TedWalk's SanFran Review of Vesuvio Café 255 Columbus San Francisco, California

If you find yourself on the wrong side of relaxation, SeeTed might have a prescription for you. While on Columbus Street in the North Beach neighborhood, mixed among the vice of the seedy strip clubs and the mysterious aromas wafting up from the Chinatown restaurants, you cast your eye upon the form of a building, mysterious yet inviting. It's covered with murals and history of its literary and Gold Rush history, and probably not like many bars you will walk into except for its neighbor in the borough, Spec's.

Tucked away in Jack Kerouac Alley right across from the infamous City Lights Books, this haven has been intoxicating North Beachers and San Franciscans since 1948. The claim to fame in this space came upon it through the inhabitants that quenched their thirsts here. Men and women of note have darkened the doors of this establishment, and leaving their indelible mark, some in the form of a notorious cemented monument of those who were 86'd! It used to be out front to let a persona non grata that they still were not welcomed.

Once you're inside, you then start to take in many different oddities that draw your eye. From the gas lit chandelier over the bar and the wall of booze, to the paintings, posters and photographs donated to the location over it's tenure, it is a veritable seed of the inspirational thought and impetus of the Beat. Writers such as Herb Gold, Michael Mc Clure, Herb Caen as well as Allen Ginsberg, Laurence Ferlinghetti and Jack Kerouac found themselves having drinks, chatting with friends and just having a great time.

The décor of the place is set in a mixed grouping of found artistry and unusual pieces, such as the cane wicker chair near the door that looks like something from the Addams Family. The upper level includes two main booths, the Joyce Booth which is decorated with pictures and characterizations of James Joyce and the booth assigned for "lady psychiatrists". It was also in this booth, that Jack Kerouac spent the whole evening drinking with friends instead of making his way to Big Sur to meet with Henry Miller, whom he would call every half hour informing him that he would be leaving for Miller's home soon. The two author's would never meet in this life.

The array of potent potables that a person can have are astonishing as well as the skill it would take to create them. From the standard beers on tap and in bottle, wines and spirits to the mixed whirlwind called "The Jack Kerouac" composed of rum, tequila, orange/cranberry juice and lime served in a bucket glass. A strong drink indeed!

Sit down in one of the fine booths and see amazingly done decoupage on the tables that show amazing artwork done skillfully on the tables. Artwork decorates the walls everywhere in this place, including in the privies of the space where you can find some of the most ornate graffiti done by intoxicated artisans expounding on the state on their minds at the urinals!

Hours:
Sunday-Saturday 6AM-2AM

Prices:
Reasonable

Atmosphere:
Eclectic, enriching and euphoric

Service:
Attentive and pleasant.
Table service doesn't begin until 4PM, but if you want food you need to bring your own!