usually hate stools, but these stools were so comfortable. They also have hooks underneath the bar, so us ladies can hang up our purses.
We sat down at the bar and shortly after that, I ordered my first drink, a Pimm's Cup. I ordered it with vodka and the adorably cute, Jared Leto look-a-like bartender/owner, Aaron suggested I try it with gin. Of course, initially I was shocked and disgusted by this recommendation as I hate gin, mostly in gin martinis, but I trusted him after giving me his schpiel on vodka vs gin. Vodka is apparently only meant to be drank straight on the rocks, yet gin is a better liquor for mixing. I trusted him and boy was that delicious :) I also tried a pixie, which I wasn't into and a blackberry rickie (with my new favorite liquor, gin, of course), which was almost as delicious as the Pimm's cup!
Foodwise we ordered the french fries, the fried hot dogs, the burger, and a shrimp entree over fried green tomatoes served with bacon infused cornbread...Mmm, the food was outstanding for bar food. My favorite had to be the burger and the shrimp. Sadly enough, I was too full for the funnel cake. Next time, next time.
I will be back 15 Romolo. You have my heart!
I love this bar.
The bartenders have serious skills yet don't come off with that "i'm a mixologist" 'tude.
The drinks are really delicious, a bit addicting, especially since its so much fun to watch them being made.
I love that a bar that is so non-north beach is so close to my house in north beach and also that I don't have to go to a really swanky bar to get a good drink.
Think: Mission Bartenders, Weird mix of marina- tunnel and bridge crowd, and swanky-dive bar ambiance. The food is nice too :)
Check me out in my popped collar. I look so hip.
A surprising gem tucked in an unassuming alley, sandwiched by strip joints in the heart of North Beach. As some other reviewers have mentioned, the service was not particularly fast, but the things they did serve were particularly good.
The tomato, watermelon, plum and jicama salad was an obviously surprising but really enjoyable treat. The pulled pork sliders were un-be-lieve-a-ble - tasted like the softest pork between two slices of fluffy butter. The halibut ceviche was a little less compelling, but the price is right at $7 and it's worth it if you like ceviche.
They don't have Anchor Steam on tap (I ordered one and was disappointed to receive a bottle), but their cocktail list is full of artisanal creations; I ordered a sazerac and was very pleased.
I adore this bar. Newly 21, I don't have a ton of bar experience, but you just know when you've found something really special. This place is really special.
Every drink on the ever-changing menu is creative, beautiful, and delicious. I recommend the Smoke and Mirrors if you're a scotch/whiskey fan - ask for it even if it's not on the menu (another great thing about this bar: they will serve any of the drinks that have been rotated off the menu if you ask).
And the food! Rarely do you find a combination of great drinks and finger-licking food that would be perfectly suitable for a trendy upscale restaurant. Get the pork sliders, the crispy dogs, or any of the salads for a real treat. Heck, get any of it - it's all fantastic!
You can't go wrong with 15 Romolo. Don't be turned off by the location. Trust me and the other reviewers: you'll love this place.
I totally feel like an asshole for using this phrase, but 15 Romolo is the only bar within walking distance of my house that even remotely "gets me." And for that, I am grateful.
Really good bar food, relatively cheap beer for the boy and fancy drinks for me. Super low key, really great design and friendly people. Best of all, I come in here after work for a drink and some dinner and there's never been more than a handful of other people. Call me boring, but I love a quiet empty bar on a weekday evening.
I remember, years ago, seeing a hooker work her skills on a guy in the alley 15 Romolo is on. However - no such thing happening last Saturday night when we got here.
In fact, 15 Romolo rocks - where on earth have you been all my life?! Fun classic decor, reasonable drinks prices and to be honest, I am comforted by the fact our barmaid wore a plaid shirt and jeans (as in... she is genuinely good at bartending, friendly & we tipped handsomely b/c she was good).
The bar is patroned by a 30-something professional crowd and - single ladies take note - men far out-weighted women. Everyone well dressed but no pick up joint feel. Jukebox music filled the bar and I swear someone took a carbon copy of my ipod (New Order, Madonna, Marvin Gaye, etc).
The cocktails are superb... and beer prices reasonable. What more can I ask for???? Must go back!!!
What a great bar in a tiny alleyway in North Beach. Got there at around 9pm and it was still empty. A group of 10 of us pulled together some tables and sat down. The server was very nice as well.
As the night progressed tons of people came in. A surprising amount of men!
Try the Pixie, it's really good.
The day I came here was a terribly frustrating day, wire to wire. I started the day on about 4.5 hours of sleep, which is at least 3.0 hours less than I really need to be functional. I then spent the day asking questions of a man who was either brain dead or trying to be cute. This approach never works, and it's frustrating to have to play the game. I'm getting too old for this shit.
My crappy day notwithstanding, one of my coworkers was owed a significant celebration. Virtually all courtrooms (like churches) are designed basically the same: there's the gallery [where the public sits, often in very pew-like benches], the well [many lawyers don't even know it's called the well, but that's where the tables for the plaintiff and defendant are], the jury box [self-explanatory], and the bench [for the judge]. Between the gallery and the well, there's always a rail of some kind. And the rail itself has a very specific name: the bar. Traditionally, only lawyers were allowed to walk past the bar and enter the well---clients and witnesses sat elsewhere. Thus, it was said that only a lawyer could pass the bar. And the phrase stuck.
So, as I said, my coworker, having recently (well, a month-and-a-half ago) found out that she had, indeed, passed the bar, was owed a significant celebration. And she chose happy hour at 15 Romolo. And it was an excellent choice. The drinks were very good, and I spent a few minutes talking with one of the bartenders about their interesting decision to make a cocktail based on Old Granddad (which I happen to like, but which no one would mistake for high-quality liquor). The bar food was also excellent. The setting is very interesting---like a slightly rehabbed sawdust bar [it occurs to me that the likelihood of anyone on SF Yelp actually having ever been IN an honest-to-goodness sawdust bar is extremely small], but in a good way.
I'm not giving 15 Romolo the full 5 stars yet because we started happy hour a bit early, and the place was basically empty during our entire visit, so I didn't get a good sense for the energy of the place. I will certainly be back, and once I get the full experience, I'm pretty confident this will enter into my regular rotation.
Have I told you this is my FAVORITE bar? Right, I have...it still is. If I write an update for every visit, I may overload Yelp's server!
The owners, Scott and Aaron, are really great. Scott is super friendly. The last time he saw us, he came over to shake hubby's hand and gave me a hug. He doesn't bartend much these days but instead hiding behind the kitchen and creating delicious dishes. He told us he made this awesome mussels and fries...we are so sorry we missed it but he promised he'll bring it back. We definitely miss his magic at the bar but we also appreciate how they trust and groom others to man the bar. Chase is one great example...we still remember how he used to have to ask or look at the menu for the right mix and now he's like the pro and helping others. Brendan is another new face but he's super friendly. They have good memories and will remember you...sometimes even your name!
The drink menu changed a bit with monthly special, a page with classics like sazerac, mojito, sangria and such...a page on their creations. I think I have tried most except for a few that sound sweet. The food menu is about the same but they now have this flank steak for $9! It looked damn good...too bad we were full. If it's available when you visit and you got the stomach for it, eat it. Scott is a perfectionist and if he's in the kitchen making the food, you can't go wrong... If you ever see him behind the bar, have him make you something special and get yourself a lotto ticket!
After exhausting the drink menu, I asked Brendan to make me something. I told him I really like Absinthe and Campari...he said he'll go ask Scott for suggestions. The drink was delicious and is perfectly named "Bitter End" with a drop of Campari at the bottom of the martini glass. Now can you see why this is my favorite bar?
I've been told to visit on Thursday when Josh is bartending as he knows Absinthe best and can likely make some tasty drinks for me. Unfortunately, I have yet the luck of meeting Josh...he was not there the last few Thursdays I visited but I won't give up...
Oh, the karaoke night is the HOOT! So much fun...a great crowd. The March one was a fantastic turn out, the place was packed on a Monday night. We left 11ish and it was still packed and new folks were strolling in. Find out when the next one is and check it out - it's great entertainment!
We've been back quite a few times...the next day and at least once a week since. Always getting… Read more »
Tucked away in an alley off the seaminess of Broadway is this little urban oasis of candle lit tables. Attentive waitstaff serve up a quality cocktail and simple but equally quality menu of bar bites. They should get 5 extra stars for having fresh funnel cake!
THANK YOU http://www.sfgate.com for introducing me to yet another awesome establishment to get my drink on! I love 15 Romolo!!
Reasons why I love 15 Romolo:
- So NOT pretentious. Really, it's not.
- Scott, the owner is AWESOME
- Innovative and tasty cocktails
- Reasonably priced. Starts at $8/drink
- There's a cocktail where all proceeds go to the AIDS foundation
- Tables and seats w/ a waitress/waiter to serve you
- Older crowd
- Spacious bar
- No cover!
- No dress code!
- Delicious mojitos
- Delicious cocktails made with champagne
- Ask Scott to make you an EMERALD TOWER. I love it -- you will too.
- Scott made me another drink but I can't remember what it's called. Had brandy & champagne in it. YUM.
- Bouncers who share pizza with you (yes, I was drunk and took a slice of pizza from the bouncer. I'm not sure if I took it or he offered, but either way, I walked out of here and onto Broadway with a slice of pepperoni pizza in hand)
15 Romolo puts up a good fight with Cantina and Bourbon & Branch. Come check this place out if you like Cantina and B&B!!
Easily one of my favorite bars in the city. Definitely a great time, regardless of what mood you are in. I prefer to go in early before it gets too crazy and have a cocktail or two at the bar, but if you are on the prowl for some ladies, a kickass jukebox and good times, than I would definitely shoot in anytime Thursday through Saturday.
Order the corndogs and the Fiscal Agent and you won't be disappointed.
Another cool spot for chillin North Beach. Not 2 pricy!!
Friendly staff, We felt VERY welcomed.
15 Romolo meets squarely at the intersection of who I was before I moved to San Francisco, and who I am now.
I used to be the sleepy pub girl, enjoying a dark pint in a dingy hole in the wall where the only other patrons were the aging men hunched over their stools.
I moved to the city, and I underwent a sort of personal renaissance. Bombarded with events to attend and things to see and men to do (wait, what?), I found myself transitioning to the more raucous clubs and bars frequented by hordes of people my own age.
Had I come here when I was still shuttling in from Oakland, I would have loved it. Both early in the evening and in the week, 15 Romolo is pretty quiet. You can slide up to the bar and order any number of tasty libations (the cucumber ginger drink is particular memorable) and exemplary bar bites (pork sliders are slop-down-your-face good).
Coming here now on a weekend night, I DO love it. It's a bustling spot full of attractive people. Admittedly, it is a bit of an older crowd (30+) but in this day and age, a girl has got to expand the age limits of her potential dating pool.
My only gripe is that service is SLOW. They don't have "well drinks" - everything comes directly from a can or a bottle, so I can understand the delay. My old self wouldn't mind the wait so much, but nowadays I like the drinks to be a'coming quickly so I can get my mack on some dude.
Yes, kids, I believe that's called regression.
Kick ass cocktails (all at around $8) and really solid bar food.
The only cool bar in North Beach
What else do you need to know?
down alley...
I gave 4 stars in case this is your bag. but if you like variety at a pub this ain't it. but great marks for clean cool bones...
this is for the ready cash crowd
nice bartenders... big pricey drinks
Is there beer here?
They specialize in cool mixed drinks
50-50 men to women.
lots of frat boys and successful people being very animated in their discussion of how they fly all over the country destroying the ozone to save the planets working for their big multinational liberal progressive earth destroying eco-friendly companies. while they drink exotics liquors that had to shipped across oceans on fossil fuel burning ships.
nothing wrong with that is you don't believe in global warming.
Tucked away in a cutty ally in stripperville, you can imagine my surprise when I found this classy, throwback joint. I walk in, live band (sounds like they should be playing music for the Pulp Fiction soundtrack, loved it) and a girl in a rhinestoned covered bra and laced booty shorts hula hooping. I exclaimed "Wow, this place is awesome."
Good crowd, very mellow, nice bartenders, beautiful decor. Its a must. Oh, and being in true north beach fashion, the hula hooper eventually was topless. "Wow, this place is awesome."
GREAT BAR.
It's really my new favorite spot. I've been before, but I wasn't really paying attention to my surroundings. Went again last night after having met Scott and Kenny last week at a CUESA cocktail event where they made my new favorite drink, the Ferry Grasshopper. When it gets on the menu again, this is a must try!!
Drinks are fabulous, bartenders are awesome, good music selection, oh... and BTW, the waffles are soooooooo good. I'll be back for more =)
15 Romolo is a gem buried among the Vegas Jr. lights of Broadway.
Along a small alley at the corner of Broadway and Columbus, it rests in a secluded destination that suits it perfectly.
Came here last night for the annual Ball in Blue that the SF Young Dems put on and was intrigued with the spot.
Dark wood floors pull you in, and the open space allowed for an easy swim through the crowd. Side booths and tables gave people an easy island to rest on as well.
As always the bartenders make the venue, and these guys did not disappoint. Working non stop, they looked like a pit crew for the Romolo 500.
Drowning limes in G&T's at record pace with a great attitude.
Fun venue for events and seems perfect for a mid week glass.
Crushing the cliche that "It's never as good as the first time", 15 Romolo has been reinvigorated and emerged as the fully actualized version of itself. I was in love with the place before, but now I'd make a lifetime commitment.
It's still down to earth with a clandestine vibe, but now has fresh flair without giving in to pretense. The bartenders were always first rate, but now strut their stuff with inventive, artisan cocktails at current economy prices. I'm a fan of the Rio Grande - Don Julio reposado, bulleit bourbon, lemon, lime, ginger/seville/agave syrup and a chili-sugar-salt rim. You can sip these stunners with stand-out snacks like pulled pork sliders or jambalaya croquettes. All bar bites are $6 and under. No typo.
15 Romolo hasn't lost any of its evocative moodiness. Now it just shares the sulky with the sanguine.
P.S. Happy Hour -
$6 pimm's cup
$5 well "above average" drinks
$1 off beer and wine
Me likey. I'm a fan of atmospheric places tucked away in secret alleys and 15 Romolo fits the bill.… Read more »
Dare I say this place is THE coolest bar in North Beach? The bar pretty much had me upon seeing the authentic 1950's hotel sign out front. Let me just say I never venture to NB these days because the crowds are generally pretty douchey.
If we hadn't been coming with a crowd from the elite event at A5A Steak lounge, I'm sure it would have been close to empty. A shame- because it's such a find in this area. A place you almost don't want to tell anyone for fear that it will be overrun by lame asses come next month. But why not spread the love around?
The interior feels rustic, almost like you've stumbled into a chic log cabin lounge- sans the taxidermy on the walls. There is tons of seating along the wall (big plus) with unique yet simple lighting.
The service was super prompt- and we ordered the $6 burger, ($5?) pork sliders and the olives. Whatever they're doing in that kitchen back there- is phenomenal. By far the best bar bites I've had in a long time: the pork sliders come with a slaw and the meat is tangy and tender. The burger was equally devourable- and it was the perfect amount to share on a budget.
The "pixie" is by far my favorite drink of the moment- kind of a minty lemon drop- but better. I can honestly say that I would venture back to NB just for this bar...that good.
Why does a Castro Jew make a line for a North Beach bar that serves pork sliders? Uh, cause they're awesome, that's why! After a early 2009 renovation, this place is back and better than ever before. Drinks are still of excellent mixologist-grade quality, although with a bit more creative twist (and, I'd add, whimsy) than before. They have all sorts of spirits you've never heard of and really take the time to craft some pretty amazing libations. The staff of hot babes and 70's porn star bartenders all add to the funky fun vibe.
And yes, the food--yes, there's food--goes a bit beyond bar bites in selection and way beyond in quality. From the aforementioned sliders to the creative jambolini, it's all quite tasty.
Pleasantly surprising find amidst a freaky combination of tourist traps and titty bars. The blue… Read more »
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Category: Bars
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
Category: Hotels
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