In the late 1960’s Richard “Specs” Simmons opened “Specs” Museum Cafe. A dive bar with character, oddities and collectibles.
I found this spot on Atlas Obscura and it did not disappoint. It’s a great neighborhood with lots of bars and restaurants. It’s a bit of a hole in the wall, but it’s like you went through the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter series and found yourself in Diagon Alley.
It’s the “anti- popular” spot. Cash only, no tv’s and probably the only spot in San Francisco with no WiFi. Midnight Happenins by the Crawford Brothers was playing. Sticky floors and well worn bar stools and tables. A few regulars and two older fellows in a deep political discussion.
It’s the perfect spot to be alone or to chat it up with a regular. You can spend some time amusing yourself and admiring the relics and curiousities.
I read there was once a strip club on the upper level and the scantily dressed women would pass through the bar. I also read about famous writers and poets that would hang out here.
It’s one of those places that you can visit and when you go back, even if it’s years later it’s exactly the same. At the moment you can take in a deep breath of relief.
For over 50 years it’s been a neighborhood bar, and continues to thrive after Mr. Simmons past away in 2016. His daughter Elly Simmons is the current owner and currently raising money for her documentary about her father and the bar Last Call: The Specs Film
Long Days 