the 415 – needs some 911.
well, today on the 415, i’m actually reaching out to you guys for assistance. there’s a few san francisco neighborhoods i’m not as familiar with and i could use your suggestions of favorite shops and local cafes. think small business, not the big chain stores. so many neighborhoods are bursting with new businesses, and i guess i just don’t get around my city as much as i’d like to. so, give me a little 911 on the 415 – any tips on the following neighborhoods? we’d love to hear ’em, and then i’ll continue on with my guides. thanks, guys!
bernal heights
cole valley
cow hollow
dogpatch
glen park
marina
nob hill
nopa
north beach
outer sunset | sunset district
pacific | laurel heights
potrero hill
richmond district
russian hill
soma
the haight
You probably already know the places I’m suggesting, but here goes:
Richmond: BURMA SUPERSTAR. My favorite ever.
Haight: the garlic edamame at Citrus Club is legendary. The veggie coconut soup divine, as well. But the garlic edamame is what keeps me going back. Also, I love going to Kan Zaman for delish Med. food, belly dancers, spiced wine, and hookah!
North Beach: my very favorite of all the amazing Italian restaurants is Cafe Zoetrope (Coppola restaurant). The arribiata penne!!! I also love Vesuvio. Which, of course, you know. :)
Roxie’s Deli in the Excelsior (on San Jose, by Balboa Park) is a hidden gem. Best veggie sandwich I’ve EVER HAD. And it’s literally a family-owned corner store.
Oh man…second that garlic edamame at Citrus Club!
Have you been to Outerlands in the Sunset? They are to-die for. Affordable, independent, quality ingredients. I might be heading there this weekend if you want a tasting buddy (or any time, for that matter. I’d love to meet you)!
http://outerlandssf.com/
I just went to Outerlands last Saturday and it was so great! The ambiance is beautiful, drinks perfect, and food delicious and inspiring. Loved it! You should definitely feature it on the blog!
Oops! And right on the same street:
Trouble Coffee (coffee and COCONUT bar): http://www.troublecoffee.com/
and General Store: http://www.visitgeneralstore.com/
I think you’d love these places.
I’ve been exploring Russian Hill quite a bit lately since I’m watching a friend’s cats up there. For a good cafe there, try Nook on Hyde and Pacific. On Polk St there is a great boutique called Picnic that you would love! My Absolute favorite park is right at the top: Ina Coolbrith park. Just walk up Vallejo. The climb is steep, so when you finally get to the top the view is literally breathtaking! Last time I was there all of the parrots were eating the sugarplums on the stair gardens.
You can walk down the other side of the hill into North Beach and treat yourself to some delicious and cheap food at Cafe Maria. The owner often hangs out there, so be sure to try wine from his Vineyard, Petroni. Last time I was there he brought over Grapa on the house!
Picnic is so rad!
Picnic is one of the best in the city!
Hi There,
You should totally download our app! We are showcasing all of the best places to visit in SF. I could go on about all the neighborhood treasure in NB but you might like to scroll through & see for yourself: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/srsly/id470933073?mt=8
I will say that in NB musts: Lola of NB, Park & Pond, and Al’s Attire are musts
Richmond: Parklife & Seedstore
But have a look and see what you think. Email me directly for more info or help :)Kristen
I was visiting my sister in the city over the weekend. She lives in NOPA and took me to the Green Chile kitchen for breakfast. I will definitely be going back and again and she told me their lunch is as delicious as their breakfast!
http://greenchilekitchen.com/index.html
richmond: i know you know park life! but let’s just say park life cuz they’re so awesome!
blissful bites on arguello and clement is my favorite cafe and they have the best almond croissants.
on clement:
i like eats for breakfast with out of town guests, they have great coffee.
genki for delicious crepes… but save some money and buy your treats over at richmond new may wah supermarket.
giorgios pizza best pizza in sf IMHO.
i love to get lost at kamei house wares and restaurant supply. they have everything ever.
schuberts bakery for princess cake.
green apple, best book store ever.
outer richmond:
tal y tara tea and polo shoppe on california
laurel heights:
good byes on sacramento consignment for mall clothes cheaper than their sales
I’ve lived in the western addition (what people now call NOPA, but not the locals!) for years, and love it! We’re equidistant to downtown, the sunset, golden gate park, and have some great little shopping area in the Lower Haight and along Divisadaro.
Favorite park – Alamo Square park, amazing views + a ton of incredible Victorian houses in the general vicinity. Most people don’t venture past the ‘Painted Ladies’, but along McAllister and Golden Gate streets are some of the most ornate and well kept-up houses in the area.
Excellent cafe/dining on Divis include Bean Bag, Wazima, Green Chili Kitchen, Little Chiuahua, KK Cafe.
Shopping – The Other Shop, Comix Experience, Prairie Collective, Plant-it Earth, and there are new little boutiques and places springing up almost every day.
Nob Hill/Polk Street:
Cordon Bleu on California Street, followed by a movie at the Lumiere Theatre and then a drink at the Hyde-Out. Can’t do much better than that for an evening!
Gona get Siri in you but do you mean ‘411’ on the 415?
well, 411 works – but i meant 911 – as in HELP. :)
Lower Haight — Rosamunde — sausage joint and oh so delicious
Haight — Asquew — other locations around SF
Haight — Wasteland & Villians — amazing shopping
Lived in Dogpatch a few years ago. It’s on the sunny side of the City. A great place to ride your bike to for weekend brunch.
Mr & Mrs Miscellaneous ice cream – whoa!
Serpentine – same people who own Slow Club, good food, cool industrial vibe
Piccino – pizza and more
Hard Knox – lots of eye candy at Sunday brunch
Just for You – brunch
Yield Wine Bar – organic wines and yum noshes
Hi there!
North Beach:
Shop at: Modern Eden, amazing art gallery with great selection of local jewelry and gifts; Therapy on Grant for all sorts of fun things for the house; Citizen Chain if you ever need a bike or just a tuneup; Eden & Eden for midcentury antiques and british jewelry
Drink at: 15 Romolo (also, eat a Yo Mama burger), Comstock Saloon, Park Tavern for the best old fashioneds in town, Church Key for craft beers (sit at the bar to learn from the ridiculously knowledgeable bartenders)
Eat at: Don Pisto’s for amazing brunch; Park Tavern’s entire appetizer menu; Naked Lunch for sandwiches; grab all the fixins for a picnic at Little Vine
Nob Hill/Tender Nob/Russian Hill
Picnic on Polk is a must. As is Belle Cose. Cheese Plus sharpens knives, has great cheese and cool european beers. Contraband Coffee carries Dynamo Donuts and a great latte. Spoke Art on Sutter is new and carries affordable, urban type art. Town Cutler on Bush, the proprietor is a doll, and amazing selection of professional type knives, and also offers sharpening classes. Gris is a great selection of high end used clothing. Bow Wow Meow for your pet needs. Lumiere for a movie is a must. Canteen or Jones for Brunch. Barrell Room for a stellar wine selection, from three chicks who run an adorable place. MishaSF its a box store and so much more. Russian Hill Bookstore has a great selection of letter press cards, etc. :)
Cheese Plus is my jam! Every time I walk past I sing the name: Cheeeeeese PLUUUUUUUS… Watch out, though, the mustard they put on their sandwiches is spicy!
This also reminds me: The dogwasher (I don’t remember the name, Wags maybe?) across the street and down a block is one of the most heartwarming scenes ever. They let all of the dogs roam around near the washtubs, and have huge glass windows so you can look in. It looks like all of the dogs are waiting their turn for their shower!
Inclusions Gallery for local art as well as fantastic jewelry. Integral Body for accupuncture & massage. Both on Cortland in Bernal Heights.
Well since I grew up in Cow Hollow, I will say best place to visit to just sit and take in the scenery is the park along side the Octagon House at Gough and Union. You can sit in there for hours unnoticed. There are nice corner markets up the hill on Green where you can buy a sandwich. And if you need a Nanny or a babysitter, just down the hill is Aunt Ann’s, they hire butlers, nannies- the works out of their small offices. And for a good work-out and some of the best scenery in the world hike up the hill to Pacific and walk to any corner and look at the Bay, The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Most amazing view in the World imo.
i moved to glen park/mission terrace from russian hill two years ago without ever really having spent any time in the neighborhood, and these are my favorite places:
canyon market is a great grocery & deli with really well-selected products. it’s pretty high-end, but they have a lot of things you’d have to otherwise trek out of the neighborhood for.
gialina is, in my opinion, some of the best pizza in sf. their non-pizza menu options never disappoint, either.
bird & beckett is a fantastic bookstore with new & used books. they often have live music as well.
there is a la corneta, smaller than the one in the mission, but just as delicious.
perch has all sorts of great little gift-type purchaseables… i usually avoid it unless i have someone in particular in mind, because otherwise i want everything for myself.
there’s also a great little mom-and-pop style hardware store, three or four small/fancy-ish restaurants that i haven’t tried yet, and a collection of cafes that are okay but not stellar. the only bar is glen park station, and i’m not a fan. and don’t forget the best feature of the neighborhood, by far: glen canyon!
North Beach here. My top pick would be Aria Antiques, which you have covered here before. I can’t make it out of there without buying something – to the point that I actually sometimes avoid going in. The hours are very unpredictable so go and wish for luck. All of upper Grant St is worth the stroll. Highlights: ab fits, an awesome vintage Peter Max-ish 7-Up lighted sign on a convenience store mid block (I’ll let you find it!), Yone Beads on a cross street, 1314 Grant. Coffee at Caffe Trieste. Food: Tommasso’s, Park Tavern, Golden Boy Pizza, Buster’s Philly Cheese Steak (with Cheez Whiz, please), Molinari Delicatessen, can’t wait for Original Joe’s to open, focaccia sandwiches at Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store, Mo’s. Top secret Jack Early Park. Crazy store at Stockton/Vallejo: Stockton Bargain Center or something like that. And what “Victoria” at 3:36 said.
Real Victoria: have you ever ventured to West Marin? Stinson Beach, Bolinas, Olema, Inverness, Point Reyes Station, etc.? I suspect you’d love it and I’ve been going up for years if you want some recs…
North Beach! It’s always been my favorite part of the city since I was a young thing and I could go on forever about all that there is to do there.
My favorite bar, perhaps in the city, is 15 Romolo. It seems like a little hole in the wall in an alley but it’s pretty trendy and they serve amazing cocktails. I especially recommend the basil cocktail. For something a little more classic there is Comstock, which has some really knowledgable bartenders and sometimes live music. Or for really traditional, there’s Tony Nick’s.
Food. Here I could go on forever, but I’ll give the short list. The For good pizza and coffee in a cafe vibe, I love Cafe Divine. They also do live music pretty regularly. For casual family-style dining my family has always gone to Caffe Sport, where they have huge portions of amazing pasta dishes, especially the pesto, and the whole place is decorated floor to ceiling in an array of art and memorabilia collected and made entirely by the late owner. It’s a really unique and beautiful place. For a more upscale experience, I absolutely love Da Flora, owned by two women who write their custom made menu by hand each night which is a perfect mix of California meets Venetian food that they will pair with some great Italian wine. And if you’re on the lookout for the most amazing foccacia bread in the world, try Laguria bakery. I recommend the pizza and the mushroom, but get there early because they ususally sell out by 12.
Of course, Caffee Trieste is a must but off the top of my head, I also really love Cavalli Cafe for a little more peace and quiet. The coffee and desserts are great.
I agree with the above poseter about Aria. I’m always way too poor to actually buy anything there so I usually try to avoid it but it’s truly essential. Every little thing in there is wonderfully old and lovely. Goorin Brothers for those who love good hats. And of course, you can’t do North Beach without popping into City Lights.
Whew. And that really was just off the top of my head. What can I say, it’s my home away from home. (My real home being the Mission, about which I don’t know half as much!)
Also, as a child of Marin, I feel compelled to say that if you’re going to do the title of your segment justice, you really should give some love to the city’s suburban/rural sister! There’s a lot worh seeing on the other side of the bridge!
Outer Sunset: General Store, Other Avenues food coop (a mini rainbow grocery), Outside Lands, sunday streets on the great hwy throughout the summer, Java Beach,
Richmond: I second Blissful Bites, the closest french croissant I’ve found outside of France not to mention awesome cupcakes. Satin Moon Fabrics for those high end sewing projects and really high quality linen, fabrix outlet where all the fashion students shop, B Star Bar, Green Apple Books(!) must include them!, Park Life – of course, With Style for stylish creative clothes that don’t cost too much, Anzfer Farms make those amazing wood lamps with bulbs (they started the trend!) they showcase their work at http://www.mondayspaces.com/ at 2441 balboa.
Cole Valley: Egg and the urban mercantile, sigh. Cole Valley Hardware, the most awesome hardware store in the city, Zazie, la boulange is there of course but that’s on it’s way to becoming a chain.
Laurel Heights: well, there are so many things on sacramento street but Spruce is probably where I had one of the best meals of my life. They offer a full menu at the bar if you can’t get a reservation.
Oh so many more suggestions, but it would take a novel!
Pacific Heights: Out the Door (food) 1300Fillmore (soul food http://1300fillmore.com/), Wine Jar (drinks), Fat Angel (drinks)
Marina: Simply Chic– best. kept. secret (shopping) http://www.simplychicsf.com/
Hayes Valley: Samavor Tea Lounge (brunch, lunch, tea) Azalea (shopping) http://www.azaleasf.com/
SOMA: Local Kitchen and Wine Merchant (brunch, yoga, shopping, spa!!) http://www.sf-local.com/
Pac Heights …
Fat Angel. Want it to get the love it deserves, but hate that the more I promote it the all the more more crowded it will get. Cozy wine/beer bar li’l off the beaten path with fantastic eats too… generous salads (try the trout salad or caesar – both to die for), meat/cheese plates, mac & cheese, sliders…. comfort food and drink at its best. A great destination for dinner and a Kabuki movie.
Jane – Best latte in town.
Citizen Cake – Best cookie – the oreo looking cookie. Seriously, best cookie ever. Get ’em while they last… just read she’s closing shop.
Baker & Banker. Awesome brunch…eggs in purgatory, cajun eggs benny… and amazing pastries. Lattes also first rate. I hear dinner is divine but haven’t tried it yet.
Fillmore Bakery – best macaroons I’ve tried in SF.
Sunhee Moon – good clothing shop, also in the Mission I think.
Timeless Treasures – amazing vintage decor & jewelry. Every square inch of the store is covered in covetable goodies.
Nest – overprices but gorgeous decor, clothing, accessories and housewares. to die for selection!
oh, and 15 Romolo in North Beach is a must for a delicious cocktail & excellent decor…
And Sons & Daughters, whatever neighborhood it’s in :) — have had 2 of my favorite SF meals at S&D. incredible!!
DOGPATCH
Mr & Mrs Miscellaneous — excellent homemade ice cream; changing menu of creative and unique flavors.
Piccino — great little coffee shop on one side, and around the corner an amaaaaazing restaurant with delicious pizza
Rickshaw Bags — messenger bags made in SF.
SFAI graduate studios and Swell Gallery — second floor of 2565 Third st. Open studios are held occasionally, and the Swell gallery is open to the public.
oh, and Kitchenette!! http://www.kitchenettesf.com
in the richmond…
simple pleasure coffee shop is super cool, plus their roasting company is right next door. Good inexpensive coffee and mellow environment.
the balboa theater is cute and quirky, and they show both mainstream and indie movies for cheaper than the big AMC theaters. Plus they are pretty lenient about bringing your own snacks in.
trader sam’s bar is a trip, the best tiki bar ever! they have all kinds of blended fruity concoction, and the scorpion bowl is a must but only if you have a couple people to split it with.
Q restaurant has the best brunch, great food and mimosas and fun atmosphere.
Inner Sunset!
Urban Fauna (Yarn shop) http://urbanfaunastudio.com/
Peapod Fabrics http://peapodfabrics.com/aboutus.htm
Pearl on Irving – http://www.pearlonirving.com/ Cute Jewelry!
Gift shops: http://wishbonesf.com/ Wishbone & Tutti Frutti http://www.yelp.com/biz/tutti-frutti-cards-gifts-and-fun-stuff-san-francisco
Great tattoo shop: http://oneshottattoo.com/home.html
http://www.sakurasf.com/servlet/storefront Small Japanese store with little goodies and lots of food to make.
Food:
Pacific Catch , Pasquale’s Pizzeria Restaurant, Naan & Curry! just some of my favorites.
richmond:
velo rouge cafe on arguello – great coffee and delicious breakfasts.
mandalay on california – favorite burmese restaurant. favorite dish is mandalay special noodle!
cherish on clement – great for picking up cards & craft supplies. you can also host a craft/scrapbooking party there.
Q on clement – great brunch menu plus it’s pretty kid friendly. the magnets on the wall keep our toddler occupied.
schubert’s bakery on clement – princess cakes are tasty or you can pick up a few slices of various flavors if you don’t need a whole cake.
uncle boys on balboa – open late and serves a fat burger with the works!
pacific heights:
el burrito express – the best burrito/taqueria place and prices are good! i can’t believe my new favorite taqueria isn’t in the mission.
haight:
citrus club on haight – LOVE the garlic edamame!
portrero hill:
axis cafe – we’ve only been for brunch but simple yet creative menu. another kid friendly restaurant and we love to sit outside, great seating space.
Inner Sunset:
Social Brew Kitchen- fabulous beer and a nice menu. If you go when the have the big lebowski brew, you will be coming back every night until they run out.
Park Chow- this location has a great rooftop patio which is a fabulous place to have lunch on a warm day
Arizmendi Bakery- fabulous daily pizza as well as cheese scones that are to die for
Sunday Farmers Market between 8th and 9th at Irving- everything a farmers market should be, balanced, friendly, with a real sense of community.
Outer Sunset:
Outerlands- amazing food, no fuss, and an absolutely beautiful interior. The owner built the place himself and designed all the wood mosaics on the walls- its my favorite place to have a weeknight dinner in the whole city.
Trouble Coffee- Get the “build your own damn house” which is coffee, a whole baby coconut, and a huge buttery slice of cinnamon toast. It will cure anything that ailes you.
Java Beach Cafe- Delicious coffee, great salads and sandwiches as well. Also, this is a fun place to get a pitcher of beer with friends in the middle of the afternoon and take in the salty air.
Pittsburgh Pub- this bar is as divey as they come but not a dive bar in the hipster sense of the word. They often ofter free drinks to passing homeless people and there is a german shepard that monitors the grounds. Pull up a seat and talk to the friendly bartenders. They will keep your glass full and a smile on your face all night long. Not to mention you can always get on a pool table if you are so inclined. (oh and the drinks are super cheap)
Haight:
Citrus club (like everyone else says, their garlic edamame is to die for)
Magnolia brewery- AMAZING beer and equally amazing food. Hard to beat.
Cha Cha Cha- this location is nice because they have a lot of seating and a nice bar where you can get a pitcher of sangria while you wait.
Spots not yet mentioned:
Glen Park: Cafe Bello, fan-freakin’-tastic coffee and Destination Baking Co, incredible apricot-cheese danish… also Higher Grounds cafe has incredible crepes. Oh yes, and Le P’tit Laurent serves incredible elderflower cocktails as well as serves splendid and cozy French cuisine. Also The Cheese Shop- Rick is awesome and the sandwiches are perfect, plus they carry English Cotswold cheese mmmmmm…..
Richmond: Pizza Orgasmica is one of the cities best pizza joints… Clement Restaurant between 7th and 8th has my absolute favorite dim sum. I used to walk from my house on 11th and Lawton through Golden Gate Park all the way there just to get their onion pancakes and sesame buns, also Super Tokio and Fleur T are very cute little treasure shops.
Bernal Heights: Wild Side West… for so much more than the beer garden, Maggie Mudd (vegan ice-cream galore), and the library! The Bernal Heights Public Library is beautiful.
Inner Sunset: New Sandy’s Cafe and Deli, super cheap, perfect Vietnamese sandwiches and great pho, Great Overland Book Co for rare used books and San Francisco ephemera, also, Rick’s 2nd Cheese Shop, Holy Gelato, Sakura a cute Japanese variety shop, Urban Bazzar for local and handmade gifts, Howards for greasy morning diner food on the cheap, and Yellow Submarine. Oh yes and Underdog hot dogs.
Cole Valley: Vierra and Friends is an incredible retro salon (Victoria, you would love it if you don’t know it already), really affordable and right outside the N tunnel.
Okay, I’m sure I have more but it’s bedtime… good luck on this project. :)
Keeping it short and sweet:
NORTH BEACH
Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Café
Tomasso’s (first wood-fired pizza oven in SF)
Tosca
BERNAL HEIGHTS
Avedano’s (the best butcher offering the best pork chops in my world)
THE HAIGHT
Villains (I’ve inevitably ended up in this small shoe store over the years)
Russian hill-
Picnic: boutique full of delights… hard to leave without buying
The candy store: can’t resist their tasty & unique candy options.
Marina-
Isa: French tapas on the tented back patio adorned with white lights, beautiful and oh so delicious.
Delarosa: Get something with burrata
Pac heights-
Woodhouse fish co. Ahhh the crab roll!
richmond-
minh’s garden for good vietnamese
North beach-
Tony’s pizza is with the wait (though it’s not so great to-go)
Don Pisto’s: everything on their menu is fantastic
Xox for truffles
North Beach
Cafe Cappricio- free wifi. great chai lattes. good food.
D’elluva- amazing little wine bar. Indoor/outdoor seating. Just off the main drags (Columbus/Grant). Delicious personal size flatcrust pizzas.
Tuk Tuk Thai- it’s the sort of place you just have it delivered or close your eyes when picking up. Huge portions. Super cheap.
King of Thai Noodle- ridiculously cheap and surprisingly delicious
Red Jack Saloon- Dive of all dives. Darts. Juke box. Very friendly bartenders.
Washington Square of course. I know it goes without mentioning, but amazing people watching. Packed on a sunny day.
North Star Cafe- total classic. Your neighborhood bar.
And the list goes on…
This world with its many completely distinct regions and numerous colorful cultures lends itself fully to the arts. What artists do find difficult at times is finding a good venue for their work. However, this is gradually changing as during the past 10 years more and more art galleries are springing up around Bolivia, art is being more vigorously promoted, and the Bolivian public is more interested in learning about the arts. Foreigners have always had a great appreciation for Bolivian artists and their work.it is a great shop.
94117 scoop here, specifically Cole Valley and Upper Haight (it might be good to split up Upper and Lower Haight — totally different vibes and a large area to cover)
I’ve lived in Cole Valley for four years, and one of the highlights is definitely Say Cheese — absolutely amazing cheese selection from opinionated and helpful staff of dudes.(But seriously expect to hear their opinion — I find this helpful and appreciated but others take offense). Egg and Urban Mercantile has a small, but excellently curated shop of local, independent objects, gifts, and cards. And the “secret” “no name” sushi joint — HamaKo. Yes, there are rules — like ordering everything at once, essentially no rolls, no loud talking or cell phones. But it is just a man and his wife, so they have to make it work in the way that’s best for them. Order the Kurosawa sake to get on the chef’s good side and they might even break out their old photo album (complete with pics of YoYo Ma eating and performing in the restaurant) to show you. Reverie and Kezar Bar (at Carl and Cole) also have a few shockingly good Mexican dishes from time to time — shocking only because neither is a Mexican place. Get the pozole, fish tacos, or huevos rancheros at Reverie or the green chile enchiladas at Kezar.
Moving down to Upper Haight, it is all about the vintage shopping (as mentioned above), the fabulous BookSmith, and The Alembic for cocktails and really amazing food.
And just barely in Inner Sunset — Wooly Pig for quite possibly one of the best sandwiches in the city (the namesake Wooly Pig) made with caramelized pork. The owner Lou is also quite possibly the friendliest and nicest restaurant owner as well.
I have lived in Bernal Heights for over 10 years now and here is a list of some of my favorites, feel free to email me if you would like additional information on any of these.
All on Cortland:
:: Heartfelt – funky little gift store with something for everyone, they even sell fresh flowers
:: Liberty Cafe – great pot pie (chicken or veggie), Liberty Bakery is behind the restaurant through a little covered walkway, they have amazing apple turnovers and morning buns.
:: Vega – great little Italian restaurant owned by a couple. Wonderful pizza selection and incredible gnocci with pesto. Homemade limoncello is a great way to end a meal.
:: Avedanos – local butcher shop with excellent personal customer service. Small local produce selection and awesome sandwiches. Like an old school neighborhood shop, come in here twice and they know you.
:: Bernal Beast – local place for dog and cat supplies, if they don’t have it, they offer to order it. Dog wash in back and a ton of natural pet products.
:: Red Hill Books – small, local book store where you never feel rushed. They carry new and used books and do special orders. Great, knowledgeable staff.
:: Wild Side West – holy backyard Batman! This place has great drinks, friendly bartenders and once you walk out the back door you will forget you are in San Francisco and think you are in Janis Joplin’s backyard.
:: Progressive Grounds – the spiciest Chai I have ever had, they ask what ratio you want chai to milk, the 70/30 is the way to go! They also carry Mitchell’s Ice Cream and have incredible food (falafel wrap is out of this world).
On Virginia at Mission:
:: Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack – How I love the, let me count the ways. If you have not been here yet, please let me treat you and we can discuss this list. Tasty spaghetti, incredible Cesar Salad are standards on the menu that changes seasonally. Currently they have a spicy shrimp risotto that is worth writing home about. They also have fun desserts; imagine a warm old fashioned cinnamon donut with ice cream and toffee sauce on top. I can’t say enough, trust me. Great bar drinks too, all juices are hand squeezed!
I am sure I can come up with more, like I said, email me if you want more or if you want to hook up at Emmy’s for a meal or anywhere I mentioned for that matter.
I love the Reader’s Cafe at Fort Mason, they serve Blue Bottle coffee, sell second hand books, all proceeds help to support San Francisco Public Libraries….one of my favourite places to visit when I’m in the city.
http://www.readerscafe.org/
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Forwarded this post to my sister who lived in Marina for several years while her boyfriend (now husband) was in Pacific Heights. They’re now in Laurel Heights for over a year; I figure she should have some great suggestions. These posts just make me miss my visits to your amazing city :(
Gemmifer’s sister here :)
Spruce on Sacramento and Spruce in Laurel Heights is mine and my husband’s favorite restaurant. We live a block away and it has become our go-to place (much to our wallets’ chagrin – its not a bargin place but oh-so worth it).
Goodbuys on Sacramento Street is a great consignment store. it may take some digging but its a nice way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon.
Cole Valley is my ‘hood, so I’ll leave some insight:
Egg/Urban Mercantile: my all time favorite for gifts, children’s things, and browsing
Zazie: Eggs Benedict, fabulous intimate dinners, love
Hama-ko sushi: owned by husband-wife duo. Fish from Japan to your tummy in 48 hours. Yum
Cole Valley Antiques: Cute little shop
Lavande: Always good for mani-pedi
Reverie: Awesome coffee shop with beautiful backyard garden patio
Cole Valley Dog Park: small, but fabulous.
Let me first say: I love your blog! I check in daily, and Im loving the 415 posts! I live in Nopa, here are my personal favs:
Nopalito
Green Chile Kitchen
Green Chile Pies – most unqiue pies, ever! and great dessert after eating at Green Chile Kitchen
Magnolia
Citrus Club
Papalote
and i would like to echo the love for Outer Lands and Other Avenues in the Sunset!
Huge love for SF! <3
PS –
Regarding the 12/10 comment from Jesse Lu…
Sadly Maggie Mudd (vegan ice cream mecca) closed over a year ago.
Just wanted to let you know.
SOMA:
Little Skillet (a Farmer’s Brown restaurant): http://www.littleskilletsf.com/
Marlowe
Sightglass Coffee: http://sightglasscoffee.com/
cole valley // all i’ve got and i’ll you need to know is ZAZIE! best brunch.
dogpatch // mr + mrs. miscellaneous is not only a cute atmosphere with adorable owners, but the ice cream is so.damn.good.
marina // yes, tipsy pig is a scene at night, but it’s for a good reason. moscow mules are craving worthy (as well as strawberry fields WHEN in season) and their food is flawless. literally – never a bad dish. on a nice day, there is nothing better than brunch (with their AMAZING bloody mary) in their back patio. must also note that blue barn is owned by them and is the tastiest salad/sandwich spot. it’s so good, they’re opening another location (on polk).
nopa // green chile kitchen + pies. all of the pies are delicious, but the show stoppers are anything including their homemade blue corn tortillas. they also serve straus products. best sour cream you’ll ever have. just take public transit though because parking over there is a MESS.
north beach // best bars. romolo 15, comstock saloon and taverna aventine all have tasty designer drinks. rickhouse is also pretty close. house of nanking is also a lovely food find. yes, it has tourists out the door. but they have some pretty solid cal-chinese dishes. the fish dish with spinach + the garlicy noodles is a super comforting meal for a foggy night.
soma // i hesitate declaring my love for darwin cafe, because i fear that it will get even more crowded. however, they serve the best lunch in soma. period. their hot sandies are really what you need to get because they are really freaking amazing AND they come with a tasty side salad. win-win situation.
The Lower Haight is my hood and I love it.
Eat:
The udon at Sushi 509 is perfectly toothy, and the dashi broth it is served in is the perfect antidote against a chilly SF winter.
Cafe du Soleil is where I can’t wait to get a warm goat cheese salad with a glass of rose on the first warm day of the year.
Wing Wings’ Angry Korean sweet and spicy chicken wings are a guilty pleasure.
Drink:
Black and tan’s at Mad Dog in the Fog, often with a game of pool. Confession: after a few of these well-made double deckers, I sometimes end up at Wing Wings (see above).
Italian wines by the glass at Uva Enoteca. A seat at the bar guarantees a mini Italian wine ed session from the super friendly staff.
Shop:
Revolver carries a well-curated collection of men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. Smaller designers, USA-made companies, and natural materials make me wish I had another closet.
Merch; Indie-Cali meets Tokyo cute. Letterpressed papergoods, adorable dresses, handmade jewelry and a revolving display of art from local artists.
Xapno is where I regularly find things like prune black cala lilies and striped roses. Those plus one of their cards make a perfect gift.
I work at Anchor Brewing Company in Potrero Hill and have been pleasantly surprised by all of the happenings in this seemingly drab neighborhood! The brewery does free tours and tastings, there’s a great burrito spot called Dos Pinos, a restaurant called Skool with menus printed on school paper and serving my favorite No.3 Dry Gin martini, along 18th there are a handful of cute little restaurants with outdoor seating.
Richmond: Pizzetta 211 (211 23rd Ave @ California) has the best ambiance, pizza, cheese & wine selection in the city. Plus, their flourless chocolate cake is pretty amazing. I honestly hesitate to even mention it because it only seats about 15. A true neighborhood gem.
NOPA/ Western Addition
Perish Trust- (Divisadero) amazing vintage housewares
The Other Shop- (Divisadero) various dealors have booths of vintage furniture/ home accessories, etc – MCM slant
HUNTED- (843 Divisadero) Vintage Costume Jewelry- this is my tiny shop just opened in 2011- come visit!