Guidebook for San Francisco
Drinks & Nightlife
Monk's Kettle is for the beer enthusiast, carrying 200+ great beers (with some good bar food to soak it up). It's a bit on the pricier side, and is a small space so might have a wait.
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The Monk's Kettle
3141 16th StreetMonk's Kettle is for the beer enthusiast, carrying 200+ great beers (with some good bar food to soak it up). It's a bit on the pricier side, and is a small space so might have a wait.
Toronado = top beer spot. Sometimes surly or pretentious staff & (depending on time/day) crowd are worth braving for great selection at a reasonable price. Bring in a Rosamunde Sausage from next door.
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Toronado
547 Haight StToronado = top beer spot. Sometimes surly or pretentious staff & (depending on time/day) crowd are worth braving for great selection at a reasonable price. Bring in a Rosamunde Sausage from next door.
Not my favorite bar in the city, but a good option in you want to grab a drink in Noe Valley. Pool table, juke box, games, back patio, separate smoking room.
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Valley Tavern
4054 24th StNot my favorite bar in the city, but a good option in you want to grab a drink in Noe Valley. Pool table, juke box, games, back patio, separate smoking room.
El Rio's a dive that's a bit off the beaten path. 30 min walk, 8 min cab ride to area w/ not much around. BUT, 1 of best outdoor spaces, pool table and any given night- burlesque, live music & more.
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El Rio
3158 Mission StEl Rio's a dive that's a bit off the beaten path. 30 min walk, 8 min cab ride to area w/ not much around. BUT, 1 of best outdoor spaces, pool table and any given night- burlesque, live music & more.
If you know and/or enjoy anything about SF's beat generation history,you should stop at Vesuvio. A landmark bar where Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassidy and other beat writters, artists would hang. Cool spot.
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Vesuvio Cafe
255 Columbus AveIf you know and/or enjoy anything about SF's beat generation history,you should stop at Vesuvio. A landmark bar where Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassidy and other beat writters, artists would hang. Cool spot.
Interesting place to bring a book, but end up people watching, catching a 2nd hand high or having convo w/ a stranger. Open air space that offers caffeine & alcohol, & sometimes live music at night.
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Revolution Cafe
3248 22nd StInteresting place to bring a book, but end up people watching, catching a 2nd hand high or having convo w/ a stranger. Open air space that offers caffeine & alcohol, & sometimes live music at night.
Everything Else
A specialty beer bottle shop (300+ options) with a tasting bar. Location is a bit off the beaten path, but fun trip if you're into beer.
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City Beer Store
853 Mission StA specialty beer bottle shop (300+ options) with a tasting bar. Location is a bit off the beaten path, but fun trip if you're into beer.
Don't miss the Ferry Building! Farmers market Tues, Thurs and Sat. Incredible local stores & restaurants inside. Easily accessible from BART/MUNI & the launching place for a ferry ride to Sausalito.
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Ferry Building Marketplace
Don't miss the Ferry Building! Farmers market Tues, Thurs and Sat. Incredible local stores & restaurants inside. Easily accessible from BART/MUNI & the launching place for a ferry ride to Sausalito.
ICE CREAM! Local, organic ice cream made with love in unique flavors like Strawberry Balsamic and Salted Carmel (they've got some traditional favs too). A serious local favorite.
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Bi-Rite Creamery
3692 18th StICE CREAM! Local, organic ice cream made with love in unique flavors like Strawberry Balsamic and Salted Carmel (they've got some traditional favs too). A serious local favorite.
SF's "beach" (real beaches get chilly). On a nice day, this is where ppl bring picnics, games, etc. About a 15-min (hilly) walk from the apt. Near Bi-Rite, Tartine & more. Great city skyline view!
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Mission Dolores Park
19th StreetSF's "beach" (real beaches get chilly). On a nice day, this is where ppl bring picnics, games, etc. About a 15-min (hilly) walk from the apt. Near Bi-Rite, Tartine & more. Great city skyline view!
Great little cookie shop. I have many friends who insist on coming here when they're in from out of town - specifically for the white chocolate macadamia nut. It's converted many non-white choc fans.
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Hot Cookie
1817 Castro StGreat little cookie shop. I have many friends who insist on coming here when they're in from out of town - specifically for the white chocolate macadamia nut. It's converted many non-white choc fans.
Highly recommended if you're interested in a walk, hike or trail run in the city. Path runs between mountain/greenery and the water with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Beautiful & peaceful.
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Lands End Trail
Lands End TrailHighly recommended if you're interested in a walk, hike or trail run in the city. Path runs between mountain/greenery and the water with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Beautiful & peaceful.
Taking coastal drive on Route 1 up to Bolinas is one of my favorite day trips out of the city. Bolinas (as well as nearby Stinson) is super small, beach town w/ N.Cal feel. Great beginner surf spot.
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Bolinas
Taking coastal drive on Route 1 up to Bolinas is one of my favorite day trips out of the city. Bolinas (as well as nearby Stinson) is super small, beach town w/ N.Cal feel. Great beginner surf spot.
Food Scene
People are obsessed with Philz coffee (myself included). They brew single cups of coffee made-to-order, with a dozen + varieties. Just coffee (& snacks) - no lattes, etc. 24th St. location is funky.
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Philz Coffee
3101 24th StPeople are obsessed with Philz coffee (myself included). They brew single cups of coffee made-to-order, with a dozen + varieties. Just coffee (& snacks) - no lattes, etc. 24th St. location is funky.
You just can't wrong at this place. Morning buns, croque monsieur, croissants, banana cream pastry. It's sinfully good, and people know it - be ready to wait 15 mins or so in line.
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Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero StYou just can't wrong at this place. Morning buns, croque monsieur, croissants, banana cream pastry. It's sinfully good, and people know it - be ready to wait 15 mins or so in line.
Firefly is where I treat myself for special occasions. ~$100/couple = delicious food (rotating seasonal menu), drinks, fabulous environment & more. Neighborhood spot - 10 min. walk through Noe :)
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Firefly
4288 24th StreetFirefly is where I treat myself for special occasions. ~$100/couple = delicious food (rotating seasonal menu), drinks, fabulous environment & more. Neighborhood spot - 10 min. walk through Noe :)
Visit to SF is not complete w/o a taqueria stop. If you want the down, dirty, not-so-healthy, real deal then El Farolito is your spot. Cure any hangover via prevention (open late night) or day after.
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Taquería El Farolito
2779 Mission StVisit to SF is not complete w/o a taqueria stop. If you want the down, dirty, not-so-healthy, real deal then El Farolito is your spot. Cure any hangover via prevention (open late night) or day after.
Near El Farolito, but the route to go if you're looking for a more (relatively) light, healthy mexican experience. Famous for their salsa, and I'd recommend the burrito.
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Papalote Mexican Grill
1777 Fulton StNear El Farolito, but the route to go if you're looking for a more (relatively) light, healthy mexican experience. Famous for their salsa, and I'd recommend the burrito.
Simple, straight forward and really well done. This place has delicious German food (not sure HOW authentic), beer and a casual, fun environment.
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Suppenküche
525 Laguna StSimple, straight forward and really well done. This place has delicious German food (not sure HOW authentic), beer and a casual, fun environment.
Closest coffee shop to the apartment - 5 min walk down the hill to 24th street. Bernie's is run by a local girl, and is a great little spot. Variety of coffee drinks, pastries & free wifi.
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Bernie's
3966 24th StClosest coffee shop to the apartment - 5 min walk down the hill to 24th street. Bernie's is run by a local girl, and is a great little spot. Variety of coffee drinks, pastries & free wifi.
Local Noe Bakery is a 5 min. walk from the apartment. Fresh baked bread, cookies, cakes, scones - yummy! My favorite is the vanilla cupcake. They're closed by 6 or 7pm depending on the day.
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Noe Valley Bakery
4073 24th StLocal Noe Bakery is a 5 min. walk from the apartment. Fresh baked bread, cookies, cakes, scones - yummy! My favorite is the vanilla cupcake. They're closed by 6 or 7pm depending on the day.
Coming from the east coast, I've done my fair share of complaining about SF's pizza options. Then, I found Little Star. Not really traditional, they offer deep dish & thin - both delicious.
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Little Star Pizza
846 Divisadero StComing from the east coast, I've done my fair share of complaining about SF's pizza options. Then, I found Little Star. Not really traditional, they offer deep dish & thin - both delicious.
Cheap, huge, delicious slices of New York Style pizza. Cheese slice was listed on 100 things to eat in SF before you die list.
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Arinell Pizza
509 Valencia StCheap, huge, delicious slices of New York Style pizza. Cheese slice was listed on 100 things to eat in SF before you die list.
If you're looking for a good, filling & affordable meal that's SUPER close to the apartment, Pomodoro is a good choice. Family-oriented so often lots of kids (we typically do take-out). Solid Italian.
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Pasta Pomodoro
4000 24th StreetIf you're looking for a good, filling & affordable meal that's SUPER close to the apartment, Pomodoro is a good choice. Family-oriented so often lots of kids (we typically do take-out). Solid Italian.
The name says it. This is a close walk to the apartment, and always good. Huge variety of beef, chicken and veggie burgers. I always go for the fries (the curly ones are my fav) & milkshake too :)
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Barneys Gourmet Hamburgers
4138 24th StThe name says it. This is a close walk to the apartment, and always good. Huge variety of beef, chicken and veggie burgers. I always go for the fries (the curly ones are my fav) & milkshake too :)
Close, good, affordable sushi. This is a go-to, quick sushi spot (as is Sushi Time). See Sushi Zone & Barracuda if you're into the fancier stuff.
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We Be Sushi
538 Valencia StreetClose, good, affordable sushi. This is a go-to, quick sushi spot (as is Sushi Time). See Sushi Zone & Barracuda if you're into the fancier stuff.
Hands down, this is the best sushi I've ever had in my entire life. You'll pay for it with the likely hour+ wait (only seats ~16 ppl total) and high bill (because it's just too good to stop).
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Sushi Zone
1815 Market StHands down, this is the best sushi I've ever had in my entire life. You'll pay for it with the likely hour+ wait (only seats ~16 ppl total) and high bill (because it's just too good to stop).
Another really good, affordable, go-to sushi spot. Kind of tricky to find, but can be accessed from Market or 16th Street. Parking not ideal, and a 20 minute uphill walk from apartment.
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Sushi Time
2275 Market StAnother really good, affordable, go-to sushi spot. Kind of tricky to find, but can be accessed from Market or 16th Street. Parking not ideal, and a 20 minute uphill walk from apartment.
5-8 minute walk from apt. Savor is a great option for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Lots of variety & big portions. They have a back patio which is nice on a warm day.
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Savor open kitchen
3913 24th St5-8 minute walk from apt. Savor is a great option for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Lots of variety & big portions. They have a back patio which is nice on a warm day.
Favorite place for Indian food. It's BYOB, which you can grab right at the convenience store across the street. On 16th near Valencia which is a hopping part of the Mission neighborhood.
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Pakwan
3182 16th StFavorite place for Indian food. It's BYOB, which you can grab right at the convenience store across the street. On 16th near Valencia which is a hopping part of the Mission neighborhood.
House of Nanking, on border of Chinatown & North Beach (the Italian district) is an experience. Family-style chinese in a crowded restaurant where you might be at a table w/ strangers. Good, fun.
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House of Nanking
919 Kearny StHouse of Nanking, on border of Chinatown & North Beach (the Italian district) is an experience. Family-style chinese in a crowded restaurant where you might be at a table w/ strangers. Good, fun.
I crave falafel from this place. They only have about 8 menu items, but everything I've had is fresh & delicious. Close, quick, affordable - it's a regular spot of mine.
Zaytoon Mediterranean
1136 Valencia StI crave falafel from this place. They only have about 8 menu items, but everything I've had is fresh & delicious. Close, quick, affordable - it's a regular spot of mine.
The most well-rounded, solid taqueria in my opinion. You can't go wrong here. Not as close to the apartment as El Farolito & Papalote, but a great option if you're out & about in the Mission.
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Pancho Villa Taqueria
3071 16th StThe most well-rounded, solid taqueria in my opinion. You can't go wrong here. Not as close to the apartment as El Farolito & Papalote, but a great option if you're out & about in the Mission.
I've never been here, but thought to mention since it's in the neighborhood and apparently a big deal. Pricier dinner place.
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Incanto
1550 Church StreetI've never been here, but thought to mention since it's in the neighborhood and apparently a big deal. Pricier dinner place.
This place is right between GG park & Ocean Beach. It's a restaurant & brewery that's a favorite for buffet brunch & bottomless mimosas on a sunny day.
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Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant
1000 Great HwyThis place is right between GG park & Ocean Beach. It's a restaurant & brewery that's a favorite for buffet brunch & bottomless mimosas on a sunny day.
Arts & Culture
Want a low key evening that still offers SF character? Walk 10 mins from apt. and see what's playing at Castro Theatre. Cool, historic single-screen theatre on bustling street with food, bars, etc.
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Castro Theatre
429 Castro StWant a low key evening that still offers SF character? Walk 10 mins from apt. and see what's playing at Castro Theatre. Cool, historic single-screen theatre on bustling street with food, bars, etc.
Graffiti's all the rage in art these days, and SF has it's share! Clarion Alley offers a block full of colorful street art in the Mission.
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Clarion Alley
Clarion AlleyGraffiti's all the rage in art these days, and SF has it's share! Clarion Alley offers a block full of colorful street art in the Mission.
Tons of great local, family-owned Noe shops have sadly closed. Video Wave has survived Netflix mania and is alive w/ love. We love to support, chat w/ the owners, eat free popcorn & pick up a flick.
Video Wave Of Noe Valley
4027 24th StTons of great local, family-owned Noe shops have sadly closed. Video Wave has survived Netflix mania and is alive w/ love. We love to support, chat w/ the owners, eat free popcorn & pick up a flick.
I love this place. Upstairs is a vintage shop w/ old typewriters, books, records, chests and more eclectic odds & ends. Downstairs is small, intimate venue for live indie folk-like music performances.
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Viracocha Llc
998 Valencia StreetI love this place. Upstairs is a vintage shop w/ old typewriters, books, records, chests and more eclectic odds & ends. Downstairs is small, intimate venue for live indie folk-like music performances.
826 Valencia is an NPO offering youth writing classes, disguised by....a pirate store. Yes - ahoy matey, parrot on shoulder type of thing. It's amazing. If you're walking Valencia, don't miss this!!
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The Pirate Store
826 Valencia Street826 Valencia is an NPO offering youth writing classes, disguised by....a pirate store. Yes - ahoy matey, parrot on shoulder type of thing. It's amazing. If you're walking Valencia, don't miss this!!
The Fillmore is SF's famous historic music venue where the Grateful Dead, The Doors, Miles Davis, Pink Floyd and hundreds of other musicians & bands have played. Great acts always coming through.
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The Fillmore
1805 Geary BlvdThe Fillmore is SF's famous historic music venue where the Grateful Dead, The Doors, Miles Davis, Pink Floyd and hundreds of other musicians & bands have played. Great acts always coming through.
Smaller, intimate music venue that typically has shows every night for 10-20 bucks. In a residential neighborhood - I'd recommend cabbing or driving here (parking shouldn't be too hard).
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Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th StSmaller, intimate music venue that typically has shows every night for 10-20 bucks. In a residential neighborhood - I'd recommend cabbing or driving here (parking shouldn't be too hard).
Beautiful outdoor amphitheater, & one of my favorite music venues anywhere. If you're into music, I'd check if a good show happens to be in town. Good excuse to spend some time checking out Berkeley.
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The Greek Theatre
2001 Gayley RdBeautiful outdoor amphitheater, & one of my favorite music venues anywhere. If you're into music, I'd check if a good show happens to be in town. Good excuse to spend some time checking out Berkeley.
Sightseeing
1st place we bring new visitors - an incredible panoramic view of ocean, city & bay. Recommend if you have a car & nav. system as it can be tricky to find. View of T.P. from our living room window :)
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Twin Peaks
1st place we bring new visitors - an incredible panoramic view of ocean, city & bay. Recommend if you have a car & nav. system as it can be tricky to find. View of T.P. from our living room window :)
You could easily spend a full day here. Our favorite activity is the disc golf course, but there's a Japanese tea garden, flower conservatory, museums, roaming buffalo, endless picnic areas, etc.
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Golden Gate Park
You could easily spend a full day here. Our favorite activity is the disc golf course, but there's a Japanese tea garden, flower conservatory, museums, roaming buffalo, endless picnic areas, etc.
Valencia Street is a main drag in the Mission neighborhood. One of my favorite places for an afternoon stroll - tons of restaurants, bars, thrift shops, quirky stores. Best between 16th & 24th street.
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Valencia Street
Valencia StreetValencia Street is a main drag in the Mission neighborhood. One of my favorite places for an afternoon stroll - tons of restaurants, bars, thrift shops, quirky stores. Best between 16th & 24th street.
5-min walk from apt. & main street in Noe Valley w/ everything. Great farmers market on Sat. from 8-1pm. Further down in Mission neighborhood, 24th is also the main street w/ a different flavor.
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24th Street
24th Street5-min walk from apt. & main street in Noe Valley w/ everything. Great farmers market on Sat. from 8-1pm. Further down in Mission neighborhood, 24th is also the main street w/ a different flavor.
Runs 1 block parallel to Noe, and is the main street of the Castro - the "gayborhood" of San Francisco. Walking on Castro Street between the apt. & Market St. will give you the Castro experience.
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Castro Street
Castro StreetRuns 1 block parallel to Noe, and is the main street of the Castro - the "gayborhood" of San Francisco. Walking on Castro Street between the apt. & Market St. will give you the Castro experience.
If you're driving North over GG bridge & have spare time, get off at Sausalito exit, cross to other side of the highway and take a drive up to the headlands. Spectacular GG bridge, water & city views.
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Marin Headlands
If you're driving North over GG bridge & have spare time, get off at Sausalito exit, cross to other side of the highway and take a drive up to the headlands. Spectacular GG bridge, water & city views.
Essentials
Bi-Rite is pretty special. It has a very community-oriented, local, sustainable feel that many SFers like. Prob not affordable for all groceries, but great place to experience & grab something.
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Bi-Rite Market
3639 18th StBi-Rite is pretty special. It has a very community-oriented, local, sustainable feel that many SFers like. Prob not affordable for all groceries, but great place to experience & grab something.