Guidebook for San Francisco
Food Scene
One of the best Dim Sum places in town, a few blocks from our home. Arrive by late morning. The pea shoot shrimp dumplings are HEAVEN! They also serve delicious Sichuan meals.
88 moradores locais recomendam
Mama Ji's
4416 18th StOne of the best Dim Sum places in town, a few blocks from our home. Arrive by late morning. The pea shoot shrimp dumplings are HEAVEN! They also serve delicious Sichuan meals.
This local favorite has something for everyone, build your own salads, healthy homey dinners, plenty of room. When our kitchen was being remodeled we were regulars here and the entire family was always happy.
11 moradores locais recomendam
Firewood Cafe
4248 18th StThis local favorite has something for everyone, build your own salads, healthy homey dinners, plenty of room. When our kitchen was being remodeled we were regulars here and the entire family was always happy.
We hit up our neighborhood sushi spot a few times a month. SO good, fresh, and friendly. Ask the chef for the sushi specials, and start off with the shishito peppers!
23 moradores locais recomendam
Takara Sushi
4243 18th StWe hit up our neighborhood sushi spot a few times a month. SO good, fresh, and friendly. Ask the chef for the sushi specials, and start off with the shishito peppers!
Slurp Noodle Bar
469 Castro StPan-Asian noodle house on Castro street. Because who doesn't love noodles?
I would argue that these are the best croissants in town. And the coffee is also amazing.
12 moradores locais recomendam
Hearth
3985 17th StI would argue that these are the best croissants in town. And the coffee is also amazing.
There are tons of amazing coffee shops inout neighborhood, but this is where the locals go. We also buy our coffee beans here. Try 'Lauren's blend. '
29 moradores locais recomendam
Spike's Coffees and Teas
4117 19th StThere are tons of amazing coffee shops inout neighborhood, but this is where the locals go. We also buy our coffee beans here. Try 'Lauren's blend. '
Philz is renowned for very special flavored drip coffee. They make it one cup at a time to your specifications, so be prepared to chill a few minutes. If you have the time it is well worth it. My favorite is 'silken splendor', as sexy as it sounds. It is a bit more expensive, but like all places you get a discount if you bring your own cup.
913 moradores locais recomendam
Philz Coffee
3101 24th StPhilz is renowned for very special flavored drip coffee. They make it one cup at a time to your specifications, so be prepared to chill a few minutes. If you have the time it is well worth it. My favorite is 'silken splendor', as sexy as it sounds. It is a bit more expensive, but like all places you get a discount if you bring your own cup.
Drinks & Nightlife
After work on Thursday or Friday I often meet friends at Blush for a glass or two. It is very comfortable, lovely knowledgeable staff, and you can have a conversation without yelling. Live jazz Thursdays.
27 moradores locais recomendam
Blush! Wine Bar
476 Castro StAfter work on Thursday or Friday I often meet friends at Blush for a glass or two. It is very comfortable, lovely knowledgeable staff, and you can have a conversation without yelling. Live jazz Thursdays.
The rev is an iconic european style cafe in the Mission. Great music every night, and just a cool local vibe.
80 moradores locais recomendam
Revolution Cafe
3248 22nd StThe rev is an iconic european style cafe in the Mission. Great music every night, and just a cool local vibe.
Twin Peaks was the first openly gay bar in San Francisco. They literally tore the cardboard off the windows so people could see in and out, at great risk. We often stop in to this distinguished bar for a martini before heading downtown on the train to catch a show.
32 moradores locais recomendam
Twin Peaks Tavern
401 Castro StTwin Peaks was the first openly gay bar in San Francisco. They literally tore the cardboard off the windows so people could see in and out, at great risk. We often stop in to this distinguished bar for a martini before heading downtown on the train to catch a show.
Entertainment & Activities
Don't miss this beautiful theater! The historic Castro theater begins each show with a pipe organist performing music related to the movie. Most weekends they have sing-a-longs, complete with costume contests. Generally the matinee features kids in dress up, and the later show features more adult dressing up. My teen once won for their Wizard of Oz wicked witch cosplay!
332 moradores locais recomendam
Castro Theatre
429 Castro StDon't miss this beautiful theater! The historic Castro theater begins each show with a pipe organist performing music related to the movie. Most weekends they have sing-a-longs, complete with costume contests. Generally the matinee features kids in dress up, and the later show features more adult dressing up. My teen once won for their Wizard of Oz wicked witch cosplay!
Essentials
Mollie's is only a few blocks away. We love them because they specialize in local and organic products, but also have other essentials you might need, like pop tarts. If you walk there they will drive you home in their van for free.
277 moradores locais recomendam
Mollie Stone's Markets
2435 California StMollie's is only a few blocks away. We love them because they specialize in local and organic products, but also have other essentials you might need, like pop tarts. If you walk there they will drive you home in their van for free.
Cliffs is our neighborhood EVERYTHING store. While it is originally a hardware store, it is rally more like a traditional mercantile sure with a bit of everything, including toys, art supplies, costumes, kitchen supplies, everything! It also has some of the the best Castro/gay pride souvenirs.
69 moradores locais recomendam
Cliff's Variety
479 Castro StCliffs is our neighborhood EVERYTHING store. While it is originally a hardware store, it is rally more like a traditional mercantile sure with a bit of everything, including toys, art supplies, costumes, kitchen supplies, everything! It also has some of the the best Castro/gay pride souvenirs.
United States Postal Service
2111 Lane StBig Cleaners
4359 18th StreetA few blocks away, great neighborhood business.
Getting Around
Ford GoBike Station (It is officially called the Eureka Valley Recreation Center Station)
This is a super convenient bake sharing system - ten dollars for a day pass!
Bay Wheels
Ford GoBike Station (It is officially called the Eureka Valley Recreation Center Station)
This is a super convenient bake sharing system - ten dollars for a day pass!
The Castro Muni station at Market street is where you can catch the underground to zoom you downtown in about ten minutes. You grab a bus to anywhere. You can also travel down above ground in refurbished vintage street cars from around the world called the F-line. SUPER COOL!
76 moradores locais recomendam
Castro Station
The Castro Muni station at Market street is where you can catch the underground to zoom you downtown in about ten minutes. You grab a bus to anywhere. You can also travel down above ground in refurbished vintage street cars from around the world called the F-line. SUPER COOL!
Parks & Nature
This is some of the best people watching, best picnic grounds, best playground if you have any littles. You just don't want to miss it. The beautiful Mission Dolores next to the park is a public high school (Where my son attends!).
107 moradores locais recomendam
Helen Diller Playground
This is some of the best people watching, best picnic grounds, best playground if you have any littles. You just don't want to miss it. The beautiful Mission Dolores next to the park is a public high school (Where my son attends!).
This is some of the best people watching, best picnic grounds, best playground if you have any littles. You just don't want to miss it. The beautiful Mission Dolores next to the park is a public high school (Where my son attends!).
1244 moradores locais recomendam
Parque Mission Dolores
19th StreetThis is some of the best people watching, best picnic grounds, best playground if you have any littles. You just don't want to miss it. The beautiful Mission Dolores next to the park is a public high school (Where my son attends!).