"There are plenty of use cases for this North Beach institution. Over the century it’s been open, couples have come here to snuggle up on the maroon leather banquettes, first dates sit knees-to-knees at the candlelit bar, and groups can often be heard cackling while cheersing glasses of cognac hot chocolate. You’re definitely here for the atmosphere—vintage piano, stained glass, and retro jukebox included—rather than the food. But if you focus on the spicy bruschetta and bucatini that’s more cheese than pasta, you’ll have a great time." - julia chen 1, patrick wong