A Brief History of Specs':

Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Cafe, otherwise known as Specs', was opened in 1968 by Richard “Specs” Simmons. Originally from Roxbury, Boston, Simmons was a sheet metal worker by trade and a union man involved in progressive local politics. He performed folk and protest songs in local clubs, including political campaign song "M.T.A." about the Boston transit system, which was made popular by The Kingston Trio after hearing Simmons perform it live. Simmons moved out west in the early fifties and settled in San Francisco, where he met his wife Sonia across the street at Vesuvio and eventually opened Specs' on April 26th, 1968 in honor of her birthday. A dramatic portrait of Sonia hangs prominently in the bar.

Prior to Specs', the building held a Joss House (Chinese Temple), a fisherman's social club, a Middle Eastern belly dancing club, and lesbian bar 12 Adler owned by Tommy Vasu, the first lesbian to own and operate a bar in San Francisco. Since 1968, Specs' has served as a cultural institution and watering hole for artists, activists, travelers and more, beginning with the Beat and counterculture movement of the sixties and continuing to encompass a diverse crowd, representative of San Francisco’s vibrant community. Walls are adorned with artifacts and heirlooms from around the world, many from Simmons' own collection and others gifted from patrons and friends, including merchant sailors who frequented the bar in the early days bringing souvenirs from their travels. Simmons' sharp wit, his upbringing in Boston, and his deep love of history, music, art, literature and politics have inspired these items, including flags, political posters, nautical relics, Northwest Coast art, pieces of SF and California history, musical memorabilia, tales of shipwrecks, union struggles and walrus appendages. Bins of postcards from patrons near and far are on display across the bar, a testament to the admiration and connection many have felt after visiting.

Along with sister businesses Vesuvio Cafe, City Lights Books, Caffe Trieste and The Beat Museum, Specs' contributes to the preservation of North Beach’s special history, welcoming visitors and regulars alike into its unique corner of the world with old-school charm, great conversation and a sanctuary-like atmosphere. In 2016, Specs' was named a Legacy Business by the City of San Francisco, recognizing it as an important part of our city’s history. It has upheld its founding values, remaining a member of hospitality workers’ union Unite Here Local 2 for fifty years and counting. Now owned and operated by Simmons' daughter Elly Simmons and granddaughter Maralisa Simmons-Cook, we are proud to be a women and family run business. We feature a diverse monthly calendar of events including live music, poetry readings, book parties and more.