North Beach's late-night dining scene has found a new anchor. Lillie Coit's, named for the eccentric San Francisco socialite who left her fortune to beautify the city, has quickly become the neighborhood's go-to spot for oysters, drinks, and the kind of warm hospitality that feels increasingly rare.
Owner Nick Floulis has built the restaurant around a simple philosophy: make people feel welcome from the moment they walk in. That starts with "welcome splashes" of sparkling wine for many guests, followed by what Floulis calls "cheekies"—small pours of Montenegro amaro served in frozen glasses that slide frictionlessly across the Formica bar top.
"I'm like, 'We don't do shots around here. This is a cheeky,'" Floulis explains with a smile. "You don't have to drink it, but you do have to toast it."
This emphasis on ritual and connection has resonated with North Beach diners seeking alternatives to the neighborhood's rowdier bars. Lillie Coit's attracts a crowd that appreciates quality—the oyster happy hour has earned particular acclaim—while maintaining a laid-back atmosphere that encourages lingering.
On Saturday nights, Floulis says the restaurant goes through six or more 1-liter bottles of Montenegro just for cheekies. It's a significant investment, but one he sees as foundational to the experience.
"It's our little gift across the bar," he notes.
The restaurant's namesake, Lillie Hitchcock Coit, was a 19th-century character known for chasing fire engines and scandalizing polite society. The establishment channels some of that rebellious spirit while providing a sophisticated refuge in one of San Francisco's most dynamic neighborhoods.
For North Beach, which has seen the departure of some longtime establishments in recent years, Lillie Coit's represents a new generation of hospitality—one that honors the neighborhood's bohemian past while adapting to contemporary tastes.
Open late and always ready with a welcome pour, Lillie Coit's is exactly the kind of neighborhood spot North Beach needed.