SAN FRANCISCO


trying to recommend a place to eat / drink / explore in sf is ... stress inducing. the city is jam-packed and frankly it can be overwhelming to choose a spot to spend your time. below is my best attempt at breaking down each neighborhood with some of my favorite things. neighborhoods included:

ALAMO SQUARE  | DOGPATCH  |   HAIGHT  |  HAYES VALLEY  |  MARINA 
MISSION  |  NOB HILL  |  NORTH BEACH  |  PACIFIC HEIGHTS  |  POTRERO HILL  |  SOMA

BAR CRUDO {dinner}
one of my favorite spots for seafood in the city. most everything here is served raw, so you'll certainly have to be in the mood for this place

GREEN CHILE KITCHEN {lunch}

with a wall that opens up to the street, we love coming here for beers and snacks on a sunny day

THE MILL {coffee – pictured above}


MOJO CAFE {lunch}

a half bike shop half cafe with a parklet out front for people watching. this casual spot has surprisingly good food and lots of beer to choose from 

NOPA {all}
might be the best restaurant in the city – always perfect for brunch or dinner, but try to get a reservation if you don't want to wait 1+ hour for your table 

NOPALITO {dinner}
fancy organic mexican – great margaritas and atmosphere

DOGPATCH SALOON {bar}
a perfect local place for drinks after dinner at serpentine 

FRONT CAFE {coffee and treats}

front was once an industrial loading doc, and is literally the front of an eclectic studio that produces commercial film work – it's a perfect little place to grab coffee on a quiet morning

PICCINO {all}
i like coming here for pizza and red wine – it's always delicious with the fresh organic ingredients they use, and the vibe is always upbeat

PLOW {brunch}

um, plow. the thing about plow is you have to plan for it – because it requires showing up early if you ever want a table. but the brunch my be my favorite in sf. the lemon ricotta pancakes are out of this world. 

THE RAMP {lunch + drinks}

the ramp holds a special place in my heart – is was one of the first places i went when i moved to sf back in 2010. come here for beers and outdoor seating on the water. 

SERPENTINE {dinner}

good food - good drinks - all you need to know


COQUETA {happy hour, pictured above}
the best gin an tonic you will ever have {pictured above} – fun happy our snacks, too

GOTT'S {lunch or dinner}
waterfront at the ferry building – best for fish tacos, burgers, and fries {garlic or sweet potato} 

FERRY BUILDING {farmer's market}
every saturday morning – great food shopping, coffee, and breakfast 

RICKHOUSE {bar}
craft cocktails, best for whiskey or punchbowl 

WAYFARE TAVERN {fidi lunch or dinner}

famous for their fancy fried chicken

ALEMBIC {dinner}
unique menu including things like foie gras, bone marrow, and tongue. atmosphere is vibrant and fun. 

GOLDEN GATE PARK {explore}

this park is massive! 
grab a bike and take advantage of the car-free roads, and make sure you visit the bison 

MAGNOLIA {lunch or dinner}
gastropub – good food and good beer

MAVEN {dinner}

fun for cocktails and dinner seated at the bar

PRADA 22 {dinner}
home style puerto rican cuisine – small inside, delicious food {those plantains!}, and a festive environment 

RAGAZZA {dinner} 
have a bottle of wine on their back patio before diving into one of their delicious pizza's 

ARLEQUIN CAFE {brunch or lunch}
one of the only places in sf with an amazing patio /garden – i love their ham sandwich and a glass of wine 

BAR JULES {dinner}
sit at the bar here if you can – the vibe feels almost like you're at a friend's house for dinner. the menu changes daily and is always delicious and fresh 

BIERGARTEN {drinks + snacks, pictured above}

sf's only beer garden – if it's warm out, this place is on fire. if it's cold out, it's still packed with people wrapped in cozy blankets. i enjoy coming here any time of day for a few beers and pretzels. 

FATTED CALF {butcher}
my favorite place to go for cheese plate building materials ... OR if i'm planning on making any meat for dinner – it's the best butcher in the city 

SUPPENKUCHE {dinner} 

a really {really really} fun german restaurant – but everyone else feels this way, too. i've waited 2 hours for a table before. luckily beirgarten is right around the corner ... 

WELCOME STRANGER {shopping – male}

one of the best places to browse for gifts / home goods 

BLUE BARN {lunch}
best sandwich / salad combo in sf. great to pick up before a hike. 

DELAROSA {dinner}

hip and fancy pizza / pasta / italian – perfect for out of town visitors 

FORT MASON PARK 

stare at the golden gate bridge while lounging {or partying} in the park 

SUPER DUPER BURGER

speaks for itself – amazing burgers / fries / shakes {you can also try umami burger}

TIPSY PIG {brunch + bar}
i love their outdoor patio for brunch or drinks 

BERETTA {brunch or dinner}
a classic california / italian spot with great pizzas and cocktails 

CENTRAL KITCHEN + SALUMERIA {all}

central kitchen is one of my favorites in the city for a fun dining experience. next door is their little sandwich shop/market, salumeria, which is a the best place to grab treats for dolores park 

CRAFTSMAN AND WOLVES {coffee shop, pictured above}

a bit overpriced, but a good place to pop in for coffee and pastries 

FLOUR+ WATER

you probably wont eat here unless you made a reservation 3 months ago OR you sit alone at the bar, but if you do – their homemade pasta is out of this world

LOCAL MISSION EATERY + LOCAL'S CORNER {all}

fresh local ingredients and a variety of healthy delicious options 

MISSION CHINESE
this byob chinese restaurant is too fun with a big group – started in sf, and is now in nyc and paris 

WISE SONS {lunch}

hip jewish deli on 24th street 

BAR FAVORITES
CASANOVA {divey}
HOMESTEADS {divey but homey}
TRICK DOG {craft cocktails}

15 ROMOLO
cozy dim lit and quirk-ily placed in the back alley of a strip club. the best pimms cup in sf!

CHUBBY NOODLE
located inside the bar amante with delicious treats like kung pao wings, pork ramen, and steamed chicken buns. check out the rest of their tasty menu here

COTOGNA 

"rustic italian" and farm to table – they grow things on their roof! and all bottles of wine are $40 

DON PISTOS 

one of the most fun mexican spots in sf 

GIORDANO BROS 
only come here if you feel like a big fat yummy sandwich (it comes with fries ON it) – fun before a baseball game, or late night ... 

TACOLICIOUS

expensive tacos and margs, but delicious ones at that 

BOB'S DONUT
if you're tipsy and it's two a.m. – you'll really enjoy these fresh out of the oven (really, they cook them at 2am) treats 

FLOUR AND CO. 

the cutest place for coffee and a breakfast sandwich 

HI-LO CLUB

the only craft cocktails you'll find on polk street 

LE BEAU MARKET 

a little frenchy grocery tucked between two cable car lines

SWAN OYSTER DEPOT

the longest line you'll ever wait in for oysters, but an sf staple!

SWEET WOODRUFF

a counter service restaurant that seats about 20 people and overlooks an open kitchen 

DELFINA {PIZZERIA}
fresh, handmade, delicious food – in a cozy neighborhood environment 

FRAICHE

homemade organic yogurt / frozen yogurt cafe

JACKSON FILLMORE
just straight up cozy italian 

JANE
the cutest best place for brunch on fillmore street

KABUKI THEATER

my favorite place to catch a flick in the city 

STATE BIRD PROVISIONS

somehow this place became like, impossible, to eat at - but if you can get in, this place is unique, adventurous, and cool 

BLOODHOUND {bar, pictured above}
a cozy dive with animals heads on the wall, buck hunter, and good music 

DARWIN CAFE 

my favorite place to grab lunch / dinner when i worked in soma

RADIUS CAFE 

sandwiches and salads with fresh local ingredients *all within the radius of sf* with a charming patio nestled out back

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