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About the Business
Established in 1968. Specs' Twelve Adler Museum Cafe, otherwise known as Specs' Bar, was opened in 1968 by Richard "Specs" Simmons of Roxbury, Boston. Prior to opening, the building held lesbian bar 12 Adler, one of the first lesbian bars in the city. Since 1968, Specs has served as a cultural institution and watering hole for writers, artists, activists, travelers, and weirdos, beginning with the beat movement of the fifties and sixties and now encompassing a diverse crowd, representative of San Francisco's vibrant community. A bar like no other, it's walls are littered with knickknacks, tchotchkes and artifacts from all across the globe. Along with sister businesses Vesuvio Cafe, City Lights Books, Caffe Trieste and The Beat Museum, Specs contributes to the preservation of North Beach's special history, welcoming visitors and regulars alike into it's unique corner of the world with unparalleled character and old-school charm.
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Moon D.San Francisco, CA10324363/14/2023If 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.
1364883/28/2023Came in for a quick drink. Beers were on tap. Ordered at the bar, and no sales tax if you pay with cash.
Divey and good place for a catch up with friends, but wouldn't make a special trip for it.
Decor is unique and cool to explore, if that's what you're into!
19970311773/3/2022Our 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.
Allan R.Redwood City, CA135981039/13/2022Port wine & a chunk of cheese with crackers is too tempting to pass up whenever I'm here. Awesome little dive with lots of interesting decorations
Fatima B.Oxnard, CA36110253/15/2022Cute! Dive in bar, casual vibe, vintage decor. Nice bar to come chill and not I've loud music.
14842661705010/4/2021Updated reviewJack Hirschman hung out at the beatnik bar and I went back here last Saturday for his memorial. Old beatnik bar. Had a cherry soda. Talked about Jack Hirschman and Amber Tamblyn. haha
8/17/2009Previous reviewThis is a classic North Beach bar. The cool museum-like artifacts that adorn the walls remind me of Tommy's Joynt on Van Ness. There's nothing like this bar. It's very authentic. I got to meet Specs at his birthday party. There was so much food and I kept ordering dirty Shirley's. I had a great time, but it's not a very young crowd. There's a lot of strange older men who hang out there. It's quiet and charming. Be good to Specs' and pray that a guy like Specs never leaves the world. I think it's the kind of place that writers are to hang out at.
Ethan T.San Francisco, CA1127/28/2021A million years ago, a group of friends and I were sitting down over drinks trying to come up with the elusive criteria that would define our "favorite bar." Not one of our favorites: our undisputed, one-and-only favorite bar in the world. Ultimately, we settled on "What bar do you picture when someone starts a 'guy walks into a bar' joke?"
For me, that's Specs'. I've spent my career over the past almost 20 years both behind and in front of many a bar, and every hypothetical scenario in my head that takes place in a watering hole takes place inside Specs'. (When I was a kid and had no better reference, it was 'Cheers', so to indulge a tired cliché- I guess Specs' is my 'Cheers?)
When I stumble in, I'm at the edge of the world. San Francisco and the world at large melts away. It's as close to actual magic as I can experience whenever the hell I please, and I hope it's around long after I'm gone.
Hold my wake at Specs'.
Matthew M.Redlands, CA66352684/2/2022Historic dive bar with a wonderful mix of people young and old. Strike up a conversation with someone who looks interesting. Is that type of place. Cheers!
901161148/25/2019I went here at the invitation to hear a friend sing. I love North Beach and this place has room for dancing! I met some colleagues from the auction business there and we had the best time. The wines were reasonably good and I has a very small cosmopolitan- however it was delicious. There was a man called let's say Adam was such an awesome dancer he lost his heel of his shoe. There was also a couple dressed to the nines with fabulous moves. My friend told me to tap Adam for a dance and I did. Wow what fun as he twirled me around like a pro!
I am sorry to say I never got a chance to order any food. People where so friendly and introduced themselves to our group.
I can't wait to go back!
The decor was tons of fun with lots to look at. I really felt comfortable there and it reminded of a San Francisco that's almost gone.
Searit H.Oakland, CA490902027/11/2021The history of this place is astonishing. They have a collection of postcards from fans all over the world. The bartender let us look through the basket of postcards to read some of the letters. I read a letter that was from 1990. I am so happy this place survived the pandemic. I wish I remembered what I ordered haha but I loved the cheese and crackers snack! It was delicious!
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