Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Cafe

Address
12 Saroyan Pl
San Francisco,CA94133United States Get Directions
Phone 415-421-4112
Website https://www.specsbarsf.com/

Vibe: Maritime Dive | Radical/Literary Haven | Museum of Oddities

Specs is a legendary bar behind Columbus Avenue, a longtime refuge for artists, activists, travelers, and neighborhood regulars. Open since 1968, it is a living museum of North Beach counterculture, with strong drinks, and story‑rich regulars. It served as a Chinese temple, a mid-century fisherman’s social club, and one of the city’s first lesbian bars, Tommy’s Place.
Live music & atmosphere  
Specs has regular live music sets ranging from bossa nova, acoustic blues, to jazz, and indie artists. Low light, strong pours, and an all‑ages‑of‑adults crowd give the room a cozy, conspiratorial feel. It’s dark and moody and crammed with artifacts from merchant sailors, Northwest Coast indigenous art, and other oddities.
Drinks
Expect stiff, unpretentious drinks at classic North Beach prices—beer, whiskey, and simple mixed drinks poured with a generous hand. Cash is preferred, and there is an ATM inside the bar.
Details that define the room
• The only food is a cheese plate: a hunk of Edam cut from a giant wheel behind the bar, served with saltines.
• Specs has drawn everyone from Beat poets to jazz legends; you may well find yourself seated next to working poets, artists, and musicians.
• The alley was renamed William Saroyan Place in honor of the author.
Categories: North Beach

Events at this venue

Today

  • Wednesday Big Table

    Specs' Twelve Adler Museum Cafe 12 Saroyan Pl, San Francisco, CA, United States

    An open gathering of writers, poets, artists and more around the Big Table at Specs every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30pm! This more than 40 year tradition began with writers Jack Hirschman...

    Free

  • Smith Dobson Jazz Special

    Smith Dobson Jazz Special
    Specs' Twelve Adler Museum Cafe 12 Saroyan Pl, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Monthly jazz jam session led by multi-instrumentalist Smith Dobson and his quartet. Every first Tuesday 8-11pm at Specs! All musicians welcome, bring your instruments!

    Free

  • Wednesday Big Table

    Specs' Twelve Adler Museum Cafe 12 Saroyan Pl, San Francisco, CA, United States

    An open gathering of writers, poets, artists and more around the Big Table at Specs every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30pm! This more than 40 year tradition began with writers Jack Hirschman and Agneta Falk, and continues on with hosts Agneta and writers Byron Spooner and Judith Bernhard. Join us for drinks, laughs, good conversation and become...

    Free

  • Smith Dobson Jazz Special

    Smith Dobson Jazz Special
    Specs' Twelve Adler Museum Cafe 12 Saroyan Pl, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Monthly jazz jam session led by multi-instrumentalist Smith Dobson and his quartet. Every first Tuesday 8-11pm at Specs! All musicians welcome, bring your instruments!

    Free
Event details are subject to change. Please confirm dates, times and cover charges directly with the venue before attending.