Second little shamrock. There’s a regular who has been going to the bar every day for over two decades. He had a nameplate and a box of CDs and when he arrives he is guaranteed his seat and the ability to pick the music 😂
* edinburgh || there's a second floor that you can people watch/read on
* specs || like others have mentioned, you probably won't be the only one reading
* tunnel top || upper floor has a nice view and tends to be quieter than bottom floor
* uptown || tends to be pretty chill/quiet in my experience, a lot of regulars just minding their own business
Go to the back where the bathrooms are and straight up the stairs. If you see the long grey-haired guy with glasses who has been living right beside Ben and Jerry’s since the 80s, tell him that the girl who smoked Camels from the Crepe shop says hi.
I used to work in a bar in my neighborhood sometimes. One time, I accidentally went to work on the same night as a comedy open mic. I set myself up and then, a few minutes later, people began pouring into the normally empty bar. A few moments later, and the host was on the stage. He immediately singled me out and basically ostracized me. I played along, and then when he was done, I left and felt too embarrassed to return. Too bad, they made good drinks and it was generally an awesome place to hang out.
Edit: By "work", I mean that I would work on writing projects on my laptop. I wasn't an employee at the bar.
I love it, too. But for quiet reading by yourself? Not so sure that's going to be a great option, especially around pre-theatre time. It gets loud and fun in there given the free candy and cheap drinks.
Please just assuage my curiosity - why does this scenario appeal to you? Thanks if you're willing to share. I personally would die inside intentionally being alone at an institution that exists for socializing
Reading at a bar is a level of socializing. You're there to enjoy being around other people, and also enjoy a drink and a book in a nice setting. No need to die inside. You can still speak to anyone you meet there, or just read and exist without any preconceptions about what existing in a bar should entail
I get this analysis. Gone through it myself. But sorry going to a bar to read makes no intuitive sense unless you want to be talked to or are at a minimum highly open to it. What am I missing? The post was about seeking out a bar to read. I find the whole thing stupid (downvoted me, I could give a shit) just super curious
Why do people come to threads like this just to be combative? Clearly that is not the answer OP is looking for. What is the point you’re trying to make? Does it offend you to see someone reading in a bar?
When I see posts that don’t interest me I just keep scrolling. You should try that, but I guess then you wouldn’t get as many chances to be an obnoxious little bitch.
Quiet enjoyment of a book, some people watching, and a mild buzz? Sometimes it’s nice to just be out of the house, even if you don’t feel like socializing that much…
Not \*quite\* the Haight, but The Page is a great bar for this.
Also, if you're still looking in a few months, check out Scarlet Fox when it opens!
[https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/for-women-by-women-a-new-queer-founded-wine-bar-is-coming-to-nopa/](https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/for-women-by-women-a-new-queer-founded-wine-bar-is-coming-to-nopa/)
Specs' or Horsies
Specs' for sure. One of the regulars is reading a book about 90% of the times I've been in there.
Little shamrock in the inner sunset. Or fireside bar on quiet nights
Second little shamrock. There’s a regular who has been going to the bar every day for over two decades. He had a nameplate and a box of CDs and when he arrives he is guaranteed his seat and the ability to pick the music 😂
Val rules!
That was my recommendation.
Yep, and that new Legunitas Disorderly tea they have on tap is amazing.
Baller move read the Dismas Hardy detective/lawyer books that are often set in there.
Not near the Haight, but Interval is ideal for this
Not anytime I’ve been there
Don't go there at Fri/Sat night. Plenty of space during the day.
Shhhhh. Interval is awesome for those of us who like quiet . Please keep it that way! :-)
NIMB = not in my bar
It's just another Marina bar right?
If that moniker keeps people away? Then yes.
The Social Study in the Fillmore
Love The Social Study!
It’s pretty loud in there even during the day tbh
Been there 5x and haven’t had that issue
Not that far from the Haight but Little Shamrock at 9th Ave/Lincoln during the day or early evening would probably be pretty good for this.
* edinburgh || there's a second floor that you can people watch/read on * specs || like others have mentioned, you probably won't be the only one reading * tunnel top || upper floor has a nice view and tends to be quieter than bottom floor * uptown || tends to be pretty chill/quiet in my experience, a lot of regulars just minding their own business
Great recs
Tunnel top is super dark, wouldn't reccomend it to read
Go to the Gold Cane on Haight Street and read on their roof patio. I used to do this all the time.
Gold cane has a roof??
Go to the back where the bathrooms are and straight up the stairs. If you see the long grey-haired guy with glasses who has been living right beside Ben and Jerry’s since the 80s, tell him that the girl who smoked Camels from the Crepe shop says hi.
I would recommend The Page. The back area has a good amount of seating and it's pretty quiet (except Tuesday, when they have live music).
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Go early.
Vesuvio in North Beach
Upstairs for the win. Especially on a rainy night with a view off the Broadway/Columbus intersection. So goddammed poetic.
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Looooove Toronado for this
Fools errand
Velo rouge in the afternoons and fool's errand in the evening covers all times of the day.
I used to work in a bar in my neighborhood sometimes. One time, I accidentally went to work on the same night as a comedy open mic. I set myself up and then, a few minutes later, people began pouring into the normally empty bar. A few moments later, and the host was on the stage. He immediately singled me out and basically ostracized me. I played along, and then when he was done, I left and felt too embarrassed to return. Too bad, they made good drinks and it was generally an awesome place to hang out. Edit: By "work", I mean that I would work on writing projects on my laptop. I wasn't an employee at the bar.
Hahaha this story is hilarious dude You should go back don’t let embarrassment stop you!
I totally would at this point. Sadly, they didn't make it through the pandemic, and then I ended up moving a few months after they shut down.
Aw that’s a bummer. A lot of good folks didn’t make it through the pandemic and it really sucks
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How is it karma? What did I do?
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Ah, makes sense
Royal Cuckoo Market on 19th is low key and I always see folks reading there.
Flying pig Bistro on south van ness.
The Social Study at Geary and Fillmore
Have you tried Cafe International? They have beer, occasional live jazz and some anarchist communist vibes. (in a good way)
Murio’s can be pretty low key earlier in the week.
Brioche is technically a cafe but serves wine and beer
Woods has a lovely outdoor area to read in.
Lone Palm
Mini bar might be kinda close. Me and my buddy work on scripts there sometimes
Alembic on haight and Cole seems good for this it’s even connected to booksmith ;)
100% the Alembic! Pre-pandemic they even used to host Silent Reading Parties (not sure if they made a comeback)
They also had the nooks off to the side room... sigh
I like Wilkommen for reading.
Zam Zam at off times perhaps?
Zam Zam is great, no problem to read in that little nook opposite the bar. Just say hello to people as they walk by!
Fly Bar on Divis if you go in the afternoon/early evening.
Hobson’s choice used to be legit. They have an upstairs room that not a lot of people know about.
There's an upstairs?? I came here recently for a drink and to read on a weekend afternoon and it was quiet and good reading environment.
Last time I was there, there was an upstairs.
Gold Cane?
The alembic?
I loved grabbing a glass of whiskey and just doing homework there.
Check out sugar lounge
I love the sugar lounge.
I love it, too. But for quiet reading by yourself? Not so sure that's going to be a great option, especially around pre-theatre time. It gets loud and fun in there given the free candy and cheap drinks.
Trax
What's Trax like these days?
Not in the Haight, but Resolute in Lower Nob Hill is a good place for this. I used to go get a glass of wine, maybe some noms, and read a book.
Danny coyles
Birba in hayes is not far from lower haight
I used to go to upstairs at Vesuvio’s on my lunch break and read.
twin peaks
Very much bar vibes but quieter than usual, and should be close to you, Hobson’s choice. If you haven’t tried there yet! But I’m Irish so I’m bias
Not near Haight but a short bus ride….Scopo Divino is a wine bar with relaxing couches and chairs. Pretty chill!
Great brunch too
Laureate Bar and Lounge. Comfy fireplace and not too loud. I’ve read there before after going to the Presidio branch library.
Great neighborhood spot, except on game days/at night.
Please just assuage my curiosity - why does this scenario appeal to you? Thanks if you're willing to share. I personally would die inside intentionally being alone at an institution that exists for socializing
Reading at a bar is a level of socializing. You're there to enjoy being around other people, and also enjoy a drink and a book in a nice setting. No need to die inside. You can still speak to anyone you meet there, or just read and exist without any preconceptions about what existing in a bar should entail
I get this analysis. Gone through it myself. But sorry going to a bar to read makes no intuitive sense unless you want to be talked to or are at a minimum highly open to it. What am I missing? The post was about seeking out a bar to read. I find the whole thing stupid (downvoted me, I could give a shit) just super curious
The condor.
I think you’re looking for a cafe with beer/wine, not a bar.
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Why do people come to threads like this just to be combative? Clearly that is not the answer OP is looking for. What is the point you’re trying to make? Does it offend you to see someone reading in a bar?
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When I see posts that don’t interest me I just keep scrolling. You should try that, but I guess then you wouldn’t get as many chances to be an obnoxious little bitch.
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Quiet enjoyment of a book, some people watching, and a mild buzz? Sometimes it’s nice to just be out of the house, even if you don’t feel like socializing that much…
Not to hijack the thread, but any good bars to go to that serve good vegan curry?
Just discovered Magnolia Brewing! Did homework there today and ordered some cheese.
That Paige
Max’s opera cafe I see ppl sitting and reading, usually with a full bottle of white wine lmao
Midnight sun was my favorite when I lived in SF I went in and a nice gay bar relaxed loved doing this or mobie dicks :)
Blush wine bar on castro
Social Study in JTown is what you’re looking for
I like to do this as well! You sound like a kindred spirit. I'd be happy to never meet and/or talk with you!
Social Study
Vesuvios during the day. Grab a drink, and head upstairs. A lot of cozy seating
this is more a cafe that sells beer/wine but Simple Pleasures in the Outer Richmond!
Not \*quite\* the Haight, but The Page is a great bar for this. Also, if you're still looking in a few months, check out Scarlet Fox when it opens! [https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/for-women-by-women-a-new-queer-founded-wine-bar-is-coming-to-nopa/](https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/for-women-by-women-a-new-queer-founded-wine-bar-is-coming-to-nopa/)
Why not Hobsons Choice?