Guidebook for San Francisco
Food Scene
Best pizza in the neighborhood and walking distance from the flat. Highly recommended if you want a quick and easy bite.
59 Einheimische empfehlen
Za Pizza
1919 Hyde StBest pizza in the neighborhood and walking distance from the flat. Highly recommended if you want a quick and easy bite.
Neighborhood restaurant serving tasty New American cuisine. This is where the locals hang out. Great food, nice wine list and a fun cocktails. My favorite new cocktail: Paloma. Walking distance.
12 Einheimische empfehlen
Street Restaurant and Bar
2141 Polk StNeighborhood restaurant serving tasty New American cuisine. This is where the locals hang out. Great food, nice wine list and a fun cocktails. My favorite new cocktail: Paloma. Walking distance.
Bagelry
2139 Polk StCome here to grab a bagel to go or enjoy it at one of the sidewalk tables. Walking distance.
This charming Russian Hill legend is where the locals go to get their coffee. Starbuck's and Peet's are in the same block so you have many coffee choices. Walking distance.
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Royal Ground Coffee
2216 Polk StThis charming Russian Hill legend is where the locals go to get their coffee. Starbuck's and Peet's are in the same block so you have many coffee choices. Walking distance.
This top San Francisco restaurant received a Michelin star and features fabulous French food. Great for a special occasion. Reservations required. Walking distance.
40 Einheimische empfehlen
La Folie Lounge
2316 Polk StThis top San Francisco restaurant received a Michelin star and features fabulous French food. Great for a special occasion. Reservations required. Walking distance.
Name is misleading, there is no view, but delicious dim sum! Many cart options including dumplings, pot stickers, crispy duck, spring rolls, spare ribs, shu mai, etc. Walking distance.
15 Einheimische empfehlen
City View Restaurant
33 Commercial StName is misleading, there is no view, but delicious dim sum! Many cart options including dumplings, pot stickers, crispy duck, spring rolls, spare ribs, shu mai, etc. Walking distance.
Great place for brunch. Not only has savory and sweet crepes but a wide selection of omelettes, sandwiches, and big bowl salads. Walking distance.
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The Crepe House
1755 Polk StGreat place for brunch. Not only has savory and sweet crepes but a wide selection of omelettes, sandwiches, and big bowl salads. Walking distance.
A delicious ice cream break is only a few blocks away! This is the original Swensen's founded in 1948. Walking distance.
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The First Swensen's Ice Cream Store
1999 Hyde StA delicious ice cream break is only a few blocks away! This is the original Swensen's founded in 1948. Walking distance.
Neighborhood Mexican food, very tasty at a good price. My favorites are grilled fish tacos, chicken burrito and the quesadillas. Walking distance.
86 Einheimische empfehlen
Nick's Crispy Tacos
3200 BroadwayNeighborhood Mexican food, very tasty at a good price. My favorites are grilled fish tacos, chicken burrito and the quesadillas. Walking distance.
So delicious! Many types of cheese fondues to choose from in room that looks like a Swiss chalet. Nice wine list as well. Walking distance.
Matterhorn Restaurant and Bakery
2323 Van Ness AvenueSo delicious! Many types of cheese fondues to choose from in room that looks like a Swiss chalet. Nice wine list as well. Walking distance.
Seafood lovers heaven! The best clam chowder, oysters, crab, calamari, all fresh and delicious. Tip: go when they open at 10:30, lines are always long and wait can be up to 2 hours. Walking distance
144 Einheimische empfehlen
Swan Oyster Depot
1517 Polk StSeafood lovers heaven! The best clam chowder, oysters, crab, calamari, all fresh and delicious. Tip: go when they open at 10:30, lines are always long and wait can be up to 2 hours. Walking distance
Supper club with live jazz and delicious new American cuisine. I love to come to the bar for the best martinis in San Francisco. Reservations required for dinner, not for the bar.
29 Einheimische empfehlen
Bix
56 Gold StSupper club with live jazz and delicious new American cuisine. I love to come to the bar for the best martinis in San Francisco. Reservations required for dinner, not for the bar.
This is far from Russian Hill, but if you happen to be nearby you should definitely stop by. It's not fancy, but has best Shanghai-style dumplings in San Francisco. Bring your own beer. A+!
42 Einheimische empfehlen
Shanghai Dumpling King
3319 Balboa StreetThis is far from Russian Hill, but if you happen to be nearby you should definitely stop by. It's not fancy, but has best Shanghai-style dumplings in San Francisco. Bring your own beer. A+!
I liked this place even before President Obama visited. My favorites are the Fujian Fried Rice (seafood gravy over fried rice) and Chow Fun with scrambled egg and shrimp. Walking distance.
Great Eastern Restaurant
649 Jackson StI liked this place even before President Obama visited. My favorites are the Fujian Fried Rice (seafood gravy over fried rice) and Chow Fun with scrambled egg and shrimp. Walking distance.
Love this French restaurant in stylish Hayes Valley! Favorite meal: Coq au Vin. Favorite cocktail: Ginger Rogers. Many classic and original cocktails, great to just visit the bar. Reservations needed.
121 Einheimische empfehlen
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
398 Hayes StLove this French restaurant in stylish Hayes Valley! Favorite meal: Coq au Vin. Favorite cocktail: Ginger Rogers. Many classic and original cocktails, great to just visit the bar. Reservations needed.
Chinese restaurant that is well known for seafood but everything is good. Seats are better upstairs than downstairs but you pay a little more. Walking distance.
45 Einheimische empfehlen
R & G Lounge
631 Kearny StChinese restaurant that is well known for seafood but everything is good. Seats are better upstairs than downstairs but you pay a little more. Walking distance.
In my humble opinion, the best clam chowder in San Francisco. No reservations taken and there can be a wait.
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Anchor Oyster Bar
579 Castro StIn my humble opinion, the best clam chowder in San Francisco. No reservations taken and there can be a wait.
Amazing, high-end Vietnamese food. Atmosphere is French colonial Viet Nam. Upstairs lounge has live jazz daily. Dress code: Casual elegant. Reservations needed downstairs, no reservations for lounge.
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Le Colonial
20 Cosmo PlAmazing, high-end Vietnamese food. Atmosphere is French colonial Viet Nam. Upstairs lounge has live jazz daily. Dress code: Casual elegant. Reservations needed downstairs, no reservations for lounge.
An excellent Italian restaurant nearby that's more fancy but so delicious. This place has become super popular and you'll need to make a reservation.
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Seven Hills
1896 Hyde StAn excellent Italian restaurant nearby that's more fancy but so delicious. This place has become super popular and you'll need to make a reservation.
A small Italian restaurant serves authentic northern Italian dishes. Their gnocchi has a fan club and their flesh pasta dishes are superb! All wine ($60 and under) HALF PRICE every Wednesday
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Ristorante Milano
1448 Pacific AveA small Italian restaurant serves authentic northern Italian dishes. Their gnocchi has a fan club and their flesh pasta dishes are superb! All wine ($60 and under) HALF PRICE every Wednesday
One of the best Sushi place in our neighborhood! The owner practiced his skill in Osaka for over 20 years before started this place. If you can, please sit at the counter.
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Okoze Sushi
1207 Union StOne of the best Sushi place in our neighborhood! The owner practiced his skill in Osaka for over 20 years before started this place. If you can, please sit at the counter.
No-frills Vietnamese spot dishing savory pho noodle soups topped with meats & vegetables. One of the best Pho in my opinion!
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Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant
11 Walter U Lum PlNo-frills Vietnamese spot dishing savory pho noodle soups topped with meats & vegetables. One of the best Pho in my opinion!
Cozy, casual corner cafe known for banh mi & other Vietnamese staples, plus coffee, tea & bagels.
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The Soapbox Cafe
1800 Hyde StreetCozy, casual corner cafe known for banh mi & other Vietnamese staples, plus coffee, tea & bagels.
Corner cafe with coffee & nibbles during the day turns into a candlelit wine bar at night. You can spend hours just looking passing by cablecars...
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NOOK
1500 Hyde StCorner cafe with coffee & nibbles during the day turns into a candlelit wine bar at night. You can spend hours just looking passing by cablecars...
High-end Italian cuisine & wines served in a converted chapel with vaulted, wood-beam ceilings.
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Acquerello
1722 Polk StHigh-end Italian cuisine & wines served in a converted chapel with vaulted, wood-beam ceilings.
Renowned chef Gary Danko's fixed-price menus of American cuisine in an elegant but unstuffy setting. Special occasion restaurant!
66 Einheimische empfehlen
Gary Danko
800 North Point StRenowned chef Gary Danko's fixed-price menus of American cuisine in an elegant but unstuffy setting. Special occasion restaurant!
Classic American dishes served in a clubby space with dark wood, white tablecloths & piano music. I like to go there for a cocktail!
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The Big 4
1075 California StreetClassic American dishes served in a clubby space with dark wood, white tablecloths & piano music. I like to go there for a cocktail!
Bustling Italian eatery draws crowds with varied pizza options from coal-fired to Roman-style. Award winning pizza!
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Tony's Pizza Napoletana
1570 Stockton StBustling Italian eatery draws crowds with varied pizza options from coal-fired to Roman-style. Award winning pizza!
Since 1983, Acme Bread Company has been striving to make the best bread possible. Calling the Ferry Building home, you'll want to make a pitstop here as you stroll through the stalls. What's popular: Pain au Levain. What you should get: Olive Bread.
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Acme Bread Company
San Francisco Bay TrailSince 1983, Acme Bread Company has been striving to make the best bread possible. Calling the Ferry Building home, you'll want to make a pitstop here as you stroll through the stalls. What's popular: Pain au Levain. What you should get: Olive Bread.
The Boudin family came to San Francisco in 1849 and struck gold of the culinary kind. When they exposed yeast that was going to be made into French bread to the San Francisco air, sourdough bread as we know it was created. As the original creator of sourdough bread, they have a permanent place on this list and a permanent place in our hearts. What's popular: Sourdough bread. What you should get: Sourdough bread
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Boudin at the Wharf
160 Jefferson StThe Boudin family came to San Francisco in 1849 and struck gold of the culinary kind. When they exposed yeast that was going to be made into French bread to the San Francisco air, sourdough bread as we know it was created. As the original creator of sourdough bread, they have a permanent place on this list and a permanent place in our hearts. What's popular: Sourdough bread. What you should get: Sourdough bread
Opened by a former Gary Danko and Manresa pastry chef, b. patisserie is described as a "heavenly" French bakery by its loyal following. What's popular: Kouign Amann. What you should get: Any almond croissant.
176 Einheimische empfehlen
b. patisserie
2821 California StOpened by a former Gary Danko and Manresa pastry chef, b. patisserie is described as a "heavenly" French bakery by its loyal following. What's popular: Kouign Amann. What you should get: Any almond croissant.
Yes, it gets all of the spotlight. Yes, it is well deserved. They won a James Beard Award. I could stop talking about them, but neither I, nor any other San Franciscan, can stop. Tartine is the original new-wave bakery that started the resurgence of our half-baked love. The stories are true. You need to get here early to snag a spot in line for their insanely delicious morning buns. Seriously, everything coming out that oven is amazing.
768 Einheimische empfehlen
Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero StYes, it gets all of the spotlight. Yes, it is well deserved. They won a James Beard Award. I could stop talking about them, but neither I, nor any other San Franciscan, can stop. Tartine is the original new-wave bakery that started the resurgence of our half-baked love. The stories are true. You need to get here early to snag a spot in line for their insanely delicious morning buns. Seriously, everything coming out that oven is amazing.
Landmark bakery prepares homemade fortune cookies in a tiny open kitchen, with free tours available.
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Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co
56 Ross AlleyLandmark bakery prepares homemade fortune cookies in a tiny open kitchen, with free tours available.
Take lunching to the next level at The Rotunda, an elegant restaurant at Neiman Marcus San Francisco. In Union square, this place is a great place to take a rest from the shopping. The relaxing lounge is the ideal setting to sip a cocktail or glass of champagne on any afternoon. Set beneath a landmark stained-glass dome and overlooking Union Square, it's the perfect choice for any special occasion.
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The Rotunda
150 Stockton StreetTake lunching to the next level at The Rotunda, an elegant restaurant at Neiman Marcus San Francisco. In Union square, this place is a great place to take a rest from the shopping. The relaxing lounge is the ideal setting to sip a cocktail or glass of champagne on any afternoon. Set beneath a landmark stained-glass dome and overlooking Union Square, it's the perfect choice for any special occasion.
At Harris', you'll travel back to a time when tuna tartare served in a martini glass was the dish du jour. And you'll like it, because the throwback quotient at this classic steakhouse is the best thing about it. That and the steaks, which are corn-fed and sourced from the Midwest, dry-aged for three weeks in the restaurant, and then mesquite-fire grilled. Live Jazz at the bar where you can also have their famous dry-aged stakes!
13 Einheimische empfehlen
Harris'
2100 Van Ness AveAt Harris', you'll travel back to a time when tuna tartare served in a martini glass was the dish du jour. And you'll like it, because the throwback quotient at this classic steakhouse is the best thing about it. That and the steaks, which are corn-fed and sourced from the Midwest, dry-aged for three weeks in the restaurant, and then mesquite-fire grilled. Live Jazz at the bar where you can also have their famous dry-aged stakes!
Tasty dim sum! There are no carts, you order from a menu, but it's all about the food here. Usually crowded so expect to wait for a table. Walking distance.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Lai Hong Lounge
1416 Powell StTasty dim sum! There are no carts, you order from a menu, but it's all about the food here. Usually crowded so expect to wait for a table. Walking distance.
Kinjo
2206 Polk StSushi bar for prix fixe omakase dinners with seasonal touches in a sleek, intimate setting.
High-end Chinese cuisine with a California accent in a restored historic space with high style. Great cocktails!
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Mister Jiu's
28 Waverly PlHigh-end Chinese cuisine with a California accent in a restored historic space with high style. Great cocktails!
This high-end sushi spot offers a light-soaked, Zen-like space for sushi, sake, wine & beer.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
KUSAKABE
584 Washington StThis high-end sushi spot offers a light-soaked, Zen-like space for sushi, sake, wine & beer.
Very small, but snug Japanese eatery with an upscale vibe offering an omakase menu & sushi, plus sake & spirits.
An Japanese Restaurant
Very small, but snug Japanese eatery with an upscale vibe offering an omakase menu & sushi, plus sake & spirits.
Highbrow, multicourse Japanese sushi & seasonal mains offered in sleek, modern quarters. Expensive, but great sushi!
Sushi Hashiri
4 Mint PlazaHighbrow, multicourse Japanese sushi & seasonal mains offered in sleek, modern quarters. Expensive, but great sushi!
Everything Else
Wine store and wine bar rolled into one! Stop by to pick up a few bottles and have a few glasses. Popular with locals. Wed night has different wine tasting themes, worth checking out. Walking distance
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William Cross Wine Merchants & Wine Bar
2253 Polk StWine store and wine bar rolled into one! Stop by to pick up a few bottles and have a few glasses. Popular with locals. Wed night has different wine tasting themes, worth checking out. Walking distance
Full gym in an old restored movie theater, you can watch a movie while you work out. Crunch has day and week passes (week passes are a better deal). Walking distance.
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Crunch Fitness - Polk Street
2330 Polk StFull gym in an old restored movie theater, you can watch a movie while you work out. Crunch has day and week passes (week passes are a better deal). Walking distance.
Walgreen's is a pharmacy but also carries many other goods that would be carried in a convenience store, including milk, eggs, toiletries, cosmetics, magazines, etc. Walking distance.
2120 Polk St
2120 Polk StreetWalgreen's is a pharmacy but also carries many other goods that would be carried in a convenience store, including milk, eggs, toiletries, cosmetics, magazines, etc. Walking distance.
This traditional Chinese tea house was in Chinatown for decades and moved to the Ferry Building a few years back. Authentic tea service with a wide variety of teas. Great break after farmer's market.
Imperial Tea Court
1 Ferry PlazaThis traditional Chinese tea house was in Chinatown for decades and moved to the Ferry Building a few years back. Authentic tea service with a wide variety of teas. Great break after farmer's market.
Dr. Gower provides excellent acupuncture services. I have gone to Dr. Gower to relieve stiff shoulders, sore hands and aching muscles which has been very effective. Her technique is very gentle.
Japan Town Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Inc
1581 Webster StDr. Gower provides excellent acupuncture services. I have gone to Dr. Gower to relieve stiff shoulders, sore hands and aching muscles which has been very effective. Her technique is very gentle.
Free! Antique cable cars on exhibit in the historic building that houses the cable-pulling equipment. A great museum for mechanical lovers!
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San Francisco Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason StFree! Antique cable cars on exhibit in the historic building that houses the cable-pulling equipment. A great museum for mechanical lovers!
Extravagant costumes and headdresses steal the show at this decades-old, campy performance piece.
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Beach Blanket Babylon
678 Beach Blanket Babylon BlvdExtravagant costumes and headdresses steal the show at this decades-old, campy performance piece.
Essentials
If you love cheese you love this shop! I practically live here. Great selection, pick up some cheese and bread here and head to Fort Mason or Marina Green for a pic-nic. Walking distance.
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Cheese Plus
2001 Polk StIf you love cheese you love this shop! I practically live here. Great selection, pick up some cheese and bread here and head to Fort Mason or Marina Green for a pic-nic. Walking distance.
Real Food is a bit pricier than conventional supermarkets but its worth it for the wide selection of organic food. This is where I do most of my grocery shopping. Eco bag in flat. Walking distance.
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Real Food Company
2140 Polk StReal Food is a bit pricier than conventional supermarkets but its worth it for the wide selection of organic food. This is where I do most of my grocery shopping. Eco bag in flat. Walking distance.
Wonderful outdoor farmer's market where you can find locally produced fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats and flowers. Every Tues/Thurs 10:00 AM-2:00 PM and every Saturday 8:00 AM-2:00 PM.
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Ferry Building Marketplace
Wonderful outdoor farmer's market where you can find locally produced fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats and flowers. Every Tues/Thurs 10:00 AM-2:00 PM and every Saturday 8:00 AM-2:00 PM.
Full size supermarket which sells organic grocery. It is walkable from the flat, but it is easier to have a car.
905 Einheimische empfehlen
Whole Foods Market
3950 24th StFull size supermarket which sells organic grocery. It is walkable from the flat, but it is easier to have a car.
Arts & Culture
This is a MUST SEE for art lovers! Contemporary and Modern art from all over the world. Sundays kids are admitted free. The museum itself is a work of art and a great way to spend an afternoon. A+!
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San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
151 3rd StThis is a MUST SEE for art lovers! Contemporary and Modern art from all over the world. Sundays kids are admitted free. The museum itself is a work of art and a great way to spend an afternoon. A+!
This is not your average science museum, but an ongoing exploration of science, art, and human perception with many interactive activities. Kids will love it, adults will too.
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Exploratorium
Green StreetThis is not your average science museum, but an ongoing exploration of science, art, and human perception with many interactive activities. Kids will love it, adults will too.
World class theater in San Francisco. I've seen many wonderful productions here. Tickets should be purchased in advance.
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A.C.T.'s Geary Theater
415 Geary StWorld class theater in San Francisco. I've seen many wonderful productions here. Tickets should be purchased in advance.
Best multi-screen movie theater in San Francisco. You choose your seats when you buy tickets, and you can bring drinks that you purchase at the theater bar into some screening rooms.
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AMC Kabuki 8
1881 Post StBest multi-screen movie theater in San Francisco. You choose your seats when you buy tickets, and you can bring drinks that you purchase at the theater bar into some screening rooms.
San Francisco landmark that was built in the 1920's and maintains the original detail. The theater shows a mix of classics and art house films. Pipe organ is played before some films and events. A+!
332 Einheimische empfehlen
Castro Theatre
429 Castro StSan Francisco landmark that was built in the 1920's and maintains the original detail. The theater shows a mix of classics and art house films. Pipe organ is played before some films and events. A+!
Shopping
A San Francisco landmark. This independent bookstore was the heart of the beat literature movement in 1950's. Wide selection of both fiction and non-fiction. You can browse for hours. Walking distance
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City Lights Booksellers
261 Columbus AveA San Francisco landmark. This independent bookstore was the heart of the beat literature movement in 1950's. Wide selection of both fiction and non-fiction. You can browse for hours. Walking distance
This lovely San Francisco institution carries unique gifts, artful objects, jewelry and home decor. It's fun to just browse or buy yourself a very special souvenir.
Gump's
250 Post StThis lovely San Francisco institution carries unique gifts, artful objects, jewelry and home decor. It's fun to just browse or buy yourself a very special souvenir.
This is an outdoor flea market held on the first Sunday of every month from 6:00 AM -4:00 PM. It is huge and I have found many treasures there. Easiest to get to by car. There is an entry fee.
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Alameda Point Antiques Faire 1st Sunday Every Month
3900 Main StThis is an outdoor flea market held on the first Sunday of every month from 6:00 AM -4:00 PM. It is huge and I have found many treasures there. Easiest to get to by car. There is an entry fee.
Drinks & Nightlife
This historic bar was the hangout of many Beat authors, including Jack Kerouac. Dark wood, stained glass, gas light lamps and tiled floors haven't changed in 50 years. Walking distance.
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Vesuvio Cafe
255 Columbus AveThis historic bar was the hangout of many Beat authors, including Jack Kerouac. Dark wood, stained glass, gas light lamps and tiled floors haven't changed in 50 years. Walking distance.
This is where the North Beach locals hang out. I've had many interesting conversations here with colorful patrons. Walking distance.
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Specs' 12 Adler Museum Cafe
12 William Saroyan PlaceThis is where the North Beach locals hang out. I've had many interesting conversations here with colorful patrons. Walking distance.
Stylish setting for wine, cheese & charcuterie also offers beer & wine by the bottle and great cheese, meat, etc. for paring wine.
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Union Larder
1945 Hyde StStylish setting for wine, cheese & charcuterie also offers beer & wine by the bottle and great cheese, meat, etc. for paring wine.
Iconic high-end cocktail bar on top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel, with 360-degree views of the city.
104 Einheimische empfehlen
Top of the Mark
999 California StIconic high-end cocktail bar on top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel, with 360-degree views of the city.
Entertainment & Activities
The Children’s Creativity Museum is an interactive art and technology museum for kids. I brought my niece and nephew here and they loved it. There is a historic carousel as well.
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Children's Creativity Museum
221 4th StThe Children’s Creativity Museum is an interactive art and technology museum for kids. I brought my niece and nephew here and they loved it. There is a historic carousel as well.