In the heart of North Beach lies Lillie Coit’s, a lively bar and restaurant renowned for its impressive Oyster Jubilee, which has not only tantalized taste buds but also stirred friendly competition among its patrons.
Here, the oyster leaderboard has recently made waves with the standout performance of Nathan and Lane, who each devoured an astounding 120 raw oysters in one sitting, securing their spot at the top of the rankings by a margin of six oysters.
Surprisingly, Nathan Lane is not the famous comic actor from ‘The Producers’ but rather two frequent visitors to Lillie Coit’s—Lane McCormick, a bartender from Pacific Cocktail Haven, and his friend Nathan. This dynamic duo had initially attempted to snag the top title by downing 156 oysters, but their ambitions were cut short when the restaurant ran out of the coveted shellfish.
After a brief pause, they tried again, achieving the remarkable feat of 120 oysters each, complemented by generous amounts of mignonette—a traditional condiment for oysters. Lane McCormick reflected on their experience, stating, “Honestly, I could have kept going. But you see the finish line, and you’re like, ‘Nah, I’m solid.’”
Lillie Coit’s late-night happy hour, a crowd favorite, takes place daily from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. During this time, guests can partake in the popular Oyster Jubilee where patrons will find that for every six oysters purchased ($23 for raw, $25 for broiled with escargot butter), they receive an additional six for free.
Beyond oysters, the late-night menu boasts delectable options such as a $24 tinned octopus in garlic sauce served with salad and toasted baguette, a $16 hot coppa and mortadella melt, and an $18, three-egg omelet made with cultured French butter. Guests looking for something grander can indulge in a $99, 32-ounce tomahawk steak, which comes from the same meat purveyor as nearby Original Joe’s, where owner Nick Floulis often pauses for an ‘8 p.m. lunch.’
Cocktails at Lillie Coit’s are as extravagant as the setting itself, priced at $17 each. The standout of the bar menu is the Dirty Junipero Martini, featuring locally produced gin. Other notable drinks include the tangy Pamplemousse French 75 and the delightfully smooth Blood Orange Gimlet, each made with expertly crafted gin. The bar does not skimp on coffee cocktails either, offering three variations of espresso martinis, a nod to Floulis’s ownership of Union Street’s Hole in the Wall Coffee.
With its eclectic mix of Barbary Coast charm and scruffy glamour, Lillie Coit’s is fast becoming a beloved establishment within the neighborhood, adored especially by industry insiders. Remarkably, it has been operating in a soft-open phase for two and a half years as Floulis meticulously completes the renovations of the space, known previously as the Washington Square Bar & Grill—affectionately called ‘Washbag.’
Floulis has opted to keep a low profile, avoiding most media attention while capitalizing on the nostalgia surrounding the historic location. A sense of community ties to the past has inspired him to initiate Project Cioppino, a unique donation campaign encouraging patrons to contribute $100 or more toward interior renovations. In return, contributors receive a gift certificate redeemable after the grand opening, along with having their names displayed on a plaque at the bar.
Despite the unconventional approach, Floulis remains tight-lipped about the financial success of this campaign, although patrons are still keenly participating in fundraising efforts.
Coming up soon, Lillie Coit’s will celebrate National Oyster Day on August 5, at which point Floulis plans to reset the oyster leaderboard, allowing new contenders to vie for victory. As this day approaches, Nathan and Lane are poised for a potential coronation, likely accompanied by a yet-to-be-revealed prize.
Reflecting on their oyster-eating quest, McCormick stated, “Having already spent approximately $550 to snatch the title once, I’d consider breaking my own record if the need arises.”
image source from：sfstandard
