Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store

Despite the fact that you can't buy a cigar at Mario's (or smoke one), you shouldn't miss this classic North Beach café, which drips with as much atmosphere as its fabulous oven-baked meatball focaccia sandwiches. Wedged like a slice of pie onto a prominent corner in North Beach overlooking Washington Square Park, it's the perfect perch to sip an Italian soda or a cappuccino and watch the world go by.