Golden Sardine

At this North Beach bar, you can drink some riesling while surrounded by poetry books published by the indie press down the street. Golden Sardine fits in with the scenester tinned-fish-and-butter-filled wine bar trend of today, but somehow also feels in the vein of the neighborhood’s Beat bohemian past (it’s named after a Bob Kaufman poetry collection). There are black-and-white photos and wine bottles everywhere, plus poetry nights for those who moonlight as a wounded wordsmith. The best seat is in front of the large window by the entrance, perfect for wistfully staring at the new (cell phone-clad) bohemians who pass by while you play small-plate tetris with some serrano and comté on the slim bar.