Guidebook for San Francisco
Drinks & Nightlife
Trick Dog
3010 20th StGreat cocktails, cool vibe- from the Bon Vivants
The Tradesman
753 Alabama StreetGreat wine and food, laid back atmosphere
Slow Club
2501 Mariposa StreetGreat burgers, great cocktails, easy to get a table.
Shotwell's Beer Saloon
3349 20th StSolid neighborhood hipster dive bar
The Homestead
2301 Folsom StOne of my favorites- great neighborhood bar
Rooftop bar with views from the Lolinda/Beretta folks. Mexican small bites, uber popular.
224 locals recommend
El Techo
2516 Mission StRooftop bar with views from the Lolinda/Beretta folks. Mexican small bites, uber popular.
Charcuterie, oysters, beer and cocktails. You can watch the game from the bar, too.
45 locals recommend
Hog & Rocks
3431 19th StreetCharcuterie, oysters, beer and cocktails. You can watch the game from the bar, too.
Teeth
2323 Mission StBeer, tater tot nachos, back patio. It's dark and boozy smelling.
Little Baobab SF
2243 19th StDancing and drinking
It's the place you go to sit outside on benches and drink beer in the sun.
222 locals recommend
Zeitgeist
199 Valencia StIt's the place you go to sit outside on benches and drink beer in the sun.
It's not my favorite for a beer, but it's a super popular after work hangout.
148 locals recommend
Southern Pacific Brewing
620 Treat AveIt's not my favorite for a beer, but it's a super popular after work hangout.
Bond Bar
3079 16th Stcool cocktails
ABV
3174 16th StLove this place... Go if you like tequila and mezcal especially.
The Monk's Kettle
3141 16th Streetgreat beer, gastropub
Elixir
3200 16th Stlittle divey spot
El Rio
3158 Mission StMusic, dive bar, dance nights, great outdoor space.
The Hideout
3121 16th StBack room cocktail bar with really solid mixologists. Cash only.
Make-Out Room
3225 22nd Stlive music
Jay'n Bee Club
2736 20th Stdive bar
Magnolia Brewing Company
Great beer and liquor in a beautifully designed space.
Food Scene
Salumeria
3000 20th StGourmet sandwiches and salads, also a good place to get a foodie gift
Pour over coffee, espresso and french pastries in a beautiful space
378 locals recommend
Sightglass Coffee
270 7th StPour over coffee, espresso and french pastries in a beautiful space
This is the original- it's an SF institution and has a huge array of pour over options
913 locals recommend
Philz Coffee
3101 24th StThis is the original- it's an SF institution and has a huge array of pour over options
Drip coffee, lots of seating, great patio- better for hanging out for a few hours than the other nearby options
65 locals recommend
Haus Coffee
3086 24th StDrip coffee, lots of seating, great patio- better for hanging out for a few hours than the other nearby options
The best tacos in the city, order them dorado. If you eat carnitas, they are phenomenal, but the carne aside is a close second.
347 locals recommend
La Taqueria
2889 Mission StThe best tacos in the city, order them dorado. If you eat carnitas, they are phenomenal, but the carne aside is a close second.
Mission Pie
2901 Mission StDelicious sweet and savory pie by the slice, cute interior.
There are several of these- this is the best location. Many say it's the best in the city. Order the super burrito, or a quesadilla sueza.
77 locals recommend
Taqueria El Farolito
2950 24th StThere are several of these- this is the best location. Many say it's the best in the city. Order the super burrito, or a quesadilla sueza.
New York style pizza by the slice. Really the closest thing we've found to the real thing.
44 locals recommend
The Pizza Shop
3104 24th StNew York style pizza by the slice. Really the closest thing we've found to the real thing.
The best corned beef in the Bay. Also good for brunch.
146 locals recommend
Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen
3150 24th StThe best corned beef in the Bay. Also good for brunch.
Our favorite brunch place- everything is always very high quality. Get there before 10am if you don't want to wait long.
123 locals recommend
Universal Cafe
2814 19th StOur favorite brunch place- everything is always very high quality. Get there before 10am if you don't want to wait long.
Super unusual donut flavors, good drip coffee, nice patio.
199 locals recommend
Dynamo Donut and Coffee
2760 24th StSuper unusual donut flavors, good drip coffee, nice patio.
Tortas are great here, but they also have a decent mexican brunch, and a cute patio
24 locals recommend
La Torta Gorda
2833 24th StTortas are great here, but they also have a decent mexican brunch, and a cute patio
Kazan
2809 24th StFresh sushi, cute atmosphere, easy to get a res.
Blowfish Sushi
2170 Bryant Streethipster sushi
The most innovative pasta in the city. An institution. Book before you arrive, or show up at 5 and wait.
266 locals recommend
Flour + Water
2401 Harrison StThe most innovative pasta in the city. An institution. Book before you arrive, or show up at 5 and wait.
Expensive Cal cuisine in a beautiful atmosphere. Special occasion- book ahead. By the same folks at Flour and Water.
82 locals recommend
Central Kitchen
3000 20th StExpensive Cal cuisine in a beautiful atmosphere. Special occasion- book ahead. By the same folks at Flour and Water.
Many reasons- the best cheap drip coffee around, but their espresso is also great. They have a patio, and a nice indoor space to bring your laptop and work. Also great salads and sandwiches.
72 locals recommend
Coffee Bar
1890 Bryant StreetMany reasons- the best cheap drip coffee around, but their espresso is also great. They have a patio, and a nice indoor space to bring your laptop and work. Also great salads and sandwiches.
This is a very cute New California cuisine restaurant- reservations recommended.
59 locals recommend
Heirloom Café
2500 Folsom StThis is a very cute New California cuisine restaurant- reservations recommended.
Schmidt's
2400 Folsom StreetGreat sausages, beer, and flame-kuchen
They don't serve chicken. It's one of those secret gems I'm not supposed to tell you about.
15 locals recommend
Mr. Pollo
2823 Mission StThey don't serve chicken. It's one of those secret gems I'm not supposed to tell you about.
I met my husband here, so I'm biased. It's a soda fountain-turned brunch spot- classic diner food. And if you sit at the counter, you might just meet your soul-mate too :)
138 locals recommend
St. Francis Fountain
2801 24th StI met my husband here, so I'm biased. It's a soda fountain-turned brunch spot- classic diner food. And if you sit at the counter, you might just meet your soul-mate too :)
Everything they make with their homemade masa is delicious- try their gorditas
70 locals recommend
La Palma Mexicatessen
2884 24th StEverything they make with their homemade masa is delicious- try their gorditas
Great pan dulce and other mexican pastries. Sour flour hosts fabulous baking classes in the back- book online
13 locals recommend
La Victoria
3249 24th StreetGreat pan dulce and other mexican pastries. Sour flour hosts fabulous baking classes in the back- book online
Rhea's Deli & Market
800 Valencia StDelicious sandwiches. Try the Buster Posey.
If a mexican combo platter is nostalgic for you, this is the place to go- cheap, delicious, great chips and salsa and margaritas, too.
69 locals recommend
Puerto Alegre
546 Valencia StIf a mexican combo platter is nostalgic for you, this is the place to go- cheap, delicious, great chips and salsa and margaritas, too.
San Jalisco
901 S Van Ness AveChilaquiles, posole, divorciados- come for breakfast/brunch.
Humphry Slocombe
good hipster ice cream
Bi-Rite Creamery
3692 18th StThe original cool kids' ice cream shop- an SF institution
You have to say you went. Pastries, pies, and cakes that will break the bank, but you'll love them anyhow. As close to a Parisian patissiere as you can get in SF.
768 locals recommend
Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero StYou have to say you went. Pastries, pies, and cakes that will break the bank, but you'll love them anyhow. As close to a Parisian patissiere as you can get in SF.
Haters call it Marina Tacos. They are very, very good tacos. They're a bit fancified to be authentic, but still tasty.
360 locals recommend
Tacolicious
741 Valencia StHaters call it Marina Tacos. They are very, very good tacos. They're a bit fancified to be authentic, but still tasty.
This place moved to Valencia and blew up- upscale mexican small bites, great cocktails, nice ambiance. Book ahead if you can.
171 locals recommend
Loló
974 Valencia StThis place moved to Valencia and blew up- upscale mexican small bites, great cocktails, nice ambiance. Book ahead if you can.
This is the nearest location, but try any of them in the city- like a fancy In-n-out burger.
179 locals recommend
Super Duper Burgers
721 Market StThis is the nearest location, but try any of them in the city- like a fancy In-n-out burger.
Aslam's Rasoi
1037 Valencia StThis place is expensive, but really high quality and delicious.
This is a special place- you must book ahead. It's a tasting menu, and very creative, but not for everyone- look it up before booking.
33 locals recommend
Lazy Bear
3416 19th StThis is a special place- you must book ahead. It's a tasting menu, and very creative, but not for everyone- look it up before booking.
Sous Beurre Kitchen
2704 24th StreetEven French people have said it's great.
Californios
355 11th StreetImpossible to get into, upscale Mexican tasting menu.
Mission Beach Cafe
brunch
El Techo
2516 Mission StTry the grilled meats platter. Great cocktails.
Great peruvian chicken, also not a bad place to sit at the bar and watch the Giants or 49ers play.
203 locals recommend
Limón Rotisserie
524 Valencia StGreat peruvian chicken, also not a bad place to sit at the bar and watch the Giants or 49ers play.
Great cocktails, food is consistent, and lots of small bites make it less expensive than you would think, given how cool it looks and how busy it is. Call one hour ahead to put your name on the list.
282 locals recommend
Beretta
1199 Valencia StGreat cocktails, food is consistent, and lots of small bites make it less expensive than you would think, given how cool it looks and how busy it is. Call one hour ahead to put your name on the list.
Great pizza, that you will wait for longer than you thought humanly possible.
598 locals recommend
Pizzeria Delfina
3621 18th StGreat pizza, that you will wait for longer than you thought humanly possible.
Romantic, amazing food, and something of an institution at this point- try to reserve in advance for the patio if you can.
343 locals recommend
Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission StRomantic, amazing food, and something of an institution at this point- try to reserve in advance for the patio if you can.
The Mission's version of a steak house- excellent and quite different from Original Joe's or one of these tony downtown places.
Palace Steak House
3047 Mission StreetThe Mission's version of a steak house- excellent and quite different from Original Joe's or one of these tony downtown places.
It's really more pastries than coffee. Try "the devil inside" if you're feeling adventurous.
137 locals recommend
Craftsman and Wolves
746 Valencia StIt's really more pastries than coffee. Try "the devil inside" if you're feeling adventurous.
Some people swear they have better burritos than El Farolito. They're also open really late if you're over there late-night.
141 locals recommend
Taqueria Cancun
2288 Mission StreetSome people swear they have better burritos than El Farolito. They're also open really late if you're over there late-night.
Walzwerk
381 S Van Ness AveIf you have an East-German hankering, this is the place to go.
Burmese take out that is cheap and delicious. Call your order in, and add ten minutes to whatever time they tell you it will be ready.
75 locals recommend
Yamo
3406 18th StBurmese take out that is cheap and delicious. Call your order in, and add ten minutes to whatever time they tell you it will be ready.
Posole. Posole. Posole. Do not come here when church gets out on Sundays, you will wait.
8 locals recommend
Gallardo's
3248 18th StPosole. Posole. Posole. Do not come here when church gets out on Sundays, you will wait.
Delicious beautifully prepared California cuisine. Upscale, reserve in advance.
42 locals recommend
Commonwealth
2224 Mission StDelicious beautifully prepared California cuisine. Upscale, reserve in advance.
The Front Porch
65 29th StCajun/Creole delicious.
Burma Love
211 Valencia StMore expensive than the original, but just as good (and much closer).
Special meals every time. They cure/dry/smoke/pickle make themselves every element in the dish, from the butter on your bread to the crunchy lavendar flakes in your dessert.
79 locals recommend
Bar Tartine
561 Valencia StreetSpecial meals every time. They cure/dry/smoke/pickle make themselves every element in the dish, from the butter on your bread to the crunchy lavendar flakes in your dessert.
Arizmendi Bakery
1331 9th Avebakery/pizza/macaroons
One of those great little spots that's perfect for a date or a girl's night- sip wine, eat cheese, marvel at their homemade jams and pickles. Order the mongers choice if you're brave.
80 locals recommend
Mission Cheese
736 Valencia StOne of those great little spots that's perfect for a date or a girl's night- sip wine, eat cheese, marvel at their homemade jams and pickles. Order the mongers choice if you're brave.
Locanda
557 Valencia StUpscale Italian. Very cool, but also very good.
Mau
180 Valencia StOne of the few Vietnamese options in the Mission.
Some say it's better than El Farolito or Cancun. Salsa bar. I like their seafood burritos.
107 locals recommend
Pancho Villa Taqueria
3071 16th StSome say it's better than El Farolito or Cancun. Salsa bar. I like their seafood burritos.
Balompié Cafe
3349 18th StPapusas!
Local Mission Eatery
3111 24th StreetFriday night fried chicken
If you want meatloaf, fried chicken, mac and cheese, etc. done well, come here.
156 locals recommend
Blue Plate
3218 Mission StIf you want meatloaf, fried chicken, mac and cheese, etc. done well, come here.
Little Star Pizza
846 Divisadero StGreat pizza, for take out or eat in.
Gracias Madre
2211 Mission StVegan mexican that you will like even if you're not vegan.
Revolution Cafe
3248 22nd StCoffee, wine, live music, very funky crowd
Bar San Pancho
3198 16th StHouse made noodles and dumplings in an 80's themed cool spot.
This is the Mission location; the original in the Tenderloin is 10% better, but if you don't want to go that far, this is still better than almost any other Thai in the Mission
90 locals recommend
Lers Ros
730 Larkin StThis is the Mission location; the original in the Tenderloin is 10% better, but if you don't want to go that far, this is still better than almost any other Thai in the Mission
Dante's Weird Fish
2193 Mission StreetFish
Gajalee
525 Valencia StreetSpicy delicious Indian
It can sometimes be a little off- when it's good, it's amazing inventive Chinese, when it's bad, it's not so tasty- check the last five yelp reviews to see if they changed chefs again.
153 locals recommend
Mission Chinese Food
2234 Mission StIt can sometimes be a little off- when it's good, it's amazing inventive Chinese, when it's bad, it's not so tasty- check the last five yelp reviews to see if they changed chefs again.
Ken Ken Ramen
3378 18th StreetGreat ramen, hip vibe.
Expensive but delicious bbq. Shares space with Magnolia.
62 locals recommend
Smokestack at Magnolia Brewing
2505 3rd StreetExpensive but delicious bbq. Shares space with Magnolia.
Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous
699 22nd StSome of the best ice cream in the city.
Their restaurant does great pizza and salad, their coffee place has delicious coffee and pastries.
162 locals recommend
Piccino
1001 Minnesota StTheir restaurant does great pizza and salad, their coffee place has delicious coffee and pastries.
Just For You Cafe
732 22nd Stbrunch
Their chocolate chip cookies are amazing. Take home some chocolate, too.
152 locals recommend
Dandelion Chocolate
740 Valencia StTheir chocolate chip cookies are amazing. Take home some chocolate, too.
Anthony's Cookies
1417 Valencia Stcookies, cookies, cookies
Live Sushi Bar
2001 17th Stgreat sushi, laid back atmosphere
Crepes, moules et frites, burgers with brie, and Olivier, who runs the place, is worth the trip.
178 locals recommend
Chez maman east
1401 18th StCrepes, moules et frites, burgers with brie, and Olivier, who runs the place, is worth the trip.
Plow
1299 18th Stweekend brunch
Front Cafe
coffee
Essentials
Fancy groceries, some great prepared foods, everything is grown within 70 miles of us.
37 locals recommend
Local Mission Market
2670 Harrison StreetFancy groceries, some great prepared foods, everything is grown within 70 miles of us.
This is a deli/bodega that kind of defies general rules- you can get kefir, fancy bread, toilet paper, a tamale from the tamale lady, fancy olives, fruit, you name it. The closest market to the house.
Delicateses La Plaza
2598 Folsom StThis is a deli/bodega that kind of defies general rules- you can get kefir, fancy bread, toilet paper, a tamale from the tamale lady, fancy olives, fruit, you name it. The closest market to the house.
I don't recommend, but it's the only big mainstream supermarket nearby. Go if you must.
89 locals recommend
Safeway
2300 16th StI don't recommend, but it's the only big mainstream supermarket nearby. Go if you must.
Whole Foods Market
450 Rhode Island StUpscale organic market, good selection, not too crowded.
Shopping
Adobe Books & Arts Cooperative
3130 24th Stbooks, art, comfy chairs
Alley Cat Books
3036 24th Stbooks and art, great space, new and used
Modern Times Bookstore
2919 24th Streetused and new books
Therapy Stores
545 Valencia Stmens and womens clothes
Cary Lane
3153 16th Streetsample sale clothes
Anthem
877 Valencia StTheir home store brand, Sutro, are amazing shoes.
This curiosity shop might not be a bad place for a souvenir... Maybe you need to bring a trilobite home for someone?
133 locals recommend
Paxton Gate
824 Valencia StThis curiosity shop might not be a bad place for a souvenir... Maybe you need to bring a trilobite home for someone?
If you're in need of a fancy custom bike, you can buy it here and they'll ship it pretty much anywhere in the world.
13 locals recommend
Mission Bicycle Company
766 Valencia StIf you're in need of a fancy custom bike, you can buy it here and they'll ship it pretty much anywhere in the world.
Self Edge
569 Valencia StFancy fancy mens jeans, all from Japan, I believe.
Need cheap outdoor gear for the next leg of your trip? Come here.
19 locals recommend
Sports Basement Bryant Street
1590 Bryant StNeed cheap outdoor gear for the next leg of your trip? Come here.
Arts & Culture
The Chapel
777 Valencia StreetCool bar, cool bands. Live music every night.
Mighty
119 Utah Streetlate night dance club
Live music, art performances, theater, very affordable, often Latin... This is one of those special places that only exist in the Mission.
32 locals recommend
Red Poppy Art House
2698 Folsom StLive music, art performances, theater, very affordable, often Latin... This is one of those special places that only exist in the Mission.
Galeria de la Raza
2779 Folsom Streetcool art gallery on 24th
Southern Exposure
3030 20th StMission art gallery
The Marsh
1062 Valencia StGreat local theater, nightly performances
Sightseeing
Precita Eyes Muralists
2981 24th StGo here to get your mural map of the Mission
The people watching on a hot day is pretty spectacular. Bring a book, a picnic, and a blanket.
1244 locals recommend
Mission Dolores Park
19th StreetThe people watching on a hot day is pretty spectacular. Bring a book, a picnic, and a blanket.
Everything Else
Yoga Mayu
1501 20th Stbest yoga studio in walking distance