San Franciscans love a good costume party.  In fact dressing up, having a couple cocktails and doing something artsy is a San Francisco tradition as old as the gold rush.  It warmed my cold, foggy heart when I saw our Opera House’s doors open again. Inside the gowns flowed, the

Back in the day Tosca was part of what I called “The Holy Trinity of San Francisco Bars”. Along with Specs‘ and Vesuvio, Tosca represented the funky old North Beach bohemian scene that was part of what made San Francisco special. Then in 2012 it was announced that, due to

I’ve got some awesome news! We received a grant from the Civic Joy Fund to put out a literary magazine celebrating SF and acting to counter the stupid “Doom Loop” narrative. It’s a gift to the people of San Francisco. And after months of working on this project it’s now available

OFF MENU IS SPONSORED BY EMPEROR NORTON’S BOOZELAND THE TENDERLOIN’S NEWEST HISTORIC DIVE.  HAPPY HOUR NOON – 7PM Back in the day Tosca was part of what I called “The Holy Trinity of San Francisco Bars”. Along with Specs‘ and Vesuvio, Tosca represented the funky old North Beach bohemian scene that was part of

North Beach has a certain magic to it. The neon lights and the strip show barkers blend with the San Francisco night and the smell of garlic, creating something old school and current, ancient and timely.

The quest for the finest offal in the city. A Multi-Colored Brick Road (ahem) strewn with Brains and Heart for the Courageous.

  It’s been some dark days for city history as of late. With the latest casualties being the likes of Tosca and The Purple Onion, one might wonder who’s next on the venerable hit list. Probably some deadbeat tenant like Swan’s Oyster Depot or the Buena Vista, more than likely.

Every week we feature a different person from the community shedding a little light on their life of brokeitude. Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something about the human spirit…probably not.

I’ve never had a bad night in North Beach. There have been horrible nights in the Mission, the Richmond, SOMA, the Castro, Nob Hill; but never in North Beach. Maybe that’s because you know it’s a night that will end in gluttony and debauchery. Between Tosca and Vesuvio, the two