For those not familiar with San Francisco, "North Beach" is a neighborhood with a strong Italian heritage and flavor. Situated north of the Financial District and Chinatown, its northern edge butts up against the bay at Fisherman's Wharf. Its restaurants, coffe houses, and relatively low rents drew the Beatnik poets in the 1950's. In the early-to-mid 1960's, its nightclubs were the launching pad for a number of folk music groups and stand-up comedians.