Romolo Place
Halfway up Fresno Street you'll come to Romolo Place. It's a steep little alleyway. There is a parking lot at the corner and attendants seem to enjoy recklessly speeding up and down the narrow little alleyway and scaring the pedestrians half to death. To the left, leading up the hill, there are steps instead of a sidewalk to make the climb for weary residents a little bit easier. turning right on the section that drops sharply to Broadway is a world unto itself. On the right is a mural entitled Gold Mountain.
Across Romolo from the mural is the Basque Hotel. Even though North Beach has been the home for the Italian population, in the early 20th century many Basque sheep ranchers who lived nearby would board in the hotel when they came to town. The hotel is still there although their clientele doesn't include a lot of Basques these days. On the ground floor is Romolo 15, a classic when it comes to San Francisco bars. It's hard to find, there is no sign out in front. You have to look hard for it, but once you are inside, it's warm and friendly. |