North Beach is an Italian neighborhood between Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf with restaurants, nightlife, sidewalk cafes, and side trips.  Walk along Columbus Avenue between Union and Pacific streets. Need coffee?  Cafe Trieste is a coffee & literary landmark. Great pastries at Stella Pastry & Cafe  (try their specialty 'Sacripantina').  For breakfast it's Mama's or Mo's (also the best hamburgers)  For a quick bite Golden Boy (best slice pizza) is an institution day or night.  Or get a take-out sandwich from Molinari's Deli and eat at Washington Square park up the street across from St. Peter & Paul church.  Have lunch & people watch at The Stinking Rose sidewalk cafe. The best Italian dinners are at Sodini's with friendly staff and great conversation.  Sotto Mare for the best Cioppino and fish dishes or Tommaso's for pasta and pizzas.  Drinks?  Gino & Carlo is the local favorite, with T.V.'s for sports and 2 pool tables. Around the corner on Grant Ave. there's Maggie Mcgarry's Irish Pub, and The Saloon just down the block has live blues music seven nights a week.  One block south on Columbus Avenue is Tosca Cafe for a classic cocktail or dinner from their eclectic menu..  In the alley next door is Spec's, a classic watering hole with nautical artifacts from around the world. And across the street you'll find Vesuvio, the famous literary & arts bar (check out the balcony) with City Lights Bookstore right next door.