'''The Avenues''' is a popular nickname for western San Francisco, made up of Golden Gate Park and the neighborhoods of Richmond and the Sunset. It is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the west, Lake Street on the north, Arguello Blvd and Stanyan Street (from Lake to Frederick Street) and 7th Avenue (from Lincoln to around Golden Gate Heights Park, or about Quintara) and 19th Avenue (from Quintara to Sloat) on the east, and Sloat Blvd on the south.
Understand
The '''Richmond''' is a neighborhood bordered on the north by Lincoln Park and the Presidio, Arguello Boulevard on the east, Golden Gate Park on the south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. The Richmond is divided into the eastern '''Inner Richmond''' and western '''Outer Richmond''' by '''CA Highway 1''' (Park Presidio/13th Avenue), which runs north-south.
San Francisco's '''Sunset District''' covers a large, mostly residential area on the west side of San Francisco. It is bordered on the west by Ocean Beach, on the north by Golden Gate Park, on the south by Sloat Boulevard, and on the east by a vague boundary roughly around 7th Avenue. It was built on a grid pattern and the vast majority of the housing in the area was constructed between 1920 and 1950. Sunset is divided into the eastern '''Inner Sunset''' and the western '''Outer Sunset''' by CA Highway 1 (19th Avenue).
The Sunset's majority population is Asian-American, and this increases west of 19th Avenue in the Outer Sunset, where Chinese and Chinese-Americans make up a little bit less then 40% of residents. A sizeable Irish and Irish-American population also exists in the Sunset.
On clear days you will see many locals and tourists watching the sunset at Ocean Beach; still, the name "Sunset" is a bit of a misnomer as the area is often covered in fog due to its proximity to the cold Pacific Ocean. However, whether or not the sun is shining, it is a charming neighborhood to visit.
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Get in
By Muni
Richmond's central east-west artery is '''Geary Boulevard'''. Frequent bus service [http://www.sfmta.com/cms/mhome/home50.htm] from downtown via Union Square is provided by the '''38-Geary''' bus. Even though the district only spans eight blocks from north to south, there are also parallel bus lines '''1-California''', '''2-Clement''', and '''4-Sutter''' north of Geary and lines '''31-Balboa''' and '''5-Fulton''' south of Geary Boulevard.
Much of the Sunset neighborhood is accessible via the '''N-Judah''' and '''L-Taraval''' Muni Metro light rail lines. East-west bus lines through Sunset include the '''23-Monterey''', '''48-Quintara/24th St''', '''66-Quintara''' and '''71-Haight-Noreiga'''.
North-south bus lines which connect Richmond and Sunset through Golden Gate Park include '''18-46th Ave''', '''28-19th Ave''' and '''29-Sunset'''. Additionally, the '''44-O'Shaughnessy''' runs up from Twin Peaks to the southeast and through Golden Gate Park past the de Young Museum, continuing up 6th Avenue into the Richmond neighborhood.
By car
Running north/south through the area and serving as the major traffic artery is '''Highway 1''' (19th Avenue). In Sunset is another major road called '''Sunset Boulevard''', located between 36th and 37th Avenues and running north/south from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard. On the western edge of the district is '''The Great Highway''', which runs north/south along Ocean Beach. '''Geary Street''' is the central east/west artery through Richmond. '''Fulton Street''' runs east-west, marking the northern edge of Golden Gate Park while '''Lincoln Way''' runs east/west along the southern edge of Golden Gate Park. The southern border is marked by '''Sloat Boulevard''' which runs east/west.
See
Grand View Park. urrounded by 14th and 15th Avenues along Noriega Street in the Sunset district. Worth visiting because of the stupendous views it offers over downtown San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, the Pacific Ocean, Marin headlands, and across to the Sutro Tower.
:* <see name="Moraga Street Stairs" alt="" address="on a steep pedestrian only section of Moraga Street between 15th and 16th Avenue" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Stair risers comprise a colorful mosaic added during a 2005 renovation of the stairs. Climb to the top then go left or right to find a way into Grand View Park.</see>
Mountain Lake Park. ocated just north of the intersection of Lake and Funston at the southern end of the Presidio park. ttp://www.fmlp.org. A small hiking trail winds around this scenic lake, noted for its historic importance in that it supplied water to the nearby colonial Spanish settlement of the Presidio. There is also a playground and a tennis court at the southern side of the lake.
Sigmund Stern Grove. long Sloat Boulevard between 19th and 34th Avenues. Home to many concerts and performances during the summer months which are free to the public, including the '''Stern Grove Festival''' [http://www.sterngrove.org/].
Movie Theaters
4 Star Theatre. 200 Clement Street. t 23rd. 1 415 666-3488 . ttp://www.hkinsf.com/4star. Independently-owned theatre showing Hong Kong and alternative world cinema.
Balboa Theater. 630 Balboa Street. t 38th. 1 415 221-8184. ttp://www.balboamovies.com/. Catch a double-feature for $8.50 at this historic independent movie house.
Golden Gate Park
Between Fulton Street on the north, Lincoln Way on the south, Stanyan Street on the east and Ocean Beach on the west [http://www.golden-gate-park.com/]. 5AM-Midnight. Free.
Once an area of sand dunes, Golden Gate Park is a roughly 1/2 mile-by-four mile urban oasis, with windmills, bison, museums, lakes and a carousel hidden among its charms. At 1,017 acres, it is 174 acres larger than New York's Central Park, so unless you have a bike, you'll want to plan which area you want to visit, especially along the east (Stanyan street) to west (the Ocean) axis. During the summer to October, a free shuttle bus circulates. On Sundays and holidays, JFK Drive between Transverse and Kezar is closed to vehicular traffic; this car-free zone is popular with walkers, cyclists, and runners. The number 5 trolleybus runs along the park's north boundary (Fulton Street), and offers the most frequent service across the park and to downtown. The N streetcar runs two blocks south of the park's southern boundary with similar service as the 5 bus.
AIDS Memorial Grove. t the intersection of Bowling Green and Middle Drive East. 1 415 765-0497. ttp://www.aidsmemorial.org. ree.. A national memorial to AIDS victims.
Beach Chalet and Park Chalet. 000 Great Hwy. t John F Kennedy Dr south of Fulton. 1 415 386-8439. ttp://www.beachchalet.com/. A beautiful 1930_fs building, the Beach Chalet is open for lunch, drinks, or dinner overlooking Ocean Beach and its brave surfers. Inside the Park Chalet are some exhibits with artifacts related to the history of the Golden Gate Park and San Francisco.
Buffalo Paddock. long John F Kennedy drive between 36th Avenue and Chain of Lakes Drive. ree. An unusual attraction is this herd of buffalo which have been here for over a century.
California Academy of Sciences. 5 Music Concourse Dr.. 1 415 379-8000. nfo@calacademy.org. ttp://www.calacademy.org. -Sa 9:30AM-5PM; Su 11AM-5PM. 24.95 adults, $19/95 seniors/teens, $14.95 children, free for ages 6 and under. Recently re-opened in September of 2008 after extensive renovations. Contains numerous science exhibits, including a planetarium, an aquarium, and a natural history museum.
Children's Playground. ust off Bowling Green Drive north of MLK Drive. 1 415 831-2700. arousel rides $1.50 adults, $0.50 children.. A large and unique kid's play area. Next door is a historic '''Carousel''', which runs 10AM-4:30PM daily from Memorial Day-Labor Day and Saturdays and Sundays the rest of the year.
Conservatory of Flowers. 00 John F Kennedy Drive. 1 415 666-7001. ttp://www.conservatoryofflowers.org. u-Su 9AM-4:30PM. 5 adults, $3 teens/seniors/students, $1.50 children, free for children 4 and under, free on the first Tuesday of each month. This antique palatial greenhouse, one of the first structures of its kind in the county, is filled with a huge variety of beautiful and exotic plant species.
de Young Museum. 0 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. 1 415 750-3600. ttp://www.famsf.org/deyoung. u-Th, Sa-Su 9:30AM-5:15PM, F 9:30AM-8:45PM. 10 adults, $7 seniors, $6 teens/students, free for children 12 and under. Special exhibits may require extra admission; first Tuesday of each month free. A modern and ethnic art focused museum, with three levels of fascinating exhibits with contemporary and historical pieces from America as well as art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas in a uniquely-designed building with courtyards and sculpture gardens. One corner of the building has a large tower which offers a lovely 360-degree view of the park and surroundings.
Dutch Windmill. ext to the Beach Chalet. ree. Once used for park irrigation in the past, now a scenic oddity at the western end of the park. A lesser-known windmill, the Murphy Windmill, is located at the southwestern corner of the park, but is under restoration. Near the windmills is the lovely '''Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden'''.
Japanese Tea Garden. n Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive just north of MLK Drive. 1 415 752-4227. arch-October daily 8:30AM-6PM, November-February daily 8:30AM-5PM. 5 adults, $1.50 seniors/children. The oldest public Japanese garden in the country, with beautiful plants, ponds, bridges, and Japanese-style structures including a tea house. Tours are available every Wednesday and Sunday at 1PM starting at the main gate.
Rose Garden. etween John F. Kennedy Drive and Park Presidio Drive, just west of the de Young Museum. ree. A wide variety of roses on display.
San Francisco Botanical Gardens. ormerly the Strybing Arboretum. ain entrance on 9th Avenue just north of Lincoln Way, secondary entrance at the Friend Gate at MLK Drive and Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. 1 415 564-3239. ttp://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org. -F 8AM-4:30PM, Sa-Su and Holidays 10AM-5PM. ree. One of the largest botanical gardens on the west coast, the Botanical Gardens cover 55 acres with thousands of varieties of plants from around the world and multiple specialized gardens and miles of trails (seriously, the place is huge). One of the most unique attractions is the Redwood Trail, which runs through a naturalistic redwood forest reminiscent of the ones north of San Francisco along the Californian coast. There is also a bookstore and library on the premises, near the main entrance. Free guided tours of the gardens depart from the bookstore daily at 1:30PM with an extra tour on the weekends at 10:30AM. On Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays another free tour departs from the Friend Gate at 2PM.
Shakespeare Garden. t Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Middle Drive East. ree. With roses and other flowers mentioned in his plays.
Spreckels Lake. n the northern side of the park near 36th Avenue. As the home of the San Francisco Model Yacht Club, one is likely to see model yachts sailing on the lake.
Stow Lake. oathouse: +1 415 752-0347. oat rentals $13-$17 per hour. This pleasant lake surrounding '''Strawberry Hill''', a scenic island with excellent views and great picnic spots, is an excellent place to relax. Boating (several types for rent) is available from a boathouse, which is open daily from 10AM-4PM.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park defines the extreme Northwestern corner of San Francisco. It provides majestic views of the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate Bridge from the Ocean side, and the Pacific Ocean itself. A portion of the '''Coastal Trail''' runs through Lincoln Park from the Cliff House north to the Golden Gate Bridge. The #18 Muni bus goes from the Legion of Honor museum at the center of the park via the Cliff House to Golden Gate Park, while the very frequent #38 Geary buses terminate in between. Drivers will want to take the El Camino del Mar Drive through the small Seacliff area on the northwest side to view some fancy mansions between Lincoln Park and the Presidio.
Legion of Honor Museum. 4th Avenue and El Camino del Mar. 1 415 750-3600. ttp://www.famsf.org/legion. u-Su 9:30AM?5:15PM. 10 adults, $7 seniors, $6 teens, children 12 and under free. Inside this building, a model of the Palais de la Legion d'Honneur in Paris, is an incredible collection of mainly European art, with works of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist periods, with art from some of the fundamental artists of their times, as well as some works from the 20th century from the likes of Picasso. One of the highlights of the collection is a collection of sculptures by Rodin, including ''The Thinker'' at the front entrance.
Cliff House. 090 Point Lobos Avenue. 1 415 386-3330. ttp://www.nps.gov/goga/clho.htm. The Cliff House, a well known landmark at the extreme western end of the park, provides both semi-casual and a more formal eating and drinking place [http://www.cliffhouse.com/]. Next door is the ruins of the '''Sutro Baths''', a former massive public bath house which once held multiple swimming pools. Just off shore is '''Seal Rock''', home to a population of sea lions.
Do
Ocean Beach. long Great Highway between Point Lobos Avenue and Sloat Boulevard. A good place to walk, watch surfers, or just look at the ocean. Do not swim under any circumstances: the beach has an unusual riptide which claims several lives (usually tourists) each year. If you want to ocean swim, head to China Beach. '''Bonfires''' often line Ocean Beach on warmer days. Permits are legally required for bonfires (so be forewarned), but often spur of the moment bonfires happen on weekends. Local grocery stores usually sell cords of wood for this very purpose. Please remember to clean up after yourself, and don't leave any broken glass on the beach!
China Beach. t the end of Sea Cliff Avenue just off El Camino del Mar. A small, secluded beach at the bottom of a steep slope, with beautiful views to the north towards the Golden Gate Bridge. You can swim here, but the water is quite brisk.
Buy
6th Avenue Aquarium. 25 Clement Street. t 6th Ave. 1 415 668-7190. ttp://www.6thaveaquarium.net. -F 11AM-10PM, Sa-Su 10AM-10PM. Small store selling aquarium supplies and fishes, but its small scale beats many public exhibits for fun and colorful fish.
Amazing Fantasy. 50 Irving Street. etween 7th and 8th. 1 415 681-4344. ttp://www.amazingfantasy.com/. A comic book store, owned by a guy named Frank. Friendly staff. They have a small collection of back issues, and will order anything for you by request.
Citi Shoes. 51 Irving Street. etween 8th Ave and 9th Ave. 1 415 665-6112. ttp://www.sanfranciscocityshoes.com. -F 11AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Many styles from sneakers, to dress shoes, to stilettos.
Green Apple Books & Music. 06 Clement Street. t 6th Ave. 1 415 387-2272. ttp://www.greenapplebooks.com. u-Th 10AM-10:30PM, F-Sa 10AM-11:15PM. Renowned independent book and record store dating back to before the Beat Era. Both used and new books.
Kamei Restaurant & Household Supply. 47 Clement Street. t 7th Ave. 1 415 666-3699. aily 9AM-7PM. Huge, affordable selection of kitchen supplies and household items.
Super Tokio. 51 Clement Street. t 4th Ave. 1 415 668-1118. Tiny store packed with Japanese snacks, toys, and other goodies.
Tutti Frutti. 18 Irving Street. etween 8th Ave and 9th Ave. 1 415 661-8504. -Sa 10:30AM-6:30PM, Su 11AM-6PM. A fun shop with great gift items that range from "Worst Case Scenario" guides, to dictators-of-the-world finger puppets, to knitting kits, to Sesame Street T-shirts, to "nerdspeak" flashcards. This store has the kitsch you are looking for. Kind staff will ask you if you need anything.
Eat
A thriving restaurant area is to be found in the Inner Sunset around 9th Avenue and Irving Street. There is also a major Asian shopping district in the Outer Sunset on Irving from 19th to 27th Avenues with restaurants, supermarkets, a Taiwanese bakery, and tapioca drink places. Another small restaurant and shopping district in the Outer Sunset is located along Noreiga Street.
In the Richmond district there is a major Asian shopping district on Clement Street from 2nd to 12th Avenues with restaurants, markets, a number of dim sum (Cantonese snacks, literally `touch-the-heart') vendors, Hong Kong style bakeries, as well as Japanese, Thai, Burmese, and Korean restaurants, and tapioca drink places. Most other ethnic cuisines are represented as well. Not many tourists here.
Budget
ABC Bakery Cafe. 500 Noriega Street. etween 32nd Ave and 33rd Ave. 1 415 681-8800. aily 7AM-3AM. 4-$7. Hong Kong style restaurant and bakery.
Arizmendi Bakery. 331 9th Ave. etween Irving St and Judah St. 1 415 566-3117. ttp://www.arizmendibakery.com. u-F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7:30AM-6PM, Su 7:30AM-5PM. Chocolate things (!!!) and yummy pizza.
Art's Cafe. 47 Irving Street. etween 8th and 9th. 1 415 665-7440. ttp://www.artscafesf.com/. u-F 7AM-3PM, Sa 7AM-4PM, Su 7:30AM-3:30PM. 4-$7. Tiny traditional diner with some Korean specials.
Bashful Bull Too. 600 Taraval Street. t 46th Ave. 1 415 759-8112. 5-$15. Chicken-fried steak with country gravy and American breakfast standards: It's the last full breakfast before the Pacific.
Chabaa Thai Cuisine. 123 Irving Street. etween 22nd Ave and 23rd Ave. 1 415 753-3347. ttps://webpos.wlinformation.com/chabaa-thai-cuisine-san-francisco/. aily 11AM-1AM.
Cheung Hing Chinese Restaurant. 339 Noriega Street. etween 30th Ave and 31st Ave. 1 415 665-3271. 4-$7. Cantonese BBQ classics and the best roast duck in the city.
Gordo's. ttp://www.gordotaqueria.com. aily 10AM-10PM. Cheap, reliable, rapid burritos and tacos.
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="2252 Clement Street" directions="between 23rd and 24th" phone="+1 415 387-4484" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="5450 Geary Boulevard" directions="between 18th and 19th" phone="+1 415 668-8226" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="1239 9th Ave" directions="between Lincoln and Irving near Golden Gate Park" phone="+1 415 566-6011" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
Howard's. 309 9th Ave. etween Irving St and Judah St. 1 415 564-4723. -F 7AM-9PM, Sa 8AM-9PM, Su 8AM-3PM. Awesome breakfasts.
Joe's Ice Cream. 351 Geary Blvd. t 18th Ave. 1 415 751-1950. ttp://www.joesicecream.com/. u, Tu-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM, closed Mondays (grill closes at 9PM). A classic American ice cream parlor with an Asian twist.
Johnny's Hamburgers. 305 Irving Street. etween 24th Ave and 25th Ave. 1 415 681-7666. aily 7AM-10PM. 3-$6.
Khan Toke Thai House. 937 Geary Blvd. etween 23rd and 24th. 1 415 668-6654. An excellent and reasonably priced Thai restaurant with much better ambiance than your average Thai place.
King of Thai Noodle House. Cheap and consistently good.
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="639 Clement Street" directions="between 7th and 8th" phone="+1 415 752-5198" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="346 Clement Street" directions="between 4th and 5th" phone="+1 415 831-9953" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
Le Soleil. 33 Clement Street. etween 3rd and 4th Avenues. 1 415 668-4848. ttp://www.lesoleilusa.com. u-M 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-10:30PM. Gourmet Vietnamese cuisine. Try the soft shell crabs and the appetizer platter - yum!
Ming Tai Wun-Tun Noodle. 455 Noriega Street. etween 31st Ave and 32nd Ave. 1 415 681-0430. Huge shrimp wontons/shui gow/shrimp dumplings.
Pho Hoa Clement. 39 Clement Street. t 4th Ave. 1 415 379-9008. aily 10AM-10PM. Super-cheap Vietnamese pho and sandwiches.
Pho Phu Quoc (PPQ). 816 Irving Street. etween 19th and 20th Ave. 1 415 661-8869. -Sa 10:30AM-11PM, Su 10:30AM-10:30PM. Recently renovated neighborhood favorite. Savory and affordable Vietnamese dishes in a crowded, bustling atmosphere. Excellent rice and noodle dishes.
Pho Quan Ngon. 511 Noriega Street. etween 32nd and 33rd Ave. 1 415 566-3275. Northern Vietnamese.
Polly Ann Ice Cream. 138 Noriega Street. etween 38th Ave and 39th Ave. 1 415 664-2472. Boasts a collection of over FIVE HUNDRED homemade flavors. Fifty-four flavors are available daily.
Sunrise Deli and Cafe. 115 Irving Street. etween 22nd Ave and 23rd Ave. 1 415 664-8210. ttp://www.sunrisedeli.net/. -Sa 9AM-7PM, Su 10AM-5PM. 6-$10. Awesome falafel.
Sweet Delite. 19 Clement Street. t 6th Ave. 1 415 386-8222. Excellent tapioca drinks and a large selection of Asian sweets.
Taiwan Restaurant. 45 Clement Street. t 6th Ave. 1 415 387-1789. heap. Famous for their dumplings.
Tasty Curry. 375 9th Ave. etween Irving St and Judah St. 1 415 753-5122. ttp://www.tastycurrysf.com/. u-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Sa 11AM-midnight. 5-$10. Cheap, divey, tasty, and Halal. Delicious Indian/Pakistani food that will fill you up and not break the bank. The decor is... interesting. Both the food and personable waiters are an improvement over the staid Naan 'n' Curry. No reservations are necessary. Gumball machines provided.
Toasties. 36 Irving Street. etween 9th and 10th Ave. 1 415 682-9980. ttp://www.toastiesubs.com/. aily 10AM-8PM. Best Crab Melt in SF. Also try the Turkey/Avocado Sandwich. Crispy Garlic Fries and homemade Clam Chowder.
Toy Boat Dessert Cafe. 01 Clement Street. t 5th. 1 415 751-7505. -Th 7:30AM-11PM, F-Sa 8:30AM-12AM, Su 8:30AM-11PM. Filled with vintage toys and a lively atmosphere, this fun restaurant serves ice cream, cakes, tortes, muffins and more. You can grab a breakfast or lunch there, but really just come for the treats.
Underdog. 634 Irving Street. etween 17th Ave and 18th Ave. 1 415 665-8881. aily 11:30AM-9PM. Great menu with several varieties of both meat- and veggie-based hot dogs, with an emphasis on local, organic ingredients. Super-friendly staff and a great atmosphere. In a very tiny space, with only a couple tables.
Mid-range
Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant. 000 Great Highway. n the western side of Golden Gate Park south of Fulton Street. 1 415 386-8439. ttp://www.beachchalet.com. u-Th 9AM-10PM, F-Sa 9AM-11PM. Brewery and restaurant featuring live music, American bistro cuisine, hand crafted ales, and a panoramic view of the ocean.
Burma Superstar. 09 Clement Street. t 4th Ave. 1 415 387-2147. ttp://www.burmasuperstar.com. u-Th 11AM-3:30PM, 5PM-9:30PM, F-Sa 11AM-3:30PM, 5PM-10PM. Outstanding Burmese restaurant that draws people from all over the city. Get there early; it will be crowded.
Cafe Gratitude. 336 9th Ave. etween Irving St and Judah St. 1 415 683-1346. ttp://www.cafegratitude.com. aily 10AM-10PM. A delicious raw vegan restaurant with a wide selection of incredible desserts.
Clement Street Bar & Grill. 08 Clement Street. t 8th Ave. 1 415 386-2200. u-Th 4:30PM-9:30PM, F-Sa 4:30PM-10PM, Su 10AM-3PM, 4:30PM-9PM. 8-$25. Traditional American food in a casual environment. A popular spot for weekend brunch.
Crepevine. 24 Irving Street. etween 9th Ave and 10th Ave. 1 415 681-5858. ttp://www.crepevine.com/. -Sa 7:30AM-11PM, Su 7:30AM-10PM. A laid back California-style eatery with a largely Brazilian staff. Scrambles, omelettes, sandwiches, soups, and, of course, crepes, fill the chalkboard menu. The chicken vegetable soup is a favorite. Free refills on coffee. No reservations necessary.
Ebisu. 283 9th Ave. etween Irving St and Lincoln Way. 1 415 566-1770. ttp://www.ebisusushi.com. -Th 11:30AM-2PM, 5PM-10PM, F 11:30AM-2PM, 5PM-11PM, Sa 11:30AM-11PM. 10-$16. Often cited as the best sushi on the West Coast of the United States.
Giorgio's Pizza and Italian Dining. 51 Clement Street. t 3rd. 1 415 668-1266. ttp://www.giorgiospizza.com/. -Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9PM. Fun Family style pizza and italian restaurant. Great authentic Italian pizza and pasta dishes in a warm and cozy environment. Can get busy during peak dinner hours, also has pizza by the slice for fast take-out.
Golden Gate Pizza. 388 46th Ave. t Judah St. 1 415 564-5514. ttp://goldengateindian.com. aily 11:30AM-11PM. Italian and Indian favorites, delivery available.
Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant. 578 Noriega Street. etween 32nd Ave and 33rd Ave. 1 415 665-8338. 6-$16. Sit-down dim sum.
Mandalay Restaurant. 348 California Street. t 6th Ave one block north of Clement. 1 415 386-3895. ttp://www.mandalaysf.com. -Th 11:30AM-9:30PM (closed 3:30PM-5PM), F 11:30AM-10PM (closed 3:30PM-5PM), Sa-Su 11:30AM-10PM. 9-$12. Burmese/Chinese, a friendly, local favorite.
Marnee Thai. ttp://www.marneethaisf.com/. aily 11:30AM-10PM. $6-$12
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="1243 9th Avenue" directions="between Irving St and Lincoln Way" phone="+1 415 731-9999" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="2225 Irving Street" directions="between 23rd Ave and 24th Ave" phone="+1 415 665-9500" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
Miyoshi Sushi & Grill. 14 Clement Street. t 10th. 1 415 668-1638. Although the name has changed over the years, the quality of the food hasn't. This humble family owned establishment serves up some of the best and cheapest sushi and Japanese food! It is a MUST stop for those staying in the Richmond area.
New Eritrea. 07 Irving Street. etween 9th Ave and 10th Ave. 1 415 681-1288. ttp://www.neweritrearestaurant.blogspot.com/. u-Th 5PM-10:30PM, F-Sa 5PM-11PM, Su 5PM-10PM. 7-$10. Huge platters of Eritrean (Ethiopian) food are served up here, along with native beers and lots of Injera bread. Portions are not for the timid. The staff is very friendly. Don't miss the sauteed mushrooms.
Nizario's Pizza. 840 Geary Blvd. t 3rd Ave. 1 415 752-7777. ttp://www.nizarios.com. a-Th 11AM-2AM, F 3PM-2AM. Pizza by the slice.
Park Chow. 240 9th Ave. etween Irving St and Lincoln Way. 1 415 665-9912. ttp://www.chowrestaurant.com. u-Th 8AM-10PM, F-Sa 8AM-11PM. Eclectic menu, all delicious; busy on any given night. Whether in the mood for a hamburger, thai noodles, or a portobello sandwich, this place has it, which is good for when friends cannot decide on what to eat. Heated outdoor seating when it's not raining. Bar seating also. Has a sister restaurant in the Castro District.
Pho Tudo. 000 Clement Street. t 11th Avenue. 1 415 221-7111. ttp://www.photudo.com. Completely remodeled - Vietnamese restaurant with some of the best pho that you'll find in SF. Huge portions. Bizarre state of the art toilet in the ladies room.
Q. 25 Clement Street. t 3rd Ave. 1 415 752-2298. ttp://www.qrestaurant.com. -F 11AM-3PM, 5-11PM, Sa 10AM-11PM, Su 10AM-10PM. Modern American comfort food. Good wine list and several local beers on tap. A fun place to eat and almost always busy.
RoHan Lounge. 809 Geary Blvd. t 2nd Ave. 1 415 221-5095. -Th 6AM-12AM, F-Sa 6AM-2AM, Su 6PM-11PM. Cozy lounge featuring soju, a traditional Korean liquor distilled from rice, barley and sweet potato.
S&E Cafe. 406 19th Ave. etween Taraval St and Ulloa St. 1 415 665-7868. aily 11:00AM-2AM. 7-14 for complete dinners; $3-7 apps and other dishes; $2-4 for beverages. Midwestern American food as seen through Hong Kong eyes: complete meals include soup, roll, coffee or HK milk tea, entree, rice or spaghetti, Jello or Chinese bean soup dessert. Extensive list of unusual beverages from Ovaltine to Ginger Coke to green tea milk shakes; Chinese food available after 10PM only. Coffee shop ambiance with TVs at low volume usually tuned to a Chinese station.
San Tung. 031 Irving Street. etween 11th Ave and 12th Ave. 1 415 242-0828. h-Tu 11AM-9:30PM. Lines form down the block to eat at this dumpling house.
Schubert's Bakery. 21 Clement Street. t 7th Ave. 1 415 752-1580. ttp://www.schubertsbakery.com. -Sa 7AM-6PM, Su 9AM-5PM. Cakes, pastries, cookies, and more; first opened in 1911 by a German immigrant.
Spices!. 94 Clement Street. t 8th Ave. 1 415 752-8884. aily 11AM-9:45PM. One of the best and most popular Chinese restaurants in the neighborhood. Try one of the many varieties of "stinky tofu", a popular street food in Taiwan. The name identifies the dominant flavor.
Tay Giang Restaurant. 543 Noriega Street. etween 32nd Ave and 33rd Ave. 1 415 682-8886. 5-$15. A great Vietnamese restaurant with an extensive menu.
Ton Kiang. 821 Geary Blvd. t 22nd Ave. 1 415 752-4440. ttp://www.tonkiang.net. -Th 10AM-9PM, F 10AM-9:30PM, Sa 9:30AM-9:30PM, Su 9AM-9PM. 10-$24. Arguably the best dim sum outside of Chinatown, this restaurant serves moderately priced Hakka cuisine, but make sure to go there between the hours of 10AM and 4PM where they serve a traditional dim sum with servers that walk around and proffer dishes and tea. Make sure to come early on the weekends, as many locals and tourists line up to have a dim sum lunch.
Troya. 49 Clement Street. t 5th Ave. 1 415 379-6000. ttp://www.troyasf.com. -Th 5PM-9:30PM, F-Sa Noon-10PM, Su Noon-9PM. Turkish/Mediterranean cafe with occasional live music and some outdoor seating.
Yum Yum Fish. 181 Irving Street. etween 22nd Ave and 23rd Ave. 1 415 566-8433. ttp://www.yumyumfishsushi.com/. aily 10:30AM-7:30PM. Eat high-quality sushi for low prices in this eclectic combination French fish market/Japanese sushi bar. The atmosphere isn't much, but the fish is definitely yummy and plentiful.
Splurge
Aziza. 800 Geary Blvd. t 22nd Ave. 1 415 752-2222. ttp://www.aziza-sf.com. -M 5:30PM-10:30PM. 15-$25. Unique Moroccan cuisine made with local organic ingredients. Reservations recommended.
Chapeau!. 408 Clement Street. t 15th Ave. 1 415 750-9787. ttp://bistrochapeau.ypguides.net. u-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-10:30PM, Su 5PM-10PM. 15-$33. Classic French bistro offering prix fixe dinners. Small, intimate dining room. Reservation usually needed.
Clementine. 26 Clement Street. t 3rd Ave. 1 415 387-0408. -Th 5:30PM-10PM, F-Sa 5:30PM-10:30PM. Traditional French cuisine in an elegant, romantic environment. $20-$28.
Cliff House. 090 Point Lobos. 1 415 386-3330. ttp://www.cliffhouse.com. aily 11:30AM-3:30PM, 5PM-9:30PM (bistro open daily 9AM-9:30PM). 20-$40 (bistro: $15-$28). At the far end of the Outer Richmond, overlooking the ocean, with a great restaurant (Sutro's) and a more informal bistro. Ideal to watch a sunset or a fogbank over the Pacific Ocean. Reservations strongly recommended for Sutro's.
Thanh Long. 101 Judah Street. etween 46th Ave and 47th Ave. 1 415 665-1146. ttp://www.anfamily.com/Restaurants/thanhlong_restaurant/displaypages/homepage.html. u, Tu-Th 4:30PM-10PM, F-Sa 4:30PM-11PM. 10-$25. Vietnamese restaurant featuring roasted crab. Dinner only.
Food Markets
4th and Geary Farmer's Market. 931 Geary Blvd. t 4th. 1 415 831-1067. Inexpensive fresh fruits and vegetables, and a decent selection of your basic grocery needs which might not be covered as well by the local Asian groceries. Only takes cash and check.
New May Wah Supermarket. 07-719 Clement Street. t 8th. 1 415 221-9826. aily 7:30AM-7:30PM. Huge (compared to others in the area) authentic Chinese supermarket. They have just about everything.
Safeway. A large chain grocery store with a decent selection. The one on Noriega Street has a parking lot on top. The one on La Playa Street is one of the largest Safeway stores in San Francisco proper -- Don't go there on a Sunday evening, as they only get deliveries on weekdays, and often the beach crowds will deplete inventory until restocking on Monday morning. A nice tip is to get to Ocean Beach, and get a picnic of your choice at the Safeway, then go enjoy it at the beach.
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="735 7th Avenue" directions="between Cabrillo and Fulton" phone="+1 415 752-4073" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="2350 Noriega Street" directions="between 30th Ave and 31st Ave" phone="+1 415 665-4565" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="850 La Playa Street" directions="right by Ocean Beach" phone="+1 415 387-4664" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
:* <eat name="" alt="" address="730 Taraval Street" directions="between 18th Ave and 17th Ave" phone="+1 415 665-4136" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></eat>
Village Market. 555 California Street. t 8th. 1 415 221-0445. Small, inviting food market featuring organic produce, wine, beer, and coffee to-go.
Drink
Bars
540 Club. 40 Clement Street. t 7th Ave. 1 415 752-7276. ttp://www.540-club.com. aily 10AM-2AM. Friendly bar with cool art, above-average beer selection, free wi-fi, and a great Sunday trivia night.
The Bitter End. 41 Clement Street. t 6th Ave. 1 415 221-9538. ttp://www.travelnotes.org/BitterEnd. -F 3PM-2AM, Sa-Su 10AM-2AM. Two-level Irish bar with billiards, darts, pub food, and Tuesday night trivia.
Durty Nelly's. 328 Irving Street. etween 24th Ave and 25th Ave. 1 415 664-2555. aily 11AM-2AM. One of the last authentic Irish pubs in the city, from the fantastic bar food to the Irish laborers that drink there every night.
Eagle's Drift In Lounge. 232 Noriega Street. etween 19th Ave and 20th Ave. 1 415 661-0166. A real dive bar. Stiff drinks, dartboards, and one pool table.
The Little Shamrock. 07 Lincoln Way. etween 9th Ave and 10th Ave. 1 415 661-0060. -Th 3PM-2AM, F 2PM-2AM, Sa-Su 1PM-2AM. The oldest Irish pub in San Francisco. Here you will find free popcorn for patrons, a few TVs tuned into all manner of sports, eclectic but cozy furniture, a shelf full of games at the back, and a fireplace. With very kind bartenders (and regulars), the Little Shamrock feels like a safe cozy den on any weeknight.
Pizza Orgasmica & Brewing Company. 23 Clement St. 1 415 386-6000. ttp://www.pizzaorgasmica.com/. u-W 11AM-Midnight, Th 11AM-1AM, F-Sa 11AM-2AM. Popular microbrewery serving California-style pizza.
The Plough & Stars. 16 Clement Street. t 2nd Ave. 1 415 751-1122. ttp://www.theploughandstars.com. -Th 3PM-2AM, F-Sa 2PM-2AM. One of the best Irish bars in San Francisco. Traditional live music almost every night.
Tommy's Mexican Restaurant. 929 Geary Blvd. t 23rd Ave. 1 415 387-4747. ttp://www.tommystequila.com. -M Noon-11PM. Self-proclaimed "Premier Tequila Bar on Earth". A must-visit for tequila and margarita enthusiasts. Arrive early to avoid the (drunken) crowd.
Trad'r Sam. 150 Geary Blvd. t 26th Ave. 1 415 221-0773. Popular tiki bar featuring specialty blender drinks. Gets loud and crowded on weekends.
Yancy's Saloon. 34 Irving Street. etween 8th Ave and 9th Ave. 1 415 665-6551. Lots of seating (wooden tables & chairs), with darts at the back, and also several large screen TVs. They have a nice happy hour (which many grad students from UCSF take advantage of).
Coffee
Blue Danube. 06 Clement Street. t 4th Ave. 1 415 221-9041. -Th, Su 7AM-10PM, F-Sa 7AM-11PM. Small coffee shop with good sandwiches and a few sidewalk tables. Computers and paid wi-fi available. Cash only.
Henry's House of Coffee. 618 Noriega Street. etween 23rd Ave and 24th Ave. 1 415 681-9363. ttp://www.coffeesf.com. A good local coffee shop.
Java Beach Cafe. 396 La Playa Street. t Judah St. 1 415 665-5282. ttp://www.javabeachcafe.com. -F 5:30AM-10PM, Sa-Su 6AM-10PM. Offers coffee, beer and wine, pastries, sandwiches, and the like. Outdoor seating, as well as tables, chairs and couches inside. You will find both locals and tourists filling the chairs on any given night.
Java Source. 43 Clement Street. t 5th Ave. 1 415 387-8025. Excellent coffee. Large front patio is usually buzzing with locals playing games and drinking coffee, and smoking. Sometimes is open until 1AM.
Royal Ground Coffee. Local chain serving good coffee and sandwiches.
:* <drink name="" alt="" address="5301 Geary Blvd" directions="at 17th Ave" phone="+1 415 751-5282" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></drink>
:* <drink name="" alt="" address="2342 Clement Street" directions="between 24th and 25th" phone="+1 415 387-5282" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></drink>
Sea Biscuit Cafe. 815 Noriega Street. etween 45th and 46th Ave. 1 415 661-3784. -Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 7AM-8PM. Coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. Pitchers of beer for $11.
Simple Pleasures. 434 Balboa Street. t 36th Ave. 1 415 387-4022. Small, crowded cafe with very rich coffee and decent snacks, but the reason to go here are the plethora of San Francisco locals who come to hang out and chat. It's a great place to strike up a conversation with someone who you just met, and on weekend evenings they have free live jazz to boot, call them for dates/times.
Zephyr Cafe. 643 Balboa Street. etween 37th Ave & 38th Ave. 1 415 221-6063. Quiet cafe that skimps a bit on the food and coffee, but has a great atmosphere if you're looking for a nice hideaway to study, do work, or people watch. It's right across the street from the Balboa Theater.
Sleep
The Moffatt House. 401 7th Ave. t Judah. 1 415 661-6210. nnkeeper@moffatthouse.com. ttp://www.moffatthouse.com. 73+. Reasonably inexpensive B&B lodging.
Great Highway Inn. 234 Great Highway. ight next to Ocean Beach and the N-Judah line. 1 415 731-6644. reathwy@pacbell.net. ttp://www.greathwy.com. 125-$155.
Geary Parkway Motel. 750 Geary Blvd. t 12th Ave. 1 415 752-4406. This former dive has been completely remodeled with clean rooms, nice televisions, microwaves, blowdryers, irons, and mini fridges. Reasonable prices, safe and neat - the owners have put a lot of effort into making this motel quiet and nice.
Seal Rock Inn. 45 Point Lobos Avenue. etween 47th and 48th. 1 415 752-8000. ttp://www.sealrockinn.com/. PM. 1AM. Front Desk hours: 7:30AM-11PM. 114-$152 Summer, $99-$137 Winter. 1 415 752-6034. Nestled at the westernmost edge of the city overlooking The Cliff House and The Sutro Baths' ruins, this hotel has a small pool, volleyball court, and restaurant. You're a bit out of the way from downtown (about a 30 minute drive/bus), but a great location for someone who enjoys San Francisco's nature, or who will be heading to Marin or down to the peninsula, as you are on the other side of most of the clogged commuting routes.
Contact
<listing name="San Francisco Public Library - Sunset Branch" alt="" address="1305 18th Avenue" directions="at Irving" phone="+1 415 355-2808" url="http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/" hours="Su 1-5, M 1-9, Tu 10-9, W 10-9, Th 10-6, F 1-6, Sa 10-6" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""></listing>
<listing name="San Francisco Public Library - Richmond Branch" alt="" directions="between Clement and Geary" address="351 9th Avenue" phone="+1 415 355-5600" email="" fax="" url="http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/" hours="Temporariliy Closed" price=""> </listing>
<listing name="San Francisco Public Library - Anza Branch" alt="" directions="between Geary and Anza" address="550 37th Avenue" phone="+1 415 355-5717" email="" fax="" url="http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/" hours="Su 1-5, M 10-6, Tu 10-9, W 10-9, Th 10-6, F 1-6, Sa 10-6" price=""> </listing>
<listing name="San Francisco Public Library - Ortega Branch" alt="" directions="at 39th" address="3223 Ortega St." phone="+1 415 355-5700" email="" fax="" url="http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/" hours="Su 1-5, M 10-6, Tu 10-6, W 1-9, Th 1-9, F 1-6, Sa 10-6" price=""> </listing>
<listing name="San Francisco Public Library - Parkside Branch" alt="" directions="at 22nd" address="1200 Taraval St." phone="+1 415 355-5770" email="" fax="" url="http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/" hours="Temporariliy Closed" price=""> </listing>