Vibe: Literary Wine Refuge | Intimate & Bohemian | Riesling-Focused

Golden Sardine is a quintessential North Beach “refuge palace” that bridges the gap between a modern natural wine bar and the neighborhood’s historic Beat poetry roots. Named after the seminal poetry collection by Bob Kaufman, the space is lined with floor-to-ceiling shelves of handpicked poetry books (often curated by nearby indie presses). Owned by Riesling enthusiast Andrew Nelson and bookseller Caitlyn Wild, it has quickly become a “living room” for San Francisco’s writers and winemakers to gather over tinned fish, high-acid whites, and communal readings.

The bar is a charming two-story sanctuary that maximizes its historic footprint on Columbus Avenue. The first floor features a slim, inviting bar—perfect for “small-plate Tetris” with tinned fish—while the second floor offers a cozy mezzanine for more intimate conversations. The architectural highlight is the expansive front windows that open directly onto the street, allowing the neighborhood’s bustling energy to drift inside. It’s an ideal vantage point for people-watching, making you feel connected to the sidewalk life while tucked away in a den of books and bottles.

• First Friday Poetry Series: On the first Friday of every month (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM), the bar hosts a free poetry reading featuring a rotating lineup of local and visiting poets. Past readers have included SF Poet Laureate Genny Lim and Agneta Falk Hirschman. It is a popular anchor for the North Beach Art Walk, where guests can grab a glass of vermouth and soak in live verse.

• Music and Improv: While primarily a literary hub, the venue frequently features improvisational piano sets and “roots, rock, and reggae” from local groups like the Jumpin’ Toads during special celebrations. It also hosts unique “pop-up” dinners and wine seminars that often blend live music with artisanal tastings.

• The “Unreasonable” Riesling List: Andrew Nelson’s obsession with Riesling is front and center, with over 40 varieties available, ranging from classic German dry styles to experimental West Coast labels. The bar is known for its accessibility, often offering “unreasonably” priced high-quality glasses.

• Tinned Fish and Tapas: The food program focuses on high-quality tinned seafood (think octopus, mussels, and sardines) served alongside local cheeses and charcuterie. It’s a “no-fire” kitchen that perfectly complements the “scenester-bohemian” vibe.

The Poetry Club and Anniversary Rituals

Since opening in early 2024, Golden Sardine has solidified its role as a cultural protector. They offer a unique Poetry Club subscription, where members receive a monthly book selected by the staff. Their anniversary parties (typically held in late January) have become legendary neighborhood events, featuring crab feeds, live reggae, and marathon poetry readings that celebrate the bar’s namesake and the enduring spirit of North Beach’s creative community.