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"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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Wow, people should not judge this place by the sign! I came here with my boyfriend and some friends for some drinks after dinner. As soon as we walked in, I noticed a nice bar near the walkway. There were a few tables and chairs for customers to enjoy their drinks. We all decided to sit at the tables near the back of the cafe. I liked how there are tiny candles on each table. It was definitely a dim and
romantic setting. =) This bar also plays music kind of loud, so it feels like a club..lol.
Since I read a lot of great things about the 'lemon drops', my boyfriend wanted to try it for his birthday. One of my friends got him the lemon drop, and he loved it! The drink was placed in a nice martini glass with a slice of lemon on the side. (See picture)
I decided to buy my boyfriend a drink for his birthday. He told me that he wanted a 'rum with coke'. I walked up to the bartender and ordered it. When the bartender asked me 'what type of rum?', I was a bit confused..lol. Since I actually don't drink, I went back to my boyfriend to ask him what kind of rum..lol. After asking all my friends and boyfriend for the rum type, they told me to get 'Captain Morgan'.
I walked back to the bartender and said 'Captain Morgan!'. =) The bartender asked if I wanted lime. Again, I was confused..lol. The bartender was nice enough to put it on the side, so I didn't have to go back to my boyfriend to ask. The rum & coke cost $6, and my boyfriend enjoyed it.
I noticed at around 10pm, the bar got really packed and super loud. Since we couldn't really hear ourselves talking, we decided to leave.
Overall, this is definitely a great bar!
I hate to give away my usual hangouts in the City, but since there are a whopping 135 reviews of Tony N's, I guess I'm not giving away much at this point.
For me North Beach is far from tolerable on the weekends, but a great place to hang out weeknights. Tony Nik's is great for many reasons. It's small, unassuming, it has a core of regulars, and that really makes you feel like N. Beach is still a real neighborhood.
The bathrooms are SUPER tiny. Like something you would see on a train or a propeller DC 9 plane. If you can get there between 4-6pm on a weekday, grab a spot at the bar, keep the vibe friendly, and keep it real. Oh, and enjoy the cocktails!
I'm giving this 4 stars, but only because it fits perfectly for it's purpose... not because i'd come here time and time again.
young proffessional? looking for pretty young girls? Enjoy people between the ages of 21-29? Don't come here. I describe this as a greaaat old people bar. The bartenders are chill and laid back, the crowd is very "mature", and the place is small and dingy enough that you keep your expectations low. I came here with a friend's dad when HE wanted to meet girls; I'd never come here on the prowl though.
Bring like 2-5 friends if you want a chiller scene with out much distraction... except for drunk older people of course.
I can't believe in the 3 years I lived in North Beach, I never wrote about Tony Nik's. It's definitely a super chill bar due to the fact it kinda lies on Stockton with a plain door and bland sign to attract people. The clientele is good. Very relaxed. Definitely not a place to get wasted unless you're some drunken slut who needs to go to AA. But really, this place is good if you have a group. The nice seating area at the back is half the time empty so if you are celebrating something it's a nice place to "take a break" in between the crazier bars in North Beach. The drinks of course are awesome but last time I was here all I could have was a club soda. But at least I got that for free! Hahahahaha. Yeah big deal, I know.
The last hit of the bar hopping birthday night. The bartenders there are so cute and SO nice. We didn't know what we wanted as we were already a little buzzed. The bartender made us some awesome cocktails. The crowd is laid back and good looking at times. Def a place I would have never thought to go into while sober as the outside seemed a little hit or miss. But after this experience I'll def come back again!
Pros: nice-shaped small bar. probably good for mixing and for happy hours
Cons: young male bartenders, douchy clientel, it's in the confluence of two streets that attract marina striped-shirt assholes, transplant "locals", and B&T weekend warriors. North Beach sucks: in case you plan to go to this bar and you don't like it, you are surrounded by other bad options. You'll have to take the bus or a cab or walk to the Geary corridor or to the Financial District or to the hipster Mission bars. Otherwise you're stuck in North Beach, which is, let's face it, a shadow of it's former self.
Drink elsewhere.
Solid and right in the heart of north beach.
Not sure how we ended up here, I just know that we did.
Funny how bar stories always start out that way, right?
Our group of 20+ crowded this skinny, narrow, functional bar. Complete with standing bar area, sofas in the back, Dj in the front, this joint was exactly what our rowdy group needed.
Tony Nik's is not a dive. Clean, decent drinks, friendly staff, and 80's music on Tuesday Night. Go figure. Who knew I would bust a move to Michael Jackson, Rick Astley, and Prince.
There are very few places that have charm. This place is one of them.
80's music, clean, cheap drinks, liars dice, locals, romantic chill booths in the back....who could ask for more? Great place to catch up over get drinks on a weekday.
The bartenders were both very friendly and the decor is pretty charming but on a Saturday night I found the clientèle to be a little -um, how should i say.....on the "putzy" side. nothing too offensive really, but everyone appeared to be schmoozing with a client or having drinks with an old law school chum. (yawn).
I've got a hunch that this place would be a little more bearable on a Monday afternoon.
Came here after I attended a roof top party almost right above this bar. I was pretty good to go and probably didn't need anymore drinks. However, we ventured to this bar/lounge and had a blast. It's not that big at all, but it's very modern and stylish inside. The bartenders were fast and courteous. The music was pretty chill and the crowd was great.
The other day, I took off from work and just went into the city. After cruising around by myself for a bit, I decided to go into this place again and see how it was when I was more sober. It was still great. There were only a few people inside and I ordered just a beer. The bartender was playing music off his iPod and it was groups such as Thievery Corporation, Nightmares on Wax and other chill groups.
I would recommend coming here with a small group of people (like 2-4) to start your night off. There's not too much room and I couldn't imagine it getting too crazy inside.
Came here after Joey and Eddie's. I think I have one sentence that can best describe this bar.
A dive bar that is now a lounge because of its professional servers and renovation 7 years ago.
Will definitely come back. Service was quick. Price is reasonable. Very beautiful people here. They even have dice cups here. Love the old and faded sign outside of the bar but the super modern look inside.
You took me here once, long ago. We were fighting, as usual. Your golden hair was tied up in pigtails; God you are so beautiful, even in memory. We drank Irish coffee as the fog rolled in and the chill night swept through the city. Dark, cream-colored lights lit up another couple, an Asian man and a tall, aging red-head, sitting at the couches in the back. The gruff Italian bartender kept away, wiping down tumblers just out of earshot, but always kept one unobtrusive eye on our drinks. We talked, and talked, and leaned closer and closer, and your heart melted a little bit into mine, like it used to. When we left, we were arm-in-arm again. You told me that you still loved me, but that it was hard, maybe too hard, and I knew it was true. I kissed you goodnight in front of your apartment, one of the last kisses we ever had. I miss you, every day.
A cool neighborhood joint. The place actually is a little bigger than it looks, there is a small "lounge" area all the way in the back that can be a cool spot to hang out with a bunch of friends.
This was our final stop on Fleet Week, the last bar we stopped by to buy sailors drinks. We walked in and said hi to sailors (it's easy to spot as they are in their uniforms), offered to buy them a drink. While waiting, we shook their hands, thanked them and asked them where they are from...it felt awesome having an opportunity to thank our servicemen. Every single sailor we met that night was beyond appreciative of our simple gesture of buying them a drink. Most just wanted a Bud Light, a few got something hard and quite a few declined (they said they had enough already but thanked me profusely nonetheless).
There was only one bartender working and he was beyond busy but he was quick and very friendly. I'm not sure what and how much we ordered but the tab only came to $60 so I'm guessing the price is pretty reasonable here.
There were a few regulars, one of them thanked me for buying the sailors drinks and so I bought him a drink too! Not sure what he ordered but he said I should try - it was licorice like, interesting. Another couple thanked me too and said more people should be like me - appreciating and thanking our servicemen, AMEN to that!
It was a blast and I salute all servicemen!
To my Family,
Congratulations Mark, on 75. Love to the Ancestors.
Solid.
As a new to the SF scene and a gal who's still trying to learn about the different neighborhoods, i had pretty much written North Beach off as a tourist trap with Italian food. And while that's true on some levels, there always seems to be a bar that shatters the stereotype and Tony Nik's is it.
From the moment I walked in, I was treated like a local. The bartendress was rockin with her cute pigtails and friendly smile. The "regulars" at the bar were quick to say hello and offer me a seat as they muddled away at a drink and talked about how much they loved their neighborhood and the bar and everyone you looked at was having a great time.
The surrounds were very retro, which I always love and while I wasn't planning on having hard liquor, well, when you are surrounded by a vibe like that and coming off a long and stressful week, there is no shame in having a martini with three olives on the slightly diiiirty birdy side. And they make a good one here. Actually they made 4 good ones here, but hey, who's counting.
Answer: Your liver, stephy!
Date & Time: Thursday June 5, 2008 @ Happy Hour & Various Late Nights
Company: Michael, Jason, Justin & Entourage
Crowd: Great Hip Mix of Locals from 20's-40's
Vibe: Cool & Chill
Decor: Retro Chic. Long Narrow Bar w/ Red Stools. Lounge area w/ Tables for Deux and Sofa.
Service: Friendly and Kewl
Imbibe: Beer & Hangar One Citron
Music: 80's!
Might be my favorite bar in the city. Good music and usually not too packed. Great bartenders and in my opinion the best martini in SF. Watch out for cougars!
If I had a nickel for every drink I've bought at Tony Nik's I could buy some more drinks. Hmmm. No that really doesn't capture the charm of the place. On week days, it's about as chill and comfortable an after-work watering hole as a person could want. The decor is nicer than one expects from an uncrowded neighborhood bar, and the vibe is much nicer than one expects from a bar with such nice decor. Go - see for yourself, but if you bring all your Marina-Single-Wannabe-Bridge-And-Tunnel-SUV-Drivin g-Douche-Bag friends, I will have to hunt you down and kill you.
P.S. The only reason I knocked off one star is that I am almost always just a little bit cold in this place. Brrrr.
Tony Nik's is a great, chill, classy bar. The bartender there last night was SO nice (I should have gotten his name... oops!)... he humored me while I took forever to pick out a cocktail and then settled on a white russian with blueberry vodka (better with raspberry vodka I learned...).
My bf took me here after dinner on our first date and we've been back a few times since. The lighting is dim and great and I love the little candle-lit tables. The drinks are not a bargain but they are not outrageously expensive either... They have a full bar, bottled beers, and a few beers on tap (Hefeweizen, Guiness, and 2 others).
Tony Nik's is great for a date, girls' classy night, to bring parents to, etc. Enjoy!
Best bartenders in SF are here. They also serve ice cold High Life. TN's is great if you're looking for a chill scene - people don't come here from the East Bay to fight or get hyphy like they do on Grant Street.
Tony Nik's holds a special; place for me. It's the first place i ever went. Back in 1966, on the way home from the hospital, my parents stopped by here to show me off to all their friends. It was a regular stopping place all through my youth and the site of my first legal drink 21 years later. Butch walked (later shuffled) the boards behind the bar for nearly 40 years of my life. The place was where the old school SF sportos would bullshit. He poured a short, stiff drink and could make a pot of coffee last a week. He was an old school, cash on the bar SF bartender.
I think Butch would like the new Tony Nik's. He'd hate the music and the frou frou drinks and probably wouldn't understand what the hell people were talking about, but he'd like seeing his bar full of happy people having a good time. I feel just as comfortable there as I always have.
fun neighborhood bar.
somehow i always end up here after dining in the area. and it's usually after having a few already...so much so that i'd always forget what bar it was the next day.
so this last time, the bartenders tucked a napkin with their logo on it into my purse.
i was quite thankful since i was missing my amex card the next day.
lo and behold, the napkin was my saving grace and i was quickly on the phone and chatting with one of the friendly bartenders. apparently this happens often as they had 6 other forgotten cards on hand.
you can find straight up classic drinks but no real fancy mixology here. overall, it's a nice and unpretentious bar to chill and relax at the counter or at the smaller seated tables in the back.
cheers!
Drinks are expensive, and there's an implicit dress code, but it's not as pretentious as you might think when you first enter. Pretty friendly, and definitely a laid back lounge vibe. But there's not much room to lounge in... the place is packed like a hallway. Overall, mediocre.
You probably won't get in under 21.
A great little bar. I definitely recommend the back area with the couches and tables.
The bar is nice too but it's a great place to go on the weekday and talk to your friends without worrying about sketchy guys or insanely loud music.
The drinks are moderately priced which is always great in this city.
I ended my first date with a dear old boyfriend here. We enjoyed one last cocktail and shared a sweet first kiss, ten feet from a highly inebriated girl who was taking a time-out with her face smashed against the upholstery of the couch.
New love? A cozy nap? You can have it all at Tony Nik's.
Tony Nik's is a great, classy, cozy, little spot to have a drink on a Sunday evening with mixed company.
If you're looking for "a scene", this is not the place.
You go here to have well-made drinks, chat with the bartender, or have a conversation with a buddy or your date.
If I lived in the 'hood, I would probably be a regular.
I live in the neighborhood and this is the local's spot. Go there a few times and the bartenders will make a point of knowing your name. This is what a bar should be.. service, stiff drinks and ambiance. This is the best bar in North Beach.... that does not have necade ladies.
Great place - great drinks, love the "back " section with the tables.
Now, that said, it is TINY and the bathrooms are tinier. Yes, smaller than an airplane bathroom, it's true, but really, how long do you spend inside the bathroom?
Actual conversation had by Laura B., Joy M. and two Random Older Mob Types (ROMT) at this fantastic throw back to old school North Beach which I imagine was vastly superior to the current super cheese-ball incarnation. One of the only reasons I travel to this part of town. Simply fantastic.:
Seating arrangement is as such:
ROMT #1, ROMT #2, LAURA B., JOY M.
ROMT #2: What are you lovely ladies doing here?
LAURA B: Having a drink.
ROMT #1: What are you ladies having?
We tell them, get a free round, thank them, it's delightful.
ROMT #2 to Laura B.: nice ring...you engaged?
HE POINTS TO A LARGE FAKE DIAMOND AND FAKE RUBY RING IN THE LIKENESS OF HELLO "MOTHERFUCKING" KITTY THAT WAS PURCHASED IN NYC CHINA TOWN.
Joy M.: YES. She is engaged to be married. That is her ring.
Laura B.: What can I say? He loves me.
And scene.
A retro chic oasis in the chaos that is North Beach. It's a great place to get away from the *loose off the goose* titty shirt wearing twits and chodes that flood the area. The bartenders are very nice and make great drinks as well.
They do have the smallest bathrooms ever though.
My friends and I happened upon this bar when we just wanted to get a cocktail before a show at Cobb's. This was perfect. The bartender was friendly and the mood was chill. It was exactly what we were looking for. Hidden gem indeed.
Also-- the bartender really knows how to make a drink!
One of my flatmates is a big Phoenix Sun's fan... she loves Steve Nash. She wanted to watch the game at a bar so we decided to head out to Tony Nik's after getting a quick bite to eat. I can never say 'no' to going to a bar and getting some beer especially with the cool roomies I live with now. With gelato (scharffen berger and pistachio) on hand, we walked right in -- four seats available right by the bar. Had a pint of Guinness as I enjoyed my gelato. The bartender was really cool about us having brought gelato inside the bar, he was friendly, nice and quick. Before I can even ask him for a glass of water, he was already giving each of of us some. I was impressed with the service considering he was the only bartender there while more people started rolling in.
Good crowd (cute men), wonderful service, definitely a great bar! I can't believe I've waited almost a month before checking out this bar -- it should have been one of my first stops right after I moved in North Beach a month ago. Will be back here again for sure, perhaps to watch Giants games!
FINAL SCORE:
- Golden State Warriors (124) vs Phoenix Suns (119);
- Celeste: 5 pints of beers
* Yay Warriors ... Andris Biedrins is so cute *
Alright, so I studied abroad in Sydney in college. One of the guys who was in my group of friends while studying there - it turns out he's living in SF for three months while he hangs out with his girlfriend who lives in South SF. He lives in North Beach, and gives me a call so we can catch up.
Now, I'm all excited and he suggests Tony Nik's. Having never heard of it before (living in Duboce Triangle, you don't get up to North Beach that much). So I get there, small bar, good (read: dark) lighting, only two guys in the whole bar. Who, of course, are gay - because my Fairy Godmother is looking out for me...I haven't been to a "straight" bar in a long time, so once I do, the blow is softened by encountering some of the gays. Phew.
So I order a drink, siddle up to the bar, and tell the patrons about who I'm about to meet. So we're having a great old time. Then my friend comes in and it's a great time catching up.
Then. Well, I've considerably eased up since my college days, and I should have known that seeing an Aussie friend from college would be a drinking match waiting to happen.
Fast forward - 6 Vodka-Tonics later...all is good, but then he tries to kiss me, which is no good, no good at all. Coincidental timing -- right about this time, the bar starts to fill up with people (and its quite small) so I take this as my cue to leave (that is, after the fat man next to me asked me to feel his behind...and oh yes, his date was next to him).
Got soaking wet waiting for a cab too. But, I'd definitely go back - the bar was lovely. Despite the unwanted advances. I'll give it four stars, because there's no window to climb out of in the bathroom.
This is a great place to get a drink on a weeknight when you want to actually hear your companions.
Kudos to the bartender! It's been awhile since someone made a Maker's Mark Manhattan, over, the correct way (shaken a couple of times in a cocktail shaker and not stirred in the glass with a straws).
Tip well!
I remember the night i got a call from J.S. ...... " Amy, there is a sexy bar is Northbeach ive not noticed before !" ( i have a term 'sexy bar' for anywhere that makes me feel sexy being in it). So one evening walking home from work i took a little peek ..... it have like velvet carpet tiles on the walls .... ooooooooooh! sexy!
So anyhow, ive been here a couple of times. Once on a 'date', it was pleasant and second time last night after going to see 'The Bridge'. The bartender is attentive and fun, the music is decent ... rock on the 80's ! and the crowd is very mixed. There are some younger, some older , some locals , some tourists and a cool decor. The Bathroom leaves something to be desired hence this bar only getting 4 stars .. but im glad its in my neighborhood and i will definitely be going back! Rock on Tony's !
Tony Nik's is a classic San Francisco bar, which has been in business since the 1930's. The owner is actually the grandson of the original owner...how cool is that?
Tony Nik's has a retro feel, they make great drinks, the bartenders are attentive and friendly, and there's always a cool, diverse crowd. If you're looking for a bar in North Beach, this should be your #1 destination.
I never liked lemon drops before...UNTIL I CAME TO TONY NIK'S! The lemon drops are about $8, which to me isn't that bad in the city. My friend was the one who is responsible for getting me into this place. We go here every other week as part of our "bi-weekly gossip sessions." The reason why I love it so much is that on Sundays it is very quiet and chill. The ambiance is nice and the bartenders in the evening are really cool. I really believe me and my friend make Dave's shift on Sundays so much brighter! I also had the chance to meet the owners and knowing how nice and friendly they are makes it that much more enjoyable to go there. But be careful when there is a big event in the area when you go here because this bar gets packed fast! Especially during the North Beach Festival! But if you go during non-busy hours and want to chill and have a drink this is the place...and the main reason I gave it 5 stars was because the bartenders play music from their own iPods and Dave plays the greatest old school hip-hop music!
After the rockin' Yelp party, I cabbed it over here to CarOline T.'s annual holiday bash. This is the first year it's been off site (not at her house), but the wine and cheese were still flowing. Well, the wine was, anyway.
I can't say TOO much about Tony Nik's since I went here for a special event, but I had a total blast. Butted heads with my old design professor, and chatted with friends as well as met some new people, too. CarOline didn't have the place totally rented out, so we also got to observe a few other interesting characters. A cool guy who looked like John Lennon, and then one guy who provided a rather unfortunate encounter....
Very cool place. Hip decor, but crowd is not over hip. You know - it is still a chill place to hang and have a conversation with friends. People watching/laughing is still good though! (And being watched is also good fun!) Oh, and the fact that the music selection this evening was serious 80's flashback; which is all good! As the bartender said, the music makes him (and us!!!) still feel cool!
Great drinks! First round before dinner included a lovely dirty martini. After dinner round was bubbly. Generally I am very hesitant to order wine, let alone sparkling wine at a "bar." These folks gots it going on though -- choice between Mumm Brut and Perrier Jouet Brut. Ok, as if there is a choice??? (PJ, btw!)
I love this place. Straight up bar, no bullshit.
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