Caffe Trieste

The Giotta family opened this charming cafe in the 1950s, making it the first espresso bar on the West Coast. Now, it is a North Beach staple with its polished wood surfaces and celebrity-photograph-lined walls. You'll get the feeling that if Chris Isaac, Bill Cosby and Tony Bennett are loyal customers, you should be too. Along with excellent coffee and homemade cuisine, enjoy the live music; several family members and a boatload of regulars are professional singers. On Saturdays, your coffee comes accompanied by traditional Italian songs, ballads, or even opera. The cafe accepts cash only. See the website for history, brewing tips, race team info, recording studio details, locations throughout the Bay Area, and much more.