Tony Nik’s was originally home to Madame Nicco’s French Laundry, owned and operated by Angelina and Antonio ‘Tony’ Nicco during the 1920’s Prohibition era and the 1930’s Depression years.

When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Tony immediately opened Tony Nicco’s Café, one of the first bars to open in North Beach. Tony Nicco’s was called a café because, at that time, food was required to be served with alcohol. The bar was remodeled in 1949, adding the stylish bar canopy, the unique checkerboard wooden wall tiles, and the mural by local artist Nadine Torrance.

Tony retired and sold the bar to Charles ‘Butch’ Lavagnino, a longtime friend and bartender, in 1951. Butch changed the name of the bar to Tony Nik’s, and was no longer required to serve food. The Tony Nik’s sign that still hangs outside the bar is the original sign, one of the oldest signs in North Beach.

Butch owned and operated Tony Nik’s for the rest of the century, close to 50 years, through the many changes that took place in North Beach and San Francisco.

Tony Nik’s was sold in 2000 to Mark Nicco and Dan Kent.  Mark is Tony’s grandson. Great care was taken to restore and maintain the bar with all of the special and unique elements intact.

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In 2022, Tony Nik’s was sold to longtime bartender and General Manager, Sebastian Scala.  In 2023, the original sign was restored, bringing it back to its original beauty. It now lights up all of Stockton Street and can be seen from blocks away in either direction.  Sebastian and his family have maintained Tony Nik’s charm and appeal and are committed to making this venerable establishment a meeting place for all.

So step in and step back in time. Entering Tony Nik’s will bring you back to an era of friendly and professional bartenders; ice-cold beer, delicious cocktails, and drinks served with love and precision. We love what we do, and it shows in every cocktail we make!
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