North Beach, especially Little Italy, holds a special place for many San Franciscans. North Beach has become one of San Francisco’s main nightlife districts as well as always being a focal point of cultural activity. Take a look at how much North Beach has changed over the years. Do you remember any of these places? Let us know!
- Early settlement, 1856.
Creative Commons/Wikipedia One of the earliest views of North Beach from Telegraph Hill. The photo dates from 1856.
- Hilltop view, 1924.
San Francisco Historic Archives Another early shot of North Beach looking down Powell street from the Fairmont Hotel taken in 1924.
- North Beach Intersection, 1945.
San Francisco Public Library North Beach Branch/Facebook The central intersection of North Beach at Columbus & Broadway in 1945. This has always been a busy and central focal point of the neighborhood.
- A city favorite, 1948.
San Francisco Public Library North Beach Branch/Facebook Swensen’s opened in 1948, and the city was never the same. The famous ice cream shop opened at Hyde & Union.
- Vintage cars, early 1950s.
San Francisco Public Library North Beach Branch/Facebook The classic and unmistakable cars of the 1950s. Pictured is Columbus Avenue anywhere from the late 40s or 1950s.
- North Beach nightclub, 1950s.
San Francisco Public Library North Beach Branch/Facebook North Beach has always been known for clubs and bars. This is the Tin Angel, a North Beach nightclub, in the late 1950s.
- Italian markets, 1955.
San Francisco Public Library North Beach Branch/Facebook The now closed Rossi’s Market that was located at 627 Vallejo Street. This picture dates from January 1955.
- Beatnik scene, 1959.
San Francisco Public Library North Beach Branch/Facebook North Beach was a central and pivotal place for the beat writers of the USA. Here we see Poet Bob Kaufman reading his first book at the Coffee Gallery on Grant Avenue in 1959.
- Caffe Trieste, mid-1960s.
San Francisco Public Library North Beach Branch/Facebook North Beach was always a happening place. The leader of San Francisco’s Hells Angels is pictured here in the mid-1960s at Caffe Trieste.
- Little Italy, 1974.
San Francisco Public Library North Beach Branch/Facebook Little Italy is often associated with North Beach and vice versa. This is Caffe Trieste, in June 1974. Whether it is the food, history, culture, or people you’ll always find a piece of Italy in North Beach.
What do you think of this list? Let us know. Share your opinions. If you are curious about San Francisco history, then learn 10 Undeniable Reasons Why Everyone Should Marry A San Franciscan.
Creative Commons/Wikipedia
One of the earliest views of North Beach from Telegraph Hill. The photo dates from 1856.
San Francisco Historic Archives
Another early shot of North Beach looking down Powell street from the Fairmont Hotel taken in 1924.
San Francisco Public Library North Beach Branch/Facebook
The central intersection of North Beach at Columbus & Broadway in 1945. This has always been a busy and central focal point of the neighborhood.
Swensen’s opened in 1948, and the city was never the same. The famous ice cream shop opened at Hyde & Union.
The classic and unmistakable cars of the 1950s. Pictured is Columbus Avenue anywhere from the late 40s or 1950s.
North Beach has always been known for clubs and bars. This is the Tin Angel, a North Beach nightclub, in the late 1950s.
The now closed Rossi’s Market that was located at 627 Vallejo Street. This picture dates from January 1955.
North Beach was a central and pivotal place for the beat writers of the USA. Here we see Poet Bob Kaufman reading his first book at the Coffee Gallery on Grant Avenue in 1959.
North Beach was always a happening place. The leader of San Francisco’s Hells Angels is pictured here in the mid-1960s at Caffe Trieste.
Little Italy is often associated with North Beach and vice versa. This is Caffe Trieste, in June 1974. Whether it is the food, history, culture, or people you’ll always find a piece of Italy in North Beach.
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