Guidebook for San Francisco
Food Scene
Good coffee (Four Barrel) & delicious bread, (Josey Baker) makes this a popular spot.
FYI: This place is much hyped complete with a lengthy wait on weekends. Also, no power outlets at the tables.
281 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Mill
736 Divisadero StGood coffee (Four Barrel) & delicious bread, (Josey Baker) makes this a popular spot.
FYI: This place is much hyped complete with a lengthy wait on weekends. Also, no power outlets at the tables.
Wonderful California cuisine. Make a reservation though, it can be a long wait! They have a long community table if you want to get cozy with some strangers.
504 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nopa
560 Divisadero StWonderful California cuisine. Make a reservation though, it can be a long wait! They have a long community table if you want to get cozy with some strangers.
By the same folks who own Nopa.
This is authentic and flavorful Mexican food.
Delicious. Highly recommended.
306 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nopalito
306 Broderick StBy the same folks who own Nopa.
This is authentic and flavorful Mexican food.
Delicious. Highly recommended.
Coffee, tea, sandwiches, beer and bikes. What's not to like?! People love this place, and for good reason. Also, home to some of the nicest bike mechanics in SF. Enjoy the parklet on sunny days.
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mojo Bicycle Cafe
639-A Divisadero StreetCoffee, tea, sandwiches, beer and bikes. What's not to like?! People love this place, and for good reason. Also, home to some of the nicest bike mechanics in SF. Enjoy the parklet on sunny days.
In our opinion, one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city serving Shanghai style food. Get the soup dumplings and the house tofu clay pot. Yum!
Old Shanghai Restaurant
5145 Geary BlvdIn our opinion, one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city serving Shanghai style food. Get the soup dumplings and the house tofu clay pot. Yum!
If you like Chinese style chicken wings this is the spot for you.
154 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
San Tung
1031 Irving StIf you like Chinese style chicken wings this is the spot for you.
One of the best classic American hamburgers in San Francisco. The milkshakes and malts are great too. If you like to eat cow go here.
179 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Super Duper Burgers
721 Market StOne of the best classic American hamburgers in San Francisco. The milkshakes and malts are great too. If you like to eat cow go here.
This is a coffee palace, there's no other way to describe it.
378 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sightglass Coffee
270 7th StThis is a coffee palace, there's no other way to describe it.
This is some prime sushi and a little expensive but worth it for a special meal. They also serve up amazing whiskey drinks.
76 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tsunami Panhandle
1306 Fulton StThis is some prime sushi and a little expensive but worth it for a special meal. They also serve up amazing whiskey drinks.
This tiny place feels like you are in Tokyo.
It's tucked downstairs in a funky little mall off Market Street. Order the Barbie Roll it's delicious.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sushi Time
2275 Market StThis tiny place feels like you are in Tokyo.
It's tucked downstairs in a funky little mall off Market Street. Order the Barbie Roll it's delicious.
Delicious thin crust pizza with local seasonal ingredients. Fresh salads and pastas as well. Highly recommended.
117 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ragazza
311 Divisadero StDelicious thin crust pizza with local seasonal ingredients. Fresh salads and pastas as well. Highly recommended.
Soda fountain reincarnated for the 21st century. Delicious malts, sundaes, shakes, ice cream, and other American sweet dairy.
109 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Ice Cream Bar
815 Cole StSoda fountain reincarnated for the 21st century. Delicious malts, sundaes, shakes, ice cream, and other American sweet dairy.
Nice family-owned business. A good spot for tasty sandwiches made with real meat and fake alternatives.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Love N Haight Deli & Cafe
553 Haight StNice family-owned business. A good spot for tasty sandwiches made with real meat and fake alternatives.
Good low key Taqueria with a California style.
187 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Little Chihuahua
292 Divisadero StGood low key Taqueria with a California style.
This place serves food unique to the southwest and New Mexican food. Its a low key place and delicious.
123 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Green Chile Kitchen
1801 McAllister StThis place serves food unique to the southwest and New Mexican food. Its a low key place and delicious.
People seem to love the big sandwiches they make here.
87 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ike's Place
2239 Market StreetPeople seem to love the big sandwiches they make here.
Straight forward and delicious Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches.
53 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dinosaurs
50 Eureka DrStraight forward and delicious Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches.
King Foot Submarine
258 Divisadero StreetThey make some tasty toasted sandwiches here.
Try the Kalbi with kimchi.
The Jack and Margaret Chang own this place and are the inventors of what they call "peanut milk". The drink comes in original/plain and chocolate flavors. It is quite delicious. Try it.
KK Cafe
252 Divisadero StThe Jack and Margaret Chang own this place and are the inventors of what they call "peanut milk". The drink comes in original/plain and chocolate flavors. It is quite delicious. Try it.
Delicious food and fresh bread. It is worth the trip. Highly recommended.
259 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Outerlands
4001 Judah StDelicious food and fresh bread. It is worth the trip. Highly recommended.
No nonsense ladies serving up delicious Burmese food. It's basically a street food stall with walls.
75 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Yamo
3406 18th StNo nonsense ladies serving up delicious Burmese food. It's basically a street food stall with walls.
Chile Lindo Empanadas
2944 16th StClassic empanadas served out of a window in the Mission.
It's been around since 1950. Industrial waterfront restaurant. Always busy for brunch on a sunny weekend day.
113 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Ramp
855 Terry A Francois BlvdIt's been around since 1950. Industrial waterfront restaurant. Always busy for brunch on a sunny weekend day.
One of our favorite cheap eats in the city. Delicious Vietnamese sandwiches. Heads up: cash only.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cafe Bunn Mi
417 Clement StOne of our favorite cheap eats in the city. Delicious Vietnamese sandwiches. Heads up: cash only.
Yuet Lee
1300 Stockton StA good place to eat when walking around Chinatown.
Another decent option for Chinese food when walking around in North Beach/Chinatown area.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
House of Nanking
919 Kearny StAnother decent option for Chinese food when walking around in North Beach/Chinatown area.
Delicious Thai food.
They also have a location in the Tenderloin.
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lers Ros Thai
307 Hayes StDelicious Thai food.
They also have a location in the Tenderloin.
Get a shot of espresso from this shipping container storefront to help fuel your Hayes Valley shopping spree.
295 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ritual Coffee Roasters
1026 Valencia StGet a shot of espresso from this shipping container storefront to help fuel your Hayes Valley shopping spree.
Schmidt's
2400 Folsom StreetGerman restaurant
Delicious tortas, (Mexican sandwiches) and aguas frescas.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tortas Los Picudos
2969 24th StDelicious tortas, (Mexican sandwiches) and aguas frescas.
We stumbled upon this gem one night. Great sushi.
We ordered the omakase, (chef's choice) and were not disappointed.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kabuto Restaurant
5121 Geary BlvdWe stumbled upon this gem one night. Great sushi.
We ordered the omakase, (chef's choice) and were not disappointed.
Kasa Indian Eatery
4001 18th StGood Indian food in the Castro
A rotating collection of food trucks with outdoor seating and beer garden.
95 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SoMa StrEat Food Park
428 11th StA rotating collection of food trucks with outdoor seating and beer garden.
One of the best Mission-style taquerias.
A San Francisco institution.
347 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Taqueria
2889 Mission StOne of the best Mission-style taquerias.
A San Francisco institution.
Giant, tasty burritos.
Your trip to the Mission isn't complete until you've eaten here.
169 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Taquería El Farolito
2779 Mission StGiant, tasty burritos.
Your trip to the Mission isn't complete until you've eaten here.
Off-the-beaten-path, but well worth it.
The husband/wife team that owns this place are super nice. People come from all over to eat their authentic southern fried chicken.
Queen's Louisiana Po-Boy Cafe
3030 San Bruno AvenueOff-the-beaten-path, but well worth it.
The husband/wife team that owns this place are super nice. People come from all over to eat their authentic southern fried chicken.
Arts & Culture
This is a nice small venue for live music. Many top acts play here. Check out the website for more info - www.theindependentsf.com
200 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Independent
628 Divisadero StThis is a nice small venue for live music. Many top acts play here. Check out the website for more info - www.theindependentsf.com
This is a nice theater with the ability to reserve your seats online beforehand (recommended). They serve food and alcohol which you can enjoy while watching the film.
www.sundancecinemas.com
190 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
AMC Kabuki 8
1881 Post StThis is a nice theater with the ability to reserve your seats online beforehand (recommended). They serve food and alcohol which you can enjoy while watching the film.
www.sundancecinemas.com
This is a historic giant theatre that shows a lot of great film and special events. It also features an organ player that rises from the floor playing a song.
332 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Castro Theatre
429 Castro StThis is a historic giant theatre that shows a lot of great film and special events. It also features an organ player that rises from the floor playing a song.
A jazz club and Japanese restaurant. Yoshi's has been in the Bay Area for over 40 years.
Heads up: the neighborhood is not the safest, so stick to the main streets.
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Addition
1330 Fillmore StreetA jazz club and Japanese restaurant. Yoshi's has been in the Bay Area for over 40 years.
Heads up: the neighborhood is not the safest, so stick to the main streets.
Comix Experience
305 Divisadero StThe neighborhood comic store.
Drinks & Nightlife
It's a bar and an Ethiopian restaurant! Family run spot with a jazz era history. Be sure to check out the velvet wallpaper. Low key and friendly atmosphere. One can actually have a conversation here.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Club Waziema
543 Divisadero StIt's a bar and an Ethiopian restaurant! Family run spot with a jazz era history. Be sure to check out the velvet wallpaper. Low key and friendly atmosphere. One can actually have a conversation here.
Churchill
198 Church StDecent drinks. Mixed crowd. Loud.
Gay sports bar. Most guys are not here to watch sports, but they're cute.
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hi Tops
2247 Market StGay sports bar. Most guys are not here to watch sports, but they're cute.
This is a gem of a bar that you shouldn't miss if you are out and about in the Mission.
Beer & wine only.
Disclaimer: we are friends with the owners.
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shotwell's Beer Saloon
3349 20th StThis is a gem of a bar that you shouldn't miss if you are out and about in the Mission.
Beer & wine only.
Disclaimer: we are friends with the owners.
This is a mixed gay and straight bar known for its cocktails. Said cocktail specials can take a minute to make. Stick to the basics when it is busy.
118 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Blackbird
2124 Market StThis is a mixed gay and straight bar known for its cocktails. Said cocktail specials can take a minute to make. Stick to the basics when it is busy.
Last Call Bar
3988 18th StSmall and friendly local Castro gay bar.
Now a registered landmark and one of the first gay bars in the US to have large clear windows.
Very friendly and a wonderful place to people watch at the always lively corner on Market & Castro.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Twin Peaks Tavern
401 Castro StNow a registered landmark and one of the first gay bars in the US to have large clear windows.
Very friendly and a wonderful place to people watch at the always lively corner on Market & Castro.
This bar hosts a cutting edge drag show every Friday night called "Something". Always a lot of fun.
Heads up: gay bar and a mainly queer crowd, but very open and friendly to all.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Stud
1123 9th StThis bar hosts a cutting edge drag show every Friday night called "Something". Always a lot of fun.
Heads up: gay bar and a mainly queer crowd, but very open and friendly to all.
This is a very unique bar that has been in the neighborhood for a long time.
46 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Noc Noc
557 Haight StThis is a very unique bar that has been in the neighborhood for a long time.
Lots of beers on tap, both imported and US microbrews. Heads up: the bartenders aren't the nicest.
185 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Toronado
547 Haight StLots of beers on tap, both imported and US microbrews. Heads up: the bartenders aren't the nicest.
A good sports pub with big screens. They serve over 150 beers from around the world, and broadcast plenty of European football matches.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mad Dog in the Fog
1568 Haight StA good sports pub with big screens. They serve over 150 beers from around the world, and broadcast plenty of European football matches.
This bar opens early to broadcast live English Premier League matches. The place is frequented by a healthy contingent of English and Irish ex-pats.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Danny Coyle's
668 Haight StThis bar opens early to broadcast live English Premier League matches. The place is frequented by a healthy contingent of English and Irish ex-pats.
Perched above a busy intersection in the middle of the city, this is a nice place to people watch and enjoy a happy hour drink special.
49 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lookout
3600 16th StPerched above a busy intersection in the middle of the city, this is a nice place to people watch and enjoy a happy hour drink special.
This bar has an eclectic mix of mostly men. A good spot to start out in SoMa. Heads up: gay bar.
Hole In the Wall Saloon
1369 Folsom StThis bar has an eclectic mix of mostly men. A good spot to start out in SoMa. Heads up: gay bar.
This is a very San Francisco bar. Everyone is welcome. They host different events on the weekend in a large outdoor space.
196 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Rio
3158 Mission StThis is a very San Francisco bar. Everyone is welcome. They host different events on the weekend in a large outdoor space.
Pilsner Inn
225 Church StLow key neighborhood gay bar
The Page
298 Divisadero StIt's just up the block and has a pool table.
The Wild Side West is a truly San Franciscan establishment, which opened in 1962 by out and proud lesbians. Every night is a blend of lesbians, locals, eclectic art and neighborhood sports bar.
121 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wild Side West
424 Cortland AveThe Wild Side West is a truly San Franciscan establishment, which opened in 1962 by out and proud lesbians. Every night is a blend of lesbians, locals, eclectic art and neighborhood sports bar.
"Your friendly neighborhood dyke bar" - from the website.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lexington Club
3464 19th Street"Your friendly neighborhood dyke bar" - from the website.
Quality bar with good cocktails and surprisingly cheap and tasty food. Try the yo-mama style burger with peanut butter and bacon.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
15 Romolo Pl
15 Romolo PlaceQuality bar with good cocktails and surprisingly cheap and tasty food. Try the yo-mama style burger with peanut butter and bacon.
Biergarten
424 Octavia StSF's take on a beer garden.
SF's original beer garden with over 40 beers on tap and a full kitchen. Lots of outdoor seating, and endless people watching.
222 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zeitgeist
199 Valencia StSF's original beer garden with over 40 beers on tap and a full kitchen. Lots of outdoor seating, and endless people watching.
Live music every night of the week! Always.
Bluegrass on Mondays, Jazz on Wednesdays.
85 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Amnesia
853 Valencia StLive music every night of the week! Always.
Bluegrass on Mondays, Jazz on Wednesdays.
Sightseeing
This is a great place to hang out and take in the view of the famous Painted Ladies. But don't let the sunshine fool you, this is San Francisco. It's always windy up there so bring a jacket!!!
390 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Alamo Square
This is a great place to hang out and take in the view of the famous Painted Ladies. But don't let the sunshine fool you, this is San Francisco. It's always windy up there so bring a jacket!!!
Great views of the city!
It is a short and slightly strenuous hike from the apartment.
180 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Corona Heights
Museum WayGreat views of the city!
It is a short and slightly strenuous hike from the apartment.
This is an amazing hike along the north shore of San Francisco with views of Marin, the Pacific Ocean, and the Golden Gate Bridge. You can also check out Sutro baths and Ocean Beach.
694 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lands End Trail
Lands End TrailThis is an amazing hike along the north shore of San Francisco with views of Marin, the Pacific Ocean, and the Golden Gate Bridge. You can also check out Sutro baths and Ocean Beach.
Wonderful place to watch the Sunset.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Sutro Heights
846 Point Lobos AveWonderful place to watch the Sunset.
Beautiful beach to see the Golden Gate Bridge from.
Heads up: there is a clothing optional section towards the far end.
349 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Baker
Beautiful beach to see the Golden Gate Bridge from.
Heads up: there is a clothing optional section towards the far end.
As the name suggests this park provides a spectacular view of the city. Take in the ocean and downtown from one vantage point. Heads up: it's on big hill, but there are steps.
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Grand View
1705 14th AveAs the name suggests this park provides a spectacular view of the city. Take in the ocean and downtown from one vantage point. Heads up: it's on big hill, but there are steps.
There's a canyon in the middle of the city. Really.
180 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Glen Canyon
Chenery StreetThere's a canyon in the middle of the city. Really.
Soak up the sun, city views, and all the people watching you could possibly ask for right in the middle of the city. San Francisco's official playground.
107 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Helen Diller Playground
Soak up the sun, city views, and all the people watching you could possibly ask for right in the middle of the city. San Francisco's official playground.
Spire by Andy Goldsworthy
Arguello BoulevardSculpture
Kite Hill Open Space
Great views!
Tank Hill
Twin Peaks BoulevardGreat views!
Essentials
A good neighborhood grocery store with a great butcher and deli. There is also a smaller store called Delessio inside which serves Humphry Slocombe ice cream minus the long line found in the Mission.
122 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Falletti Foods
308 Broderick StA good neighborhood grocery store with a great butcher and deli. There is also a smaller store called Delessio inside which serves Humphry Slocombe ice cream minus the long line found in the Mission.
Wonderful place to get produce. It is a family run place.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Golden Produce
172 Church StWonderful place to get produce. It is a family run place.
A San Francisco institution. Worker owned and operated grocery store. Get your organic, vegan, bulk, gluten free, herbal shopping done here. Just go and check it out.
275 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rainbow Grocery
1745 Folsom StA San Francisco institution. Worker owned and operated grocery store. Get your organic, vegan, bulk, gluten free, herbal shopping done here. Just go and check it out.
New Santa Clara Market
799 Haight StThe neighborhood corner store with many of the essentials. Friendly guys.
Fantastic market specializing in fresh produce, quality meats, cheeses, wine, you name it. Also delicious ice cream. Newly opened Spring 2013.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
550 Divisadero St
Fantastic market specializing in fresh produce, quality meats, cheeses, wine, you name it. Also delicious ice cream. Newly opened Spring 2013.
Everything Else
This is a Japanese style bath house. Check the website for the gender-specific days. Makes for a very relaxing few hours. Also offers several types of massages.
www.kabukisprings.com
90 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kabuki Springs and Spa
1750 Geary BlvdThis is a Japanese style bath house. Check the website for the gender-specific days. Makes for a very relaxing few hours. Also offers several types of massages.
www.kabukisprings.com
A well appointed little gift shop. House plants, some cut flowers, candles, and soaps. Jean, the owner of the shop is really nice.
Xapno
A well appointed little gift shop. House plants, some cut flowers, candles, and soaps. Jean, the owner of the shop is really nice.
Corkage Sake & Wine Shop
1302 Fulton StThis is a great spot to get sake and wine.
The Yoga Loft
321 Divisadero StreetThis is a nice studio with lots of classes.
Laundry Locker 24/7 Dry Cleaners
566 Haight St24-hour laundry service
www.laundrylocker.com
Yoga Garden SF
286 Divisadero StYoga studio
Marx Meadow
906 John F Kennedy DrGolden Gate Disc Golf Course
Has it been 6 weeks? Go get a haircut.
Friendly and popular men's barbershop. Also serving ladies with short hair. Heads up: when you walk in be sure to put your name down on the list up front.
Joe's Barbershop
2150 Market StHas it been 6 weeks? Go get a haircut.
Friendly and popular men's barbershop. Also serving ladies with short hair. Heads up: when you walk in be sure to put your name down on the list up front.
San Francisco's oldest bike shop. Friendly and knowledgable staff. Fine custom built bikes.
A good place to ask for directions and fix a flat should you need it while riding in the park.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
American Cyclery
510 Frederick StSan Francisco's oldest bike shop. Friendly and knowledgable staff. Fine custom built bikes.
A good place to ask for directions and fix a flat should you need it while riding in the park.
Shopping
Welcome Stranger
460 Gough StThis is a great store for menswear.
Landmark independent bookstore founded in 1953 by Beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
86 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
City Lights Booksellers
261 Columbus AveLandmark independent bookstore founded in 1953 by Beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
Fascinating little store run buy a really nice guy. Terrific selection of antique biological charts and prints.
Aria Antiques
1522 Grant AveFascinating little store run buy a really nice guy. Terrific selection of antique biological charts and prints.
Nomads Clothing & Accessories
556 Hayes StOne of the original Hayes Valley boutiques.
Good menswear.
Gimme Shoes
416 Hayes StreetShoes!
Thousands of out-of-print, hard-to-get 78s and 45s are the name of the game at Jack’s Record Cellar. One of the best places to buy vinyl in SF. It's been around since 1951.
Jack's Record Cellar
254 Scott StThousands of out-of-print, hard-to-get 78s and 45s are the name of the game at Jack’s Record Cellar. One of the best places to buy vinyl in SF. It's been around since 1951.
True Sake
556 Hayes St"America's first sake store"