Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe

• Cuisine(s): Italian, Sandwiches
  Hours: Sun 10am-11pm, Mon-Sat 10am-12am
  Price: $, $$
• Payment Types: MasterCard, Visa
  Features: Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Takeout, Private Party
  Serving: Dinner, Late Night, Lunch
• Alcohol: Full bar
  Reservations: Not Accepted
  Parking: Street

Description

North Beach's reputation as a Bohemian neighborhood has been on the wane since the 1970s - we imagine the neighborhood crankily shaking its head at those Mission upstarts. But for all its tourist appeal, Mario's (which hasn't sold cigars in years) still seems imbued with the spirit of the low-rent, high-minded drunkards and speed freaks who made the neighborhood great. And while the carved wood bar and yellow walls are encrusted in nostalgia, take advantage of the January heat wave to sit on the sidewalk, facing Washington Square Park and Sts. Peter and Paul Church, while you wait for tumbler of red wine and a hot meatball, roast eggplant, or sausage sandwich on toasted foccacia.