Addresses in San Francisco that you want to know

San Fran, Frisco, Golden Gate City, SF, Fog City… These are just a few examples of the nicknames San Francisco is known for. No matter what you want to call this city, I found it absolutely one of the most fun cities on the American West Coast. There is a completely different vibe here than on the East Coast, and it cannot be compared to cities like New York. Less hectic, very friendly people (you can say a lot about New York, but the NYC’ers are not always the most social) and also sunny. Oh yes, and very delicious food and so much to see. Did I already mention that it was one of my favorite cities? And sharing is caring, so I’m happy to share my favorite spots and tips with you.

Vieille Ville:

San Francisco consists of many different neighborhoods, some certainly a bit nicer than others. And it’s a bit of a shame if you waste a whole (mid)day in a neighborhood where you don’t have much to look for, right? Exactly. So here’s a little overview of the neighborhoods you definitely don’t want to miss.

The Mission: Also known as the Latino neighborhood. So expect a lot of delicious tacos, street food, and cozy bars with caipirinhas and mojitos. If you’re looking for a nice bar in the evening; you’ll definitely find it here. During the day, Mission Dolores Park is the hangout where all the locals sit, at least if the weather is nice.

Chinatown: Needs no introduction, I think. Fun fact? Chinatown in SF is the largest in the world. Outside of China, of course. The best part is to go into the hidden restaurants, one where you don’t understand the staff, the menu even less, but how delicious it is. Phew.

Union Square & Civic Center: The shopping area with the largest known chains. Victoria’s Secret, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s… You’ll find them all here. In terms of dining, it’s a bit less, but spending a few hours shopping here is no punishment. For your bank account, though.

North Beach: next to a Latino neighborhood, you also have an Italian neighborhood, namely North Beach. For pasta cravings and the best pizzas, this is the place to be. In the evening, the bars are not particularly exciting, but you can definitely eat well here.

The Castro: Also known as the gay area of San Francisco. Very cozy during the day and in the evening. Be sure to pay attention to the rainbow crosswalks (I want those in the Netherlands too) and the rainbow flags hanging on lamp posts everywhere. Spotting extravagant types here is also inevitable. I was there during the day for a few hours and the score was five men with cowboy hats and glitter Speedos. Love it.

Other neighborhoods worth mentioning: Japantown, if you love sushi, Fisherman’s Wharf, to watch the seals in a group (definitely a must-visit), Russian Hill, for the well-known Lombard Street, and Haight-Ashbury, the hippie neighborhood you should go to if you love Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. Do you love a lot of greenery? Then go to Golden Gate Park, the largest man-made park in the world. And don’t forget a boat trip around Alcatraz, then you’ll sail right under the Golden Gate Bridge. And whatever you do, skip the Tenderloin neighborhood. Not kidding, this is not a very nice neighborhood, so just walk around it. There are plenty of other things to do.

Breakfast & lunch

Breakfast is a thing in San Francisco. In the Netherlands, I prefer to skip this meal (I know, not healthy to do), but in SF it’s really a shame to do that. Many places open as early as 7:00 AM (which is very convenient with a jet lag – half awake at 5:30 AM), and there are also many breakfast and lunch spots that bake their own bread. I can tell you: so delicious. I thought you wouldn’t really taste the difference… Boy, I was wrong. Check out below the best breakfast and lunch spots I came across in San Francisco.

Tartine Manufactory - 595 Alabama St (The Mission)

The Mill - 736 Divisadero St (Alamo Square) 

Jane – Multiple locations (Pacific Heights, Nob Hill & Western Addition) 

Café Réveille – Multiple locations (Mission Bay, Lower Haight & Berkeley) 

Canteen - 1906 Market St (Hayes Valley)

Le Marais Bakery – Multiple locations (Nob Hill, Dolores Heights & Marina District) 

Vive la Tarte - 1160 Howard St (Mid Market)

To the question of which category I belong? Uhm… I'll get back to that. One thing I do know: after two bottles of wine, I am always a - 685 Market St (Financial District) 

Breadbelly - 1408 Clement St (Richmond District)

Dinner

San Francisco is a gigantic city (something I was mistaken about; ‘just’ walking from A to B is not really an option), so making reservations is advisable, especially if you want to eat at a popular spot. It would be a shame if you cross the whole city and they have no place for you. Going to restaurant Golden Arches is not something you want during a San Francisco trip.

Dinner is served early in SF, so it’s not inappropriate to stick to Dutch times here. So if you want, you can also eat at 6 PM. They do little late dining here, so don’t expect a high-end dinner if you want to sit down at 10:30 PM. Below are the best restaurants, from very hip to anything but, but all super delicious, I promise you.

Lazy Bear - 3416 19th St (The Mission) 

El Techo - 2516 Mission St (The Mission) 

La Taqueria - 2889 Mission St (The Mission)

Heirloom Café - 2500 Folsom St (The Mission) 

Nopa - 560 Divisadero St (Alamo Square)

Souvla - 531 Divisadero St (Alamo Square) 

Mister Jiu’s - 28 Waverly Pl (Chinatown) 

China Live – 644 Broadway (Chinatown) 

Ayala - 398 Geary St (Union Square) 

Noosh - 2001 Fillmore St (Pacific Heights)

Commons Club - 250 4th St, San Francisco (South of Market) 

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana - 1570 Stockton St (North Beach) 

‘s Evenings

As for rooftop bars, you’re not entirely right in San Francisco, but you can definitely have a drink in the evenings. Beer and wine are quite pricey (in all of America), so I usually go for a cocktail. If you are really determined to go to that rooftop, head to the Proper Hotel. They have a bar downstairs, but also one on the top floor. Inside there’s a fireplace, with a little sun outside – a great place to hang out.

Proper Hotel - 45 McAllister St (Civic Center) 

Commons Club - 250 4th St, San Francisco (South of Market) 

Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant - One Ferry Building, #23 (Financial District) 

True Laurel - 753 Alabama St (The Mission) 

The Beehive - 842 Valencia St (The Mission) 

Amelie - 1754 Polk St (Nob Hill) 

Press Club - 20 Yerba Buena Ln (South of Market) 

Terroir - 1116 Folsom St (South of Market) 

Birba - 458 Grove St (Hayes Valley) 

If you’re going… To San Francisco. I just went there but want to go back so badly. Suggestions for tips are more than welcome by the way, changes or comments too, just name it and let me know. The goal is of course that my next SF trip becomes even more successful. Because I have to go back, even if it’s just to take a little photo of the Full House houses (also known as Painted Ladies. If you’re in San Francisco and looking for them: you can find them on Steiner Street). I didn’t take that photo last time and you understand: regret like hairs on my head now.

Written by; Wieke Veenboer