I don't know what they are called but there are a series of apartment complexes along Bay St. and Stockton St. (on either right where they meet) that are, in my opinion, the best in North Beach. They are equadistant from the Wharf and Columbus and they having parking garages--a must if you don't want to be replacing windows and radios in your car twice a year due to break-ins.
I had friends who lived there one year and it was perfect for enjoying SF. (Only problem is the walls are a bit on the thin side so you will know your neigbhor's business if they get into arguments, etc.)
