North Beach, San Francisco

Read all about it - a literary themed evening

🕒 Mid evening

Discover San Francisco's rich literary heritage while enjoying some of the city's best bars

Read all about it - a literary themed evening

Your route starts at the iconic City Lights Bookstore, a pioneer and supporter of the beatnik literary movement. Peruse the shelves, checking out the classics as well as the new wave of independent and world literature. Maybe purchase a title and enjoy a read within the historic haunt of the beatnik poets - the Vesuvio Cafe, which neighbours the bookstore.

On the way to the cafe, venture into Jack Kerouac Alley and delight in the ever changing and colourful street art, much of which refers to the literary history of the city.

After finishing your drink at the cafe, hail a robotaxi to take you to your next stop, Local Edition. This newspaper-themed cocktail bar, set in the basement of the former San Francisco Examiner printing works, will whisk you away to the days of William Randolph Hearst. Then take the short walk to Novela and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere, while spotting references to your literary heroes.

To end your night on a high, hail another robotaxi and visit the legendary late-night Grubstake Diner. Delight in the diner's tasty treats while discussing your literary evening or perhaps finishing that book you purchased earlier.

Itinerary

City Lights Bookstore

City Lights Bookstore

City Lights is an independent bookstore-publisher that specializes in world literature, the arts, and progressive politics

Stay for 20 minutes

Map for City Lights Bookstore
Jack Kerouac Alley

Jack Kerouac Alley

Jack Kerouac Alley is an inviting pedestrian-only thoroughfare complete with decorative lampposts and poetry from eastern and western cultures

Stay for 5 minutes

Map for Jack Kerouac Alley
Vesuvio Cafe

Vesuvio Cafe

Historic bar founded in 1948 by Henri Lenoir, and a favorite hangout of Beat Generation luminaries such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and Neal Cassady

Stay for 1 hour

Map for Vesuvio Cafe

Robotaxi

Hail a taxi and head to Local Edition

Travel for 30 minutes

Local Edition

Local Edition

Underground lounge with a vintage newspaper theme

Stay for 1 hour

Map for Local Edition
Novela

Novela

Stylish cocktail bar which has been influenced by both classic and modern literary heroes

Stay for 1 hour

Map for Novela

Robotaxi

Hail a taxi and head to Grubstake Diner

Travel for 30 minutes

Grubstake Diner

Grubstake Diner

Located inside an old train car, this diner served burgers, steaks and shakes all through the night

Stay for 1 hour

Map for Grubstake Diner

Route map

Map for Read all about it - a literary themed evening

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