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    China Live

    3.8 (2.1k reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 9:00 PM

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    CHINA LIVE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - China Live

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    Reviews With Photos

    Sheng Jian Bao 'SJB' Daily Made Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings (5)
    HK H.

    Fun lunch while running errands in Chinatown. Huge space with spacious tables and a variety of seating options. Definitely a fun option for a social get-together. Food was fun; some interesting fusion twists. Came early for nearly first seating and service was really slow, though. The only bummer, but kind of a low note to have to flag down help more than once for the same request, a couple different times.

    Basket of Fried Scallion Bread (5) (vg)
    Amitaabh M.

    Good spot for a special occasion - we ended up here on Valentine's Day, so it was really crowded and had several events happening in the various parts of this space. This review is for the main dining hall - but apparently they have many more areas to check out. They stay true to their name by having live kitchens spread across the dining hall, intermingled with Asian inspired souvenirs and books that you can buy from within the dining hall. The service was impeccable - and the staff is super friendly. They do add a 20% tip plus a 5% mandatory staff health fee to every bill. So the 25% overage does guarantee good service, and they delivered, but I found it a bit excessive. So points cut for that. Food is fusion - with an interesting twist to Chinese and American Chinese staples. We enjoyed every thing we ordered - though a little more on the sugary/salty side of Chinese cuisine. We are in China town - so it's possible to get more authentic fare just down the street, but they won't come with the ambience. Worth a repeat visit, to try out the different parts of the restaurant and their interesting cocktail and drinks menu.

    Vegetarian Chengdu Pock Mark Ma's Mapo Tofu
    David K.

    China Live is a restaurant and marketplace offering Chinese cuisine in a refined setting at the edge of San Francisco's Chinatown. To start, we had the Chrysanthemum Ten Ingredient Salad, a refreshing mixture of chopped lettuce, carrots, bean sprouts, radicchio, spinach, green beans, cilantro, and chrysanthemum flowers, all tossed in a plum vinaigrette. The Betelnut Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups came with a salty, saucy mixture of minced chicken and chopped crunchy vegetables, along with lettuce leaves for making wraps. The Dongbei Vegetarian Pot Stickers were fried dumplings made with a thick dough wrapping a hearty mixture of chopped vegetables and bean curd; and the Shanghai XLB with Kurobuta Pork were delicate steamed soup dumplings served with ginger vinegar. Moving on to the mains, my favorite dish was the House Famous Kung Pao Firecracker Chicken, made of lightly breaded dark meat chicken chunks stir-fried with chopped peppers, scallions, and dried red chilies in a mildly spicy sauce. The Chengdu Pock Mark Ma's Mapo Tofu was a stew of soft tofu cubes in a spicy sauce flavored with pickled vegetables and fermented black beans, topped with ground Sichuan peppercorn for a light numbing spice. The Yangzhou Fried Rice was made with scrambled egg, scallions, BBQ pork, and sweet baby shrimp; and the Sichuan Blistered Green Beans were flavored with a mixture of Yunnan olive, pickled radish, salted plum, and mushroom & toon paste. Finally, an unexpected highlight was their creative desserts--the Matcha Lava Cake was a dark chocolate cake with a molten matcha filling; and Cindy's Pineapple Walnut Spice Carrot Cake was a sweet carrot cake mixed with pineapple and walnut, topped with a cream cheese frosting. Overall, the dishes here were tasty though not outstanding, and though the service and atmosphere were both nice, the menu prices were high for the food.

    The upstairs bar area
    Sidney S.

    "Chinese food tries to engage the mind, not just the palate." - Nicole Mones First review of 2026! I was in town for a business presentation and they took us out for a fun night of eating and dumpling making :-) This restaurant is lovely and lively inside with multiple rooms in multiple levels. Our group was upstairs and we were eating family style. I sucked at the making dumpling part...big fat hands and everything ;-) I posted a video and how it's supposed to be. The food was solid...dumplings, steak, Peking duck, salad, fried rice, a few desserts and other apps. They didn't have the Ken Wright Pinot listed on the menu but the Oregon Pinot they did have was solid. Service was fast and efficient. Recommended when in S.F. Chinatown

    Camilla M.

    China Live is good going with friends, as we did, so you can try different plates. I don't also remember the name of the dishes we shared and nothing was particularly excellent. They made so many dishes that something is good something is not. I remember the stir fried noodles with chicken and the eggplants that were very good. The papaya salad was terrible! I didn't try the buns because of the pork and they were ok. Service was good! The restaurant itself is nice and big but maybe a little bit overcrowded even though it was Wednesday night.

    Crispy pork cubes
    Amadeo D.

    The food and service were top notch. The atmosphere was noisy, crowded, and modern. 3.5 stars We dined on the first floor in a room with a large party of 15 right behind us. I noticed that most of the other dining areas also had a similar setup with small tables surrounding large tables. They have even set up tables in their marketplace area, so you can eat nestled in between shelves of teapots, cook books, and other merchandise. Aside from the dining space, the food was very good. Try the crispy pork cubes. The Hong Kong noodles and the Green Beans were delicious. Our server was attentive, precise, and friendly.

    Working Hands with vegan Impossible plant based meat 5/5
    Natasha K.

    Been anxiously waiting to try their impossible dumplings. Best impossible plant based meat creation by far! Savory well made perfect little dumplings in their special chili sauce. It's called the Sichuan "Working Hands"I literally crave it now! It was juicy on the inside and delicate on the outside. I can eat 100 of these things. There's nothing more satisfying than having plant based foods that has a kick ass flavor. Tried other dishes like the basket of fried scallion bread. Absolutely delicious! Ordered two of those baskets. The yu choi with roasted garlic and chinese broccoli were both so good with its authentic flavors. This noodle dish with curry lao made an imprint. One of the things that really impressed us besides the food was the customer service. Everyone was attentive, friendly, and just on point. The food is never enough to go back if the service isn't quali I'm definitely returning to share another meal with family around the holidays. Looking forward to seeing their facial expressions when they try the "Working Hands." China Live has been one of my favorite dining experiences in 2019.

    Shrimp & Scallop Shumai Dumpling (4)
    Stephanie L.

    My two favorite dishes were the Dungeness crab hand rolls and the chow mein. The hand rolls were so good with both the mayonnaise and sweet sauce paired together. The chow mein isn't your typical thin-noodle dish but it's made with thick, chewy udon instead. The fried rice wasn't bad, but it leans more on the bland side. We came for a late lunch, and it wasn't that crowded. With it being not too crowded, service was fast and food came out quickly. I love how it offers an immersive dining experience where you can be seated by the open kitchen and watch the culinary magic happen. Seeing how SF is pretty tight in space, this restaurant is pretty spacious.

    Dog
    Abby W.

    The food is here is just fantastic! Love the garlic green beans! All the servers are so kind! It's not too bright in here and it's very nice in here! The tables are spaced out very lovely and makes the experience more intimate.

    Taiwan "Most Loved" Lu Rou Fan Braised Minced Pork Rice Bowl, Bok Choy
    Joseline M.

    We came to China Live right when they opened and were seated immediately, which was great. A spacious restaurant with many tables great for small and big parties alike. That said, service felt surprisingly slow considering there were only a handful of tables being served at the time. Once we placed our order, the food did come out quickly. Unfortunately, the experience was hit-or-miss. The highlights were definitely the Dungeness crab rolls and the shiu mai. The crab rolls were very crunchy with a clearly noticeable crab flavor, not oily at all, and paired with a great dipping sauce. The shiu mai was also really solid with a flavorful good ratio of filling. Everything else we ordered, however, fell flat and didn't meet expectations, especially given the reputation and pricing. The "most loved" minced pork plate was bland and it was very underwhelming for its name. The chicken dumplings were also bland and the chili oil didn't add to the meal. The XLB had little to no soup and the meat inside was also not great, lacking texture and flavor. While there were a couple of standout dishes, the rest of the meal didn't justify a return. Overall, some bright spots, but consistency and service need work.

    "Peking Duck" with Kumquat Glaze, Traditional Condiments in 5 Sesame Pockets
    Jessica H.

    Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed by my experience dining at this establishment. My partner and I came here for our anniversary dinner and expected a delicious meal and service at this pricepoint but unfortunately both the food and service let us down. Yes, the ambience, decor, and overall interior of this restaurant is modern and aesthetically pleasing but that might be the only thing going for it in my opinion. The service was almost nonexistent. The server who delivered our food was nice. She was quick to deliver our dishes and remove our finished plates, but our host disappeared after taking our order and only reappeared to deliver our check. He never came by to check on us or refill our water carafe. We thought he had clocked out of his shift since we didn't see him out on the floor like the other hosts that were serving the other tables around us. For the food, it wasn't bad, but we had expected better. Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Spring Handrolls, Dual Dipping Sauce: it was a nice, thin eggroll but you wouldn't be able to tell that there was crab inside as the texture resembled fish paste. "Peking Duck" with Kumquat Glaze, Traditional Condiments in 5 Sesame Pockets: duck was juicy and flavorful but the cucumbers made each bite soggy and the sesame pocket was like a thin, malleable cracker. Crispy-Skin Roasted Pork Belly Cubes, 'Siu Yuk": the skin was perfectly crisp and just the right amount of saltiness but the bottom 1/3 layer of meat was very dry and tough. Tamarind Laced Sweet & Sour Basil Glazed Baby Back Ribs: the basil really stands out in the sauce and the flavor was good but the outer layer of the meat was extremely overcooked and very tough to eat.

    Dumbness Crab and Shrimp Spring Hand Rolls
    Linda H.

    What an amazing restaurant! We were directed there from a local this evening. It is a Saturday night and we walked in without reservations. They were booked, but seated us immediately at the bar with our approval. Perfect! Loved sitting at the bar! Inna, our bartender server, was very friendly, helped us with the menu and provided us great service throughout. They give you large menus that I will upload here, and a pencil, and merely check off what you want. It is family style, so for 2 people, make sure you don't order too much! The Hong Kong Wok-Fried noodles with chicken was perfect! The Dungeness Crab and Shrimp Spring Handrolls were light, airy and crispy. The mild mayo style sauce and tangy sweet sauces were a beautiful compliment to the crunchiness. Large glass of Merlot for $15 and a Sierra Nevada Hazy for $8 a good price for a SF upscale dining experience. We will be back. They do add a mandatory service charge of a 20% tip and a 5% surcharge for employee health and welfare (whatever that is). Everything is reasonably priced. We had great service, so we threw another 5% on top.

    Yangzhou Fried Rice
    Christine W.

    Came here to try out a new Chinese restaurant! And it did not disappoint! The ambiance was very nice- I loved all the decor on the walls and even the chairs, tables, and general layout were very aesthetically pleasing! Not totally traditionally Chinese, but definitely a beautiful restaurant to be in. The service was also very good! They were attentive and checked up on us periodically, offering to provide recommendations and to box up our food. The food, in my opinion, was amazing! It's again definitely not the most traditional but still delicious nonetheless. I loved the eggplant, the Yangzhou fried rice, the ribs, the wontons, and the mapo tofu. There was not a single dish that didn't taste at least a little nostalgic while also having a uniqueness to it! Everything was cooked very well! Overall, I would definitely come back again to try some new dishes and maybe even a drink!

    Duck

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    3 days ago

    Fun spot with great food and drinks. Expensive for Chinese food, but a great place to start your night.

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    George C.

    So you didn’t eat? :(. Bad revenue Elite Yelper!

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    3 days ago

    we went last week. EXCELLENT all around. atmosphere fun and upscale, food was amazing-help were great. a five all day

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    George C.

    1000% wow…we better be as good nw time :). Thank you! Chef Chen

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    Page 1 of 52

    China Live Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - China Live

    What's the noise level? Everyone in our group has problems hearing if there is a lot of background noise.

    The noise level is higher for those sensitive to hearing and sensory issues. There is a lot of activity with robots moving back and forth to the kitchen retrieving pick up orders. Also may be difficult for group conversation if uncomfortable… Read more

    "When I made the reservation there was only an option for "standard seating". What/Where exactly is that? The main dining area?

    Hi! Yes, the main dining room and table vs high counter seating. Hope to see you soon!

    What vegan options you have no dairy, fish sauce, egg, or oyster sauce?

    I have at least 12 dishes that are purely vegan. Marked by V next the dish.

    Msg or no msg?

    We don’t use MSG…no need :)

    Can I special order the impossible dumplings to be vegan w/o egg?

    Impossible is non-meat and it’s a vegan dish.

    Why is the impossible dumplings label vt and not vg? Vegan?

    Because we use egg in the dumpling so is vegetarian (vt) vs vegan (vg). Xie Xie,

    Is the outside area heated?

    We sat outside and as it was covered therefore due to the cover they said there was no outdoor heating.

    Hello! Is it open for lunch? I checked at the Open Table app and reservations are only avaliable for dinner! thank you?…

    We are currently only open for dinner nightly @5pm. Xie Xie!

    Do you take reservations? Thanks

    Yes, click on their website and it'll link you to Open Table. They also take walk-ins for indoor and outdoor dining.

    We're looking for a wedding banquet venue for 2023. What's the sit down seated capacity of the 3rd Floor banquet hall?

    We can seat 300 but 200 comfortably with even a small dance floor :). Contact Doug@chinalivesf.com for details :)

    Do you have to have a reservation?

    Would highly recommend on weekends/ after 7:00PM!

    Are there any vegetarian dumplings available? Not cooked in pork fat

    Yes we do…we have 2 vegetarian dim sum items…house made Dongbei Pitstickers and Impossible Meat ‘Working Hands Wonton’ Dumpling in Chili Broth…we have lots of veggie options. We don’t use pork fat in our general cooking.

    I have a girls's night out planned, do you take reservations?

    Yes on Www.chinalivesf.com

    Hello, I was wondering if puppies are allowed during indoor dining since it will be raining over the coming week?…

    Service animals are allowed inside - xie xie.

    What are ya your hours?

    Our shop opens daily @1pm (or you can shop online anytime here:https://china-live.myshopify.com/ ) and our restaurant opens nightly @5pm and you can reserve online here:… Read more

    Are they dog friendly with their outdoor seating?

    Yes welcome! :)

    Are you honoring the use of gift cards during SIP?

    I responded...

    Is the hard-to-find roast duckling pig dish available most days?

    Yes, but we do make everything daily so we do, at times, run out of items.

    Hi George, we'll be celebrating a birthday & Chinese New Year on January 25. The party of 8 includes my grand-daughter who will turn 13 and her 2 friends. Any suggestions as to what to order? This is my first time going to your restaurant. Thanks

    Hi! We were there during the summer. My 9 and 11 year old kids enjoyed the dumplings (SJB and XLB), BBQ pork buns and noodles. Enjoy!

    Is there a corkage fee?

    Yes - $30/bottle.

    View All 29 Questions

    The Showdown - Boston 3 Way

    The Showdown

    4.2(126 reviews)
    0.1 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill
    $$

    Visiting from TX and found this place by accident. It reminded us of our hometown hang out spot…read more Everyone made us feel welcome as soon as we came in. Not just the bartender but the manager and the locals hanging out. The drinks were great and the company even better. They gave us some amazing recommendations for some local restaurants and they were all perfect! We will visit again if we ever make it back to San Fran.

    I recently came to this bar with a few friends. One friend was a bit intoxicated and wasn't allowed…read morein, which was fine and not an issue AT ALL. While we were outside, we made friendly conversation with a bartender. I overheard another bartender come out for a cigarette and call him by name, so I jokingly used his name while asking if we could come in. At that point, the bartender became extremely aggressive, got in my face, and said, "Say his name one more f*cking time," repeatedly. I was genuinely confused and asked what she meant. Shortly after, a friend who was already inside came out simply to check on us and see why we were still outside. The bartender then told her to "get the f*ck out of my face" and instructed staff not to let her or us in, even though my friend hadn't done anything wrong. It was so confusing and extremely inappropriate. The behavior was unnecessarily hostile and disrespectful. This bar does not treat its customers with basic courtesy, and that bartender showed zero professionalism or customer service skills.

    Photos
    The Showdown
    The Showdown - Strawberry lemonade boochcraft and delicata squash rings

    Strawberry lemonade boochcraft and delicata squash rings

    The Showdown - Pineapple Margarita

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    Pineapple Margarita

    The Lucky Spot

    The Lucky Spot

    4.6(16 reviews)
    0.1 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill

    Just popped into The Lucky Spot in North Beach with some buddies for drinks to watch Sunday night…read morefootball, and it quickly became our new favorite hangout spot! This place has that perfect North Beach neighborhood bar chill and welcoming vibe, like a classy dive where you can watch the game or just chat for hours. The cocktails are next level: tried a few that tasted like grown-up root beer floats and Orange Julius vibes, super creative and balanced without being too sweet. They've got solid classics too if you're not feeling adventurous. Walls are covered in cool local SF photos and art that make it feel proudly San Franciscan. Only street parking available but there's plenty of bus lines that drop you off in ths neighborhood & there's no food served onsite, but they brought in complimentary Golden Boy pizza for the game watch party which quickly went into my stomach after downing a few cocktails. Staff was friendly and on point, and it's great for locals or anyone wanting elevated drinks without the pretension. Perfect pre-dinner spot in North Beach or for a full night out.

    LOVE THIS SPOT! From the cleanliness, location, ambience,…read moreand overall customer experience - this is now my go-to spot for watching sports, date night, night out with friends, and even a solo hang. I feel right at home when I step into this bar. Plenty of space and a huge bonus: dogs are allowed! Do yourself a favor and go visit one of the best bartenders in town, Ali. If it's your first time, it won't be your last.

    Photos
    The Lucky Spot
    The Lucky Spot
    The Lucky Spot

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    Petit Lil’s - Look for this sign.

    Petit Lil’s

    4.7(53 reviews)
    0.3 miRussian Hill, North Beach/Telegraph Hill
    $$

    This place is on the martini trail for a reason! Try the junipero martini! I get it without the…read moreolive juice as I don't like my martinis dirty but if you do, I've heard they are great! My absolute favorite thing is that you are welcomed with a glass of mumm bubbly. I hope they never get rid of this. It really makes this place stand apart from all the other options in north beach and makes you (me) feel special. Everyone who works there is also so nice. Everytime we've gone we've been so warmly welcomed and had great conversations.

    My friends and I totally stumbled upon Petit Lil's after a dinner nearby, and the holiday vibes…read morewere immaculate! With giant ornaments, Christmas tree foliage, pretty lights, and a movie projected onto the wall, the atmosphere was lively, fun, and cozy. As we briefly waited to be seated, I was pleasantly surprised when someone brought out glasses and poured us some complimentary champagne (and later refilled too!). We ordered cocktails at the bar and indulged in the oyster jubilee (buy 6, get 6 free from 10 pm to 1 am). The oysters were pretty fresh. The Pomegranate Nice with non-alcoholic gin instead of non-alcoholic tequila, Negroni Sbagliato, and Blood Orange Gimlet were solid. I didn't love the Aviation though because it was a bit heavy handed on the violet liqueur. But overall, I really loved my experience here!

    Photos
    Petit Lil’s - A talk about housing in SF.

    A talk about housing in SF.

    Petit Lil’s - Ambiance

    Ambiance

    Petit Lil’s - Junipero Gin Martini

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    Junipero Gin Martini

    Tony Nik's Cafe - Cocktails, bartender's recommendations

    Tony Nik's Cafe

    4.3(343 reviews)
    0.2 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill
    $$

    Such a fun place to grab a few drinks and truly unwind after a long day. This was my first time…read morevisiting, and I can confidently say it will not be my last. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere immediately stood out. The vibe is relaxed yet lively, making it a great spot whether you're stopping by casually or planning to spend a few hours enjoying yourself. The overall energy of the place made it easy to settle in and enjoy the evening. Everything felt welcoming and well put together, from the ambiance to the music and crowd. It's the kind of spot where you can have great conversation, laugh, and completely decompress without feeling rushed. The service was excellent from start to finish. The staff was attentive, friendly, and consistently checked in without being overbearing. Drinks were made well and delivered promptly, which really added to the experience. Overall, this is a great place to relax, enjoy well made drinks, and soak in a fun atmosphere. I would absolutely return and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid spot to unwind and enjoy a great evening out.

    Tony Nik's isn't just a bar, it's basically a North Beach time machine. I first walked through its…read moredoors in the late 1990s after moving to San Francisco, but the bar itself dates back to 1933, opening right as Prohibition was ending. It was founded by Anton "Tony" Nikitovich and quickly became a gathering place for the neighborhood's Italian and Croatian communities, where people came to swap stories, argue politics, and enjoy a stiff drink after a long day. And honestly, that tradition carried on well into the years when many of us became regulars. I hadn't been back for a few years until recently, when I decided to stop in again. The bar wasn't overly busy, but a handful of neighborhood folks were sitting at the counter, trading stories over their drinks. It felt instantly familiar. Not much has changed since the early 2000s when I used to come here regularly, and that's exactly what makes Tony Nik's special. Step inside, and it still feels like a mid-century film set: tufted leather seating, a long wooden bar that's seen nearly a century of San Francisco history, and that iconic neon sign glowing outside. While much of the city has reinvented itself again and again, Tony Nik's somehow held onto its soul. It's a grown-up bar without being stuffy, no loud club music, no trendy gimmicks, just well-made cocktails, a classic jukebox, and an atmosphere that feels earned rather than manufactured. The bar stayed in the Nikitovich family for decades, and the current owners were wise enough to preserve both the name and the vintage character Tony originally created. It's one of those rare places that reminds you what North Beach used to be, and, thankfully, still is.

    Photos
    Tony Nik's Cafe - The Champagne of Beers

    The Champagne of Beers

    Tony Nik's Cafe
    Tony Nik's Cafe

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    Legacy North Beach Bar - Fortaleza Blanco w/ club soda ($18) + Ginger Beer ($6)

    Legacy North Beach Bar

    3.5(24 reviews)
    0.1 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill

    Apparently North Beach is the best 'hood in the city for nightlife...right now…read more IF I was still in my 20s, I would start the night off at Monroe for Battle of the Decades where drinks start at $1 at 5 pm and increase by $1 every hour until 10 pm. Nosh on zucchini fries at Original Joe's before bar hopping on Grant Ave. IF you like a diverse crowd with DJs spinning hip hop, a visit to Legacy is mandatory. We did a little weekend day drinking at Legacy and when we saw customers sporting their Frisco gear, we knew we were in the right place! Sorry but it's Frisco, The Sco, or The City, it's NEVER San Fran. For those who disagree, tell that to Mac Dre, Too $hort, and the Hells Angels. Plus, Herb Caen eventually took back his "Frisco" stance. Anyhow, after Legacy, I would move on to watch the midnight ballerinas on Broadway and end the night smashing faces with a Golden Boy! A slice of clam & garlic OFC. O T H E R N O T E S * Friendly staff. * Low-key, locals bar with lounge seating, vinyl lined walls, TVs, and projectors for game day. * No HH specials. * Crisp sound system with DJs spinning hip hop on Fridays and Saturdays. * Dog-friendly but obvs wouldn't bring my dogs here when it's crowded at night. * Clean restrooms. * Cc's accepted but there's a discount if you pay cash.

    BFF wanted to stop her after dinner for her 50th birthday…read more I mean I grew up in NB my entire childhood. Love it love it love it but after COVID-19. Nothing has been the same. People are a bit rude and raunchy and don't respect the area for what North Beach stands for. Being in your 40's, it ain't the place really to be. To let loose, gotta have some drinks and blend in. It was bedtime for me. Still had to get home to our kids on the other side of the town way South. Music was cool but wasn't all that. Just came to celebrate and have fun, we did just that.

    Photos
    Legacy North Beach Bar - Espresso martini with cacao nibs

    Espresso martini with cacao nibs

    Legacy North Beach Bar - Empress Gin and Tonic

    Empress Gin and Tonic

    Legacy North Beach Bar

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    China Live - chinese - Updated May 2026

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