North Beach, San Francisco · bar
Hidden down an alley off Columbus Avenue since 1968, Specs' is one of North Beach's last truly eccentric bars. The walls double as a museum of maritime artifacts and neighborhood ephemera, the drink list is chalked onto the mirror behind the bar, and the Irish coffee still costs less than feels possible. Order a Vesper, find a stool, and plan to stay longer than you meant to.
The bar's no-nonsense party order, generously poured and inexpensive
Gin, vodka, and Lillet. Chalked on the mirror nightly at this historic dive
North Beach classic: Irish whiskey, dark roast coffee, and whipped cream