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15
Romolo |
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There goes the neighborhood: North Beach is just the latest area to succumb to the attack of the numbered nightspots. We've seen 1015 Folsom, 111 Minna, Club Six and 330 Ritch spread their cool throughout the city, and now there's 15 Romolo. Hidden away on Romolo Place, a steep alley street off Broadway and between Columbus and Kearny, Romolo is the kind of place you bring people to in order to show that you're in the know. Even as you walk up the steep slope you might still be uncertain as to whether you are in the right location or not. But don't fret, just look for the Hotel Basque, of which Romolo serves as the hotel bar to, and go through the sleek, unmarked door. The spacious room has a minimalist and intimate feel to it (when it's not packed with Europhiles and lost Missionites, that is). With its smooth, rounded booths, metallic tables and barstools, and dimly lit setting, Romolo could be the epitome of the Europe-by-way-of-Manhattan lounge. At the very least, it is a haven from the grown-up frat-boy bar scene, which certain sections of North Beach have unfortunately become. The bar itself is high style, demonstrated by its fine selection of liquors and wines. Stick with classic cocktails to fully enjoy the atmosphere, but take note that the Guinness is poured with utmost care. Romolo has a bare bones "menu" that is delicious in its simplicity (of the ten items on the menu, one is a dessert and the other a port wine). Try either the tasty romolo burger with a side of sweet potato fries, or the button mushrooms sautéed in olive oil, garlic and red wine, and you certainly won't be complaining. But by far 15 Romolo's most appealing attraction is its jukebox. Granted that tastes may vary, any objective jukebox hero will appreciate the eclectic selections one can choose from: U2, Pixies, Pavement, Luna, Bjork (3 albums!) and Bowie are all represented, as are Air, Asian Dub Foundation, Tribe Called Quest, and plenty of drum n bass. It's like a tribute to the fashionably alternative of our day. Dare I say…oh, I shouldn't but here goes: This reviewer thinks that 15 Romolo just might be up for best jukebox in all of San Francisco. Want to challenge that humble opinion? Then write back with your own favorites to nish@bindnetworks.com. |
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