Guidebook for San Francisco

Carl
Guidebook for San Francisco

Food Scene

An SF favorite, this is the second location for Brenda's French Soul Food. Shrimp and grits, fried chicken, cream biscuits, everything is fantastic. Great for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
92 Einheimische empfehlen
Tony's Market & Liquor
2751 24th St
92 Einheimische empfehlen
An SF favorite, this is the second location for Brenda's French Soul Food. Shrimp and grits, fried chicken, cream biscuits, everything is fantastic. Great for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Quintessential neighborhood breakfast cafe. Huge assortment of entertaining coffee mugs : )
42 Einheimische empfehlen
Eddie's Cafe
800 Divisadero St
42 Einheimische empfehlen
Quintessential neighborhood breakfast cafe. Huge assortment of entertaining coffee mugs : )
Second location of this well loved SF grocery store. Local, organic, artisanal, housemade, etc… everything is fresh and expertly crafted or selected. Great deli and wine & beer selection too. Don't miss getting an ice cream cone on the way out!
651 Einheimische empfehlen
Bi-Rite Market
3639 18th St
651 Einheimische empfehlen
Second location of this well loved SF grocery store. Local, organic, artisanal, housemade, etc… everything is fresh and expertly crafted or selected. Great deli and wine & beer selection too. Don't miss getting an ice cream cone on the way out!
"A vibrant San Francisco neighborhood Mexican kitchen, celebrating the traditional cookery of Mexico and utilizing local, organic and sustainable ingredients." We get the totopos every time, and then choose a couple small plates to share. It's always busy and always good.
306 Einheimische empfehlen
Nopalito
306 Broderick St
306 Einheimische empfehlen
"A vibrant San Francisco neighborhood Mexican kitchen, celebrating the traditional cookery of Mexico and utilizing local, organic and sustainable ingredients." We get the totopos every time, and then choose a couple small plates to share. It's always busy and always good.
Our go-to coffee spot, because it's a nice short walk, the ambiance is cozy, and the staff are super friendly. A non-pretentious cafe that actually makes good coffee! They also recently added a "parklet" for outdoor seating. Did I mention they have Dynamo Donuts?
Repose Coffee
262 Divisadero Street
Our go-to coffee spot, because it's a nice short walk, the ambiance is cozy, and the staff are super friendly. A non-pretentious cafe that actually makes good coffee! They also recently added a "parklet" for outdoor seating. Did I mention they have Dynamo Donuts?
This great dive bar also happens to sport the best Ethiopian food you'll find almost anywhere in SF.
30 Einheimische empfehlen
Club Waziema
543 Divisadero St
30 Einheimische empfehlen
This great dive bar also happens to sport the best Ethiopian food you'll find almost anywhere in SF.
One of the best known and loved restaurants in SF. It's not cheap, and the wait is always long… but their perfect cocktails and classic dishes like pork chops or roast chicken more than make up for it.
504 Einheimische empfehlen
Nopa
560 Divisadero St
504 Einheimische empfehlen
One of the best known and loved restaurants in SF. It's not cheap, and the wait is always long… but their perfect cocktails and classic dishes like pork chops or roast chicken more than make up for it.
Best pho in SF.
37 Einheimische empfehlen
Turtle Tower Restaurant
5716 Geary Blvd
37 Einheimische empfehlen
Best pho in SF.
Unparalleled Parisian & Viennese-style pastries. Although well known for their kouign amann, you pretty much can't miss here.
176 Einheimische empfehlen
b. patisserie
2821 California St
176 Einheimische empfehlen
Unparalleled Parisian & Viennese-style pastries. Although well known for their kouign amann, you pretty much can't miss here.
Delicious shanghai style soup dumplings, plus all of the Chinese staples like green onion pancakes and stir fried green beans. Don't forget to order the egg puffs for dessert (order them in advance when ordering everything)
42 Einheimische empfehlen
Shanghai Dumpling King
3319 Balboa Street
42 Einheimische empfehlen
Delicious shanghai style soup dumplings, plus all of the Chinese staples like green onion pancakes and stir fried green beans. Don't forget to order the egg puffs for dessert (order them in advance when ordering everything)
Claire and I met here! This great hole in the wall coffee spot originated the $4 toast trend with their "Build Your Own Damn House" special ($10 for a coffee, whole coconut, and thick slice of cinnamon sugar toast). Get a coffee and then walk to the beach!
142 Einheimische empfehlen
Trouble Coffee
4033 Judah St
142 Einheimische empfehlen
Claire and I met here! This great hole in the wall coffee spot originated the $4 toast trend with their "Build Your Own Damn House" special ($10 for a coffee, whole coconut, and thick slice of cinnamon sugar toast). Get a coffee and then walk to the beach!
Deliciously glamorous! This might be Claire's favorite place in the city. Great bagels, Eastern-European influenced food, delicious cakes and pastries, and some of the best decor and ambiance around! (make sure to get the honey cake!)
19 Einheimische empfehlen
20th Century Cafe
198 Gough St
19 Einheimische empfehlen
Deliciously glamorous! This might be Claire's favorite place in the city. Great bagels, Eastern-European influenced food, delicious cakes and pastries, and some of the best decor and ambiance around! (make sure to get the honey cake!)

Drinks & Nightlife

My favorite neighborhood bar in SF. Go early and avoid the crowds. Live music during Happy Hour on Wednesdays!
99 Einheimische empfehlen
The Page
298 Divisadero St
99 Einheimische empfehlen
My favorite neighborhood bar in SF. Go early and avoid the crowds. Live music during Happy Hour on Wednesdays!
One of the best beer bars in the country.
185 Einheimische empfehlen
Toronado
547 Haight St
185 Einheimische empfehlen
One of the best beer bars in the country.
My favorite bar in SF, and likely one of the most unique. It sports a horse-shoe shaped bar, a fantastic non-digital juke box, and straight up classic martinis.
34 Einheimische empfehlen
Zam Zam Bar
1633 Haight St
34 Einheimische empfehlen
My favorite bar in SF, and likely one of the most unique. It sports a horse-shoe shaped bar, a fantastic non-digital juke box, and straight up classic martinis.

Parks & Nature

Another amazing park that is only a few blocks from our home. This park has sharp hills, winding trails, giant trees, and fantastic city views.
205 Einheimische empfehlen
Buena Vista Park
205 Einheimische empfehlen
Another amazing park that is only a few blocks from our home. This park has sharp hills, winding trails, giant trees, and fantastic city views.
Iconic SF park with the famous view of the "Painted Ladies". It's in the midst of a major renovation, but it should be fully reopening soon.
390 Einheimische empfehlen
Alamo Square
390 Einheimische empfehlen
Iconic SF park with the famous view of the "Painted Ladies". It's in the midst of a major renovation, but it should be fully reopening soon.
I doubt that you need an introduction to this beautiful and famous park. It starts just under a mile from our home, and stretches all the way out to Ocean Beach. Some of our favorite spots include the Conservatory of Flowers, the Botanical Gardens, the running trails in the woods, the buffalo, and the James Turrell SkySpace in the De Young Museum Sculpture Garden (free!). Picnic spots, tennis courts, paddle boats, bike trails, this park is amazing.
1721 Einheimische empfehlen
Golden Gate Park
1721 Einheimische empfehlen
I doubt that you need an introduction to this beautiful and famous park. It starts just under a mile from our home, and stretches all the way out to Ocean Beach. Some of our favorite spots include the Conservatory of Flowers, the Botanical Gardens, the running trails in the woods, the buffalo, and the James Turrell SkySpace in the De Young Museum Sculpture Garden (free!). Picnic spots, tennis courts, paddle boats, bike trails, this park is amazing.
Truly a hidden gem! These breathtaking hiking trails wind around the Mount Sutro green space through giant blue eucalyptus trees. Come here when it's foggy for the full "Ferngully" effect.
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Truly a hidden gem! These breathtaking hiking trails wind around the Mount Sutro green space through giant blue eucalyptus trees. Come here when it's foggy for the full "Ferngully" effect.
It's only a block away! One of the best things about our home is it's proximity to the Panhandle. This long, block-wide park is perfect for a morning stroll, an afternoon run, or when the sun is out, lunch on a park blanket! This park also plays a large part in the history of San Francisco in the 1960/70's, with its free food programs, concerts, and other events organized by The Diggers, as well as others.
43 Einheimische empfehlen
Der Panhandle
43 Einheimische empfehlen
It's only a block away! One of the best things about our home is it's proximity to the Panhandle. This long, block-wide park is perfect for a morning stroll, an afternoon run, or when the sun is out, lunch on a park blanket! This park also plays a large part in the history of San Francisco in the 1960/70's, with its free food programs, concerts, and other events organized by The Diggers, as well as others.

Shopping

Well loved and iconic record store. I could (and do!) spend hours here, digging for new and used records.
79 Einheimische empfehlen
Amoeba Music
1855 Haight St
79 Einheimische empfehlen
Well loved and iconic record store. I could (and do!) spend hours here, digging for new and used records.
A modern general store, featuring new and vintage clothing, books, home and kitchen goods, nic-nacs, as well as a custom hatmaker.
21 Einheimische empfehlen
The Perish Trust
728 Divisadero St
21 Einheimische empfehlen
A modern general store, featuring new and vintage clothing, books, home and kitchen goods, nic-nacs, as well as a custom hatmaker.
Only the best, off-kilter, punk rock, and random vintage shop in SF. Take a look before or after getting a bowl of pho at Turtle Tower next door.
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Vacation
1499 Larkin St
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Only the best, off-kilter, punk rock, and random vintage shop in SF. Take a look before or after getting a bowl of pho at Turtle Tower next door.
Great new and used bookstore. An institution!
82 Einheimische empfehlen
Green Apple Books
506 Clement St
82 Einheimische empfehlen
Great new and used bookstore. An institution!

Arts & Culture

A new arts hub in SF, the Minnesota Street Project hosts over a dozen of the best art galleries in San Francisco.
24 Einheimische empfehlen
Minnesota Street Project
1275 Minnesota St
24 Einheimische empfehlen
A new arts hub in SF, the Minnesota Street Project hosts over a dozen of the best art galleries in San Francisco.
One of the foremost photography galleries in the country. Representing artists like Lee Friedlander, Alec Soth, Christian Marclay, and Garry Winogrand. Make sure to wander and browse the other great galleries in the 49 Geary building.
Fraenkel Gallery
49 Geary St
One of the foremost photography galleries in the country. Representing artists like Lee Friedlander, Alec Soth, Christian Marclay, and Garry Winogrand. Make sure to wander and browse the other great galleries in the 49 Geary building.
My favorite contemporary art gallery in the city.
Jessica Silverman Gallery
621 Grant Avenue
My favorite contemporary art gallery in the city.
Since it's recent expansion, SFMOMA has doubled down on it's position as a world class institution with a hugely expanded building and collection, as well as an renewed focus on photography. It doesn't hurt that its restaurant, In Situ, has also been consistently chosen as one of the best new (and most interesting) restaurants in America.
813 Einheimische empfehlen
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
151 3rd St
813 Einheimische empfehlen
Since it's recent expansion, SFMOMA has doubled down on it's position as a world class institution with a hugely expanded building and collection, as well as an renewed focus on photography. It doesn't hurt that its restaurant, In Situ, has also been consistently chosen as one of the best new (and most interesting) restaurants in America.
This is truly a one of a kind music theatre, pioneering the experience of space with sound. Featuring a reputed 169 speakers playing experimental music—in the dark—this is a singular and wonderful experience. Shows are every Friday and Saturday at 8pm.
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Audium
1616 Bush St
17 Einheimische empfehlen
This is truly a one of a kind music theatre, pioneering the experience of space with sound. Featuring a reputed 169 speakers playing experimental music—in the dark—this is a singular and wonderful experience. Shows are every Friday and Saturday at 8pm.
Make sure to book an appointment ahead of time! This is the pre-eminent photography museum in the US, and although it's free, they only let in 60 people per day, by appointment only.
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Pier 24 Photography Museum
24 Pier
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Make sure to book an appointment ahead of time! This is the pre-eminent photography museum in the US, and although it's free, they only let in 60 people per day, by appointment only.

Essentials

A great grocery store with friendly staff—and it's literally across the street! Skip Peet's and get coffee and croissants from Delessio at the South West corner of the store.
122 Einheimische empfehlen
Falletti Foods
308 Broderick St
122 Einheimische empfehlen
A great grocery store with friendly staff—and it's literally across the street! Skip Peet's and get coffee and croissants from Delessio at the South West corner of the store.

Sightseeing

In addition to the museum, the De Young also has a terrific observation tower that is free and open to the public during regular hours. Great, sweeping 360 views.
1000 Einheimische empfehlen
M. H. de Young Memorial Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
1000 Einheimische empfehlen
In addition to the museum, the De Young also has a terrific observation tower that is free and open to the public during regular hours. Great, sweeping 360 views.
When it opened in 1896, the Sutro Baths were the largest indoor swimming facility in the world. Today, it's just the site of ruins next to the ocean; which makes for wonderful wandering and ocean side views. Start here and hike the Lands End trail to the north for great views of Marin and the Golden Gate Bridge.
246 Einheimische empfehlen
Sutro Baths
1004 Point Lobos Ave
246 Einheimische empfehlen
When it opened in 1896, the Sutro Baths were the largest indoor swimming facility in the world. Today, it's just the site of ruins next to the ocean; which makes for wonderful wandering and ocean side views. Start here and hike the Lands End trail to the north for great views of Marin and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Amazing views of the Presidio and Alcatraz. Hike in the opposite direction to see Andy Goldsworthy's 100ft tall Spire sculpture made from 37 Monterey cypress trunks from trees felled at the site and meticulously fastened together.
6 Einheimische empfehlen
Inspiration Point station
6 Einheimische empfehlen
Amazing views of the Presidio and Alcatraz. Hike in the opposite direction to see Andy Goldsworthy's 100ft tall Spire sculpture made from 37 Monterey cypress trunks from trees felled at the site and meticulously fastened together.
This iconic intersection is now home to a Ben & Jerry's : ) and it's walking distance from our home.
379 Einheimische empfehlen
Haight-Ashbury
379 Einheimische empfehlen
This iconic intersection is now home to a Ben & Jerry's : ) and it's walking distance from our home.
Up near Sutro Tower, Twin Peaks is a famous landmark for iconic views of the city.
727 Einheimische empfehlen
Twin Peaks
727 Einheimische empfehlen
Up near Sutro Tower, Twin Peaks is a famous landmark for iconic views of the city.