Thrillest Article SF Neighborhoods

10/15/2015
Bayview
Bayview-Hunters Point isnt the most popular neighborhood in SF, thanks to the fact that its
isolated, has pollution problems, and is identified as one of the Bay Areas extreme poverty
neighborhoods. Still, like all of San Francisco, its being gentrified. How this will change the
neighborhood remains to be seen.
Who lives here: Bayview was once considered a historic African American district, and while it
still has the highest percentage of African Americans among SF neighborhoods, that number is
declining.
Median one-bedroom rent: $2,100/month
Bar and restaurant scene: Frisco Fried is one of the best places to get legit fried chicken in the
city. And Smokin Warehouse Barbecue also lives up to its name. CDXX is where youll go for
California cuisine and microbrews.
Public transit situation: The T Third St light rail needs to be your best friend.
Quote from a resident: I think there's a lot of activity and growth happening in Bayview, but
when I moved here, I also bought a car because I knew nobody would come out to visit me. @burr86
10/15/2015
Bernal Heights
The people who live in Bernal love it for its small-town vibe, but theyre lying if they try to
convince you its not kinda out of the way.
Who lives here: Bernal attracts couples/families, first-time homeowners, dog owners, artists,
and is also popular with the lesbian community.
Bar and restaurant scene: Cortland Ave is the main drag in Bernal and is home to Precita Park
Caf (work there in the morning; come back at night for a great dinner), Holy Water (a
neighborhood bar with great cocktails), and Wild Side West, a lesbian bar with one of the best
back patio gardens in SF. Youll have to walk down the hill towards the Mission to get to Front
Porch, but you can burn off the fried chicken (some of the best in town) on the walk home.
Public transit situation: The 24-Divisadero and 67-Bernal Heights will both get you started on
your journey, though youre probably going to have to transfer at some point.
Quote from a resident: I would say it's awesome because you're so close to one of the best
spots for great views of the city (Bernal Hill), it has a super-neighborly vibe, people really take
pride in the neighborhood, and it's not pretentious; it's close enough to the Mission that it's
fairly easy to go out to all your favorite spots from when you used to live there. It's great for
families, relatively quiet, laid-back, clean, and sunny (which I think most people don't realize!).
The downside is the giant hill on Cortland that you have to walk up to get there. - Ali B.
10/15/2015
The Castro
The Castro is known for being a gay mecca, which means its also a tourist attraction, but if
youre off the main strip, its also a great, even quiet, place to call home.
Who lives here: A lot of people in the LGBT community; families
Bar and restaurant scene: Well, Ikes is there, so if youre in the mood for a sandwich youre set.
Castros food scene has only been getting better in recent years. Get pizza on the patio at
Starbelly, wait months for a reservation at Frances, or enjoy a late dinner at Bisou, which serves
French fare. There are so many bars to choose from, but you cant go wrong with the
wraparound balcony at the Lookout or catching a game at Hi Tops, SFs first gay sports bar.
Public transit situation: So many options -- the F streetcar (its historic!), the K, L, and M metro
lines, and the 33, 35, 37, and 24.
Quote from a resident: Views are amazing! Your neighbors will all be rich gay men! You will
never really see any bums! It's super quiet, which is great, but you can't really walk anywhere.
Public transportation is not amazing, so expect to Uber or drive everywhere. - Jessica R.
10/15/2015
Chinatown
There is no neighborhood in San Francisco where the line between local and tourist is more
solidly drawn.
Who lives here: Chinatown has the largest Chinese population outside of Asia. It also has 15,000
people living in 20 square blocks which makes it the most densely populated urban area west of
Manhattan.
Bar and restaurant scene: Theres tons of amazing authentic Chinese food and dim sum.
Empress of China and Dol Ho are both excellent choices. At night, Li Po Lounge and its famous
Chinese Mai Tais are the way to go, though Buddha Lounge is also a safe bet if dive bars are
your thing.
Public transit situation: The 1-California, 10-Townsend, 12-Folsom/Pacific, 30-Stockton, and 41Union will all get you a little closer to where youre going.
Quote from a resident: The crowds of both locals and tourists can be frustrating, but I like
living close to Downtown, even if it means someone pushes me on the street any time I go
outside. I also eat more dim sum than any one person probably should. - Maya P.
10/15/2015
Cole Valley
Cole Valley is a little village with shops, bars, and restaurants. If you dont want to leave, you
almost never have to. And its close to Golden Gate Park.
Who lives here: Families with babies and dogs
Bar and restaurant scene: Zazie is a brunch go-to even for people not in Cole Valley; Say Cheese
offers tasty sandwiches; and Padrecito serves up fancy Mexican food and legit cocktails. The
bartenders at Finnegans Wake arent afraid of a strong drink and it has an outside area with a
ping-pong table. InoVino is a great choice for a glass of wine and a first date. And the Ice Cream
Bar has boozy milkshakes. See? You never have to leave!
Public transit situation: The N-Judah is your best bet, but the 43-Masonic, 37-Corbett, and 6Parnassus are also right there.
Quote from a resident: I love Cole Valley because its central to everything and has pretty
much everything I could need, including good Mexican and French food, sushi, and a shop
dedicated to cheese. Plus, it feels like a real community, which is something my dog and I really
appreciate. - @daisy
10/15/2015
Cow Hollow
Its like the Marinas big sister with lots of good restaurants and plenty of gyms to work off the
calories after.
Who lives here: Young urban professionals; families with children
Bar and restaurant scene: Union and Fillmore Sts are home to tons of great restaurants and
bars including Atelier Crenn, Belga, Umami, Terzo, and Balboa Caf. The bar scene skews a little
younger, but the Bus Stop is a great place to watch sports, Ottimista is perfect for an after-work
drink, and Black Horse London Pub is probably the most intimate (partially because it's the
smallest) bar in the city.
Public transit situation: Theres no train, but the 30, 45, 41, 49, 3, and 43 are all right there.
Quote from a resident: If you don't mind dodging the endless stream of yoga pants and
double-wide strollers, Cow Hollow is a great area to live. Old-school gems like the Brazenhead,
Perry's, and Black Horse seem like they were plucked right out of Maupin's San Francisco. And if
you need a respite, Allyne Park is a hidden oasis away from the madness of Union St. - @tvham
10/15/2015
Duboce Triangle
Go there for the dogs in the park; stay for the centrality. But be wary of the crime cause its
been getting worse recently.
Who lives here: Families with children and dogs; 30-something single people; Castro spillover
Bar and restaurant scene: Duboce Triangle is very residential, but Market and Castro Sts are
close by. Duboce Park Caf serves breakfast, sandwiches, pizzas, and has free Wi-Fi.
Public transit situation: The N-Judah is right there, and every single MUNI metro or bus that
runs along Market is within walking distance.
Quote from a resident: One of the tiniest nabes in SF, tree-lined Duboce Triangle is home to
the doggiest of dog parks at Duboce Park (host to the annual DogFest), the Harvey Milk Rec
Center (complete with state-of-the-art photography lab), and the perfectly charming bistro,
L'Ardoise. Add to that the adjacencies to Lower Haight and Castro bars and all MUNI train lines,
and it's nearly perfect. One major drawback: discarded hypodermics throughout the
neighborhood from the needle exchange program that takes place behind the Market St
Safeway each Tuesday. Ah, city living. - David Lytle
10/15/2015
Dogpatch
The Dogpatch is very up-and-coming with lots of converted warehouses spaces and lofts.
Who lives here: Young professionals; artists
Bar and restaurant scene: Dogpatch is probably best known right now for its food. Magnolia
Brewing Company recently opened up a giant brewpub there, Piccino has great Italian, and The
Ramp is THE place to go to sit outside by the water on a sunny day.
Public transit situation: Easier to bike around than, say, Potrero, but the Third St line will still be
a major part of your life.
Quote from a resident: We bought our loft 10 years ago, which was probably the best
investment Ive ever made. I love walking to Just for You Caf for brunch and my husband and I
go to Mission Rock Resort for oysters more often than I want to admit. - Abby D.
10/15/2015
Excelsior
South of the Mission, this neighborhood is low-key and next to the citys second-biggest park.
Who lives here: Its actually one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in SF with lots of
families.
Bar and restaurant scene: Lots of Asian and Mexican restaurants. A few local watering holes,
like Broken Record (make sure you get the burger there).
Public transit situation: Eh the M and the J will get you close.
Quote from a resident: It can feel sort of desolate and if not for the fact that I have a view of
the Mission, I might not feel like Im actually in San Francisco. Its way affordable though and
since I work south of the city, it sort of makes sense for my commute. Also, I have two dogs, so
McClaren Park, which is always empty, is basically our backyard. - Megan
10/15/2015
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Fishermans Wharf
Psych! No one actually lives there.
10/15/2015
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Glen Park
A lovely residential neighborhood no one ever goes to.
Who lives here: People who dont enjoy visitors; families; professionals
Bar and restaurant scene: Glen Park isnt known for its bustling restaurant scene, but theres
actually more there than youd think. Le P'tit Laurent is a popular French spot, the Cheese
Boutique is the place to go for cheese and sandwiches, and Glen Park Station is a good local bar
with a fireplace and TVs for watching the game.
Public transit situation: Glen Park BART station, J-Church, and a couple of bus lines
Quote from a resident: Dont move here. It's a beautiful residential neighborhood with access
to an amazing recreation area and a decent commercial village. We want to keep it that way!
Stay in the Marina where you belong. - Jimmy V.
10/15/2015
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Hayes Valley
Hayes Valley used to be super seedy back in the day, but now people use words like chic and
trendy to describe this bustling corridor.
Who lives here: Young professionals, though Hayes Valley remains diverse, despite
gentrification efforts.
Bar and restaurant scene: It seems like a new bar or restaurant is popping up every day, but you
can always count on Absinthe for great cocktails and food. Boxing Room serves up delicious
Southern cuisine, including fried alligator, and Suppenkuche has authentic German fare and
boots of beer. Biergarten is perfect for a midday beer and Smugglers Cove never fails when
youre in the mood for a pirate-themed Tiki bar with over 400 rums.
Public transit situation: 21-Hayes runs right through the neighborhood, but its also a short walk
to the Civic Center MUNI/BART station.
Quote from a resident: "Hayes Valley is a great spot for restaurants and boutique shops (there
are no chain stores allowed). Condos keep rising which is great for density and the retail
businesses that go in (like Monsiuer Benjamin, for example). Downside is the prices are insane.
There are still a lot of homeless people who are mainly harmless, but occasionally there are
some ranting lunatics or I have to grab my 2-year-old to keep him from stepping in human poo.
Places like the Jazz Center and the Nourse Theater offer incredible entertainment and at times
(basically when shows let out) hundreds of patrons come streaming out to look for food and
drinks. I feel like I'm in New York, not sleepy SF where it used to be hard to grab a bite after
10pm." - John Glander
10/15/2015
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Inner Richmond
Its kind of like a mini Chinatown thats also close to a ton of parks.
Who lives here: The Richmond has a lot of Irish and Russian roots and theres also a big Chinese
population.
Bar and restaurant scene: Youll find some of the cheapest, most delicious dim sum on Clement
St, plus the famous Burma Superstar is worth the wait (and there will be a wait). Steins is fun for
grabbing a beer and German food and the Buckshot has skee-ball, which is all you need to know
about that.
Public transit situation: No trains, but plenty of buses like the 1-California, 38-Geary, and 5Fulton
Quote from a resident: The Inner Richmond is a perfect mix of all the best things SF has to
offer: great food, culture, and fun things to do outdoors. Yes, you're a little bit further out from
jobs in Downtown/SoMa but MUNI is actually pretty fast and reliable to get down there and
you're very central to many other cool neighborhoods in a way that you wouldn't be if you were
living in, say, North Beach, SoMa, or the Outer Sunset. Being surrounded by a wide variety of
affordable, tasty ethnic eateries and fun bars on Clement St plus having Golden Gate Park, Lake
St (for running and biking), the Presidio and its golf course all a short distance away makes the
Inner Richmond one of the more underrated places to live in the city. Bonus points for being an
actual neighborhood with character and a diverse group of residents including families, older
people, and students/recent graduates. - Alex P.
10/15/2015
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Inner Sunset
People either love the Inner Sunset or they hate it. Either way, its really not that far out there
and it just feels like San Francisco.
Who lives here: People who were born in SF; UCSF students; families
Bar and restaurant scene: If you like sushi, youll love the Inner Sunset. There are also lots of
cafes and diners, and plenty of bars. Blackthorn Tavern and Yanceys both have tons of TVs for
watching the game.
Public transit situation: The N-Judah. Learn it. Love it.
Quote from a resident: "The Inner Sunset is a great place to live -- you have Golden Gate Park
just blocks away, as well as many fine bars and restaurants. Just don't be surprised if your
friends assume you've moved to a fog-covered land far, far away (when in fact it's just a few
minutes)." - @njudah
10/15/2015
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Lower Haight
This is the hood all of the edgy cool kids move to when they come to SF.
Who lives here: Young people; people who love their bikes; hipsters
Bar and restaurant scene: Toronado is probably the most famous bar, thanks to its extensive
beer list, but there are plenty of dive bars and places to get cheap eats, like Rosamunde Sausage
Grill, Memphis Minnies Bar-B-Que Joint, and Wing Wings.
Public transit situation: The 7-Haight runs right down Haight St, but bikes are popular since The
Wiggle is right there.
Quote from a resident: It can feel seedy at times, but nothing beats having chill bars and cheap
food right outside my door. I dont leave my bike locked up outside any of them though; learned
that lesson the hard way. - Chris M.
10/15/2015
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Lower Pacific Heights

Thank you realtors for yet another neighborhood that used to be called something totally
different 20 years ago. (Western AdditionUpper FillmoreLower Pac Heights.)
Who lives here: People who want to claim Pac Heights, but cant afford Pac Heights; young
professionals
Bar and restaurant scene: Upper Fillmore has lots of great bars and restaurants that cater to
both families and professionals. SPQR, Pizzeria Delfina, and Elite Caf are all good choices, plus
theres a ton of Thai food for eating in or taking out. Harrys is the spot to watch the game and is
usually full of people whove had one or two too many on the weekends.
Public transit situation: Eh the 1, 22, and 24 are all right there, but youll probably Uber a lot.
Quote from a resident: I had no idea Lower Pac Heights wasnt a thing until a couple of years
after I moved here. I like it a lot, but being so close to a Kiehl's has been a challenge. Being close
to so much shopping in general is actually hard, though its good if I need a last-minute outfit. I
definitely think its a fun place to live, especially if youre sort of new to the city. - Jennifer M.
10/15/2015
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The Marina
The Marina has a terrible reputation that anyone who lives there would argue is totally
undeserved. You know the people who live there really love it since theyre willing to pay that
much rent to live on landfill.
Who lives here: Young professionals; people who were in sororities and fraternities; people
who were young professionals, but are now older and have babies
Bar and restaurant scene: The Marina has a ton of good food and its all close together. A16,
Delarosa, Greens, Scotland Yard, The Tipsy Pig, Causwells, and Tacolicious are just a few spots to
grab a good meal. The bar scene can be a little douchey, but there are still plenty of great spots
to grab a drink, including Monaghans, the Horseshoe Tavern, The Interval, and The Dorian.
Public transit situation: Lots of buses, including the 30, 45, 43, and 22
Quote from a resident: People always hate on the Marina. I guess that means they hate the
idea of living right next to Crissy Field, having some of the best restaurants in the city, and being
surrounded by people who are fit and attractive. - Jen F.
10/15/2015
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The Mission
Easily SFs most popular neighborhood thanks to the sunshine and bar scene, the Mission is also
at the heart of almost every housing development and gentrification debate.
Who lives here: Hispanic families; blue-collar workers; hipsters; tech workers; 20-somethings
Bar and restaurant scene: Probably the best place in the city to live for eating and drinking.
Taquerias are right next to trendy new spots, dive bars next to places that take 10 minutes to
make craft cocktails.
Public transit situation: Two BART stations (16th and 24th Sts) as well as a million buses (9, 12,
14, 14L, 22, 27, 33, 48, 49, 67) and the J-Church on the western edge
Quote from a resident: This is an amazing place to live if you love: burritos, gentrification,
anger about gentrification, authentic SF culture (aka more than just white people!). If you're
young and are moving to the city, it's either here or the Marina, and the two are becoming less
and less dissimilar. It's always awake, loud, and has a bar open (which is fun when you're
young). It's always awake, loud, and has a bar open (which is exhausting when you're old). It's a
great 'SF Starter Kit' place to live. - Drew Hoolhorst
10/15/2015
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Nob Hill
Know before you go: some people call it Snob Hill. Also, there are a lot of swanky hotels on
top of the hill, aka: lots and lots tourists. Still, theres no denying its a gorgeous spot, thanks to
Grace Cathedral and the amazing views.
Who lives here: Upper-class families; young urban professionals; old money
Bar and restaurant scene: Nob Hill isnt really known for its restaurants, but if youre in the
mood to drink with tourists, head to Top of the Mark or the Tonga Room.
Public transit situation: You could take the California St cable car, or you could not do that and
instead take the 1-California or the 27-Bryant.
Quote from a resident: There's no better daily reminder to be grateful for where I live than
when a bunch of tourists wave and screech with joy as they pass my apartment on a cable car. I
mean, I guess I have tourists yelling outside my apartment every day, but their excitement for
my little charming-as-fuck neighborhood is contagious. And this place really does feel magical -like living in a postcard. After five years, watching the wild parrots fly across the most gorgeous
views in all the city every twilight still takes my breath away. Of course, that could also have
something to do with the massive hill I likely just struggled up, too. - Amy Copperman
10/15/2015
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Noe Valley
Noe Valleys main shopping drag has everything you could need, but if you live in one of the hills
surrounding it, be prepared to get your heart rate up on the way home.
Who lives here: Families and tech people with young children who appreciate that there are so
many Google bus stops nearby
Bar and restaurant scene: 24th St is where its all at with spots like Firefly Restaurant and
Patxi's. There arent a lot of drinking options, but Valley Tavern has 20+ beers on tap, plenty of
TVs, and an outside patio.
Public transit situation: J-Church and the 24-Divisadero
Quote from a resident: Noe is a friendly and sunny neighborhood full of young families. It's
easy to hate on the sheer volume of strollers, but all of the cute dogs (and, to be honest, kids)
make up for it. It's pretty quiet, though, and if you're looking for anything to do after 9pm, you
are out of luck. - Kristen H.
10/15/2015
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North Beach
Known for being home to Italian Americans (which it still is) and beatniks (not so much), North
Beach is a bustling neighborhood that gets a ton of bridge and tunnel traffic on the weekends.
Who lives here: Its still home to a lot of Italian Americans and old-school San Franciscans.
Bar and restaurant scene: Do you like to eat your meals in strip clubs? Then North Beach is the
place for you. If not, dont worry; North Beach is also home to some of the best Italian food in
the city. Park Tavern is a sure bet, and Original Joes has been serving up food for 75 years. The
cocktail scene is also bustling with bars like Comstock Saloon and The Devils Acre, but dont skip
out on old classics like Vesuvios and Tosca.
Public transit situation: It's not the easiest place to get to or from, but the 8, 30, 39, and 45 all
serve North Beach.
Quote from a resident: You know how everybody likes to complain about gentrification and SF
changing? Come live in North Beach where everything looks exactly the same as it did 15 years
ago, nothing new ever gets built (thanks Telegraph Hill Dwellers!), and instead of hipsters, you'll
see the same old Chinese ladies walking around and going about their business long past the
time that you'll move out of the neighborhood. You're never more than a short walk away from
the waters by the Embarcadero, parks to chill in on a sunny day, or easily getting to your work.
And if you like frequenting cheap neighborhood dive bars, having a wide range of late-night
food options, and generally enjoy living in a lawless environment (and who doesn't), North
Beach is for you! - Alex
10/15/2015
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Outer Richmond
The Outer Richmond is still somewhat affordable, which makes it a great place to live, if you
dont care that there are never any cabs or Ubers around. And if youre okay with constant fog.
Who lives here: Surfers; families; Russians; Irish; Chinese; wealthy people (see: Sea Cliff)
Bar and restaurant scene: Hahahaha. No. Okay, seriously theres some good food in the Outer
Richmond; it just isnt on every single block. Hard Knox is all about the Southern food, Tommys
serves amazing margaritas, and Pizzetta 221 is great for, yes: pizza. Plus, Park Chalet is right by
the ocean for when you want to sit outside, drink beer, and listen to live music.
Public transit situation: Hahahaha. No. Okay, fine. The 1-California, 38-Geary, and 5-Fulton all
go there.
Quote from a resident: I love it out here because I surf and my dog has a yard he can play in,
but I wouldnt recommend it unless you have a car. And a parking space. People love to tow cars
here. - Matt D.
10/15/2015
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Outer Sunset
Pretty much like the Outer Richmond, except on the other side of the park. Youre close to the
beach, but that means youre also close to the fog. And at times it can feel like suburbia.
Who lives here: Half of the Sunsets residents are Asian American. There are also a lot of Irish
Americans and plenty of families. And surfers.
Bar and restaurant scene: Theres always a wait for Outerlands, but its worth it. Theres never a
wait for pizza at The Pizza Place on Noriega, but its also worth it. The best bar in the hood,
Riptide, is currently rebuilding after a devastating fire, but there are a few local spots. Still, its
better if you like drinking at home.
Public transit situation: Youre going to do a lot of driving, but the N Judah will also be both
your best and worst friend.
Quote from a resident: Trouble Coffee is awesome. And Noriega pizza is very much East Coast
in style of pizza and love of the Celtics. The downfalls are there is a pretty good chance you will
never see the sun again, and if you have seasonal affective disorder, be ready to cry. A lot. Other
downfalls may be you could be washing your car and in the span of an hour be offered drugs,
twice. Also be ready for the chill with surfers and yoga mamas, but it's still okay to live there and
make fun of that because the rare sunset on the beach with a beer lasts forever. And if you live
close enough, you can fall asleep to waves crashing, and Chinese people lighting fireworks for
who knows the fuck why. - @cassiemccall
10/15/2015
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Pacific Heights
If you like mansions, stunning views, and mingling with the 1%, then youll love Pacific Heights.
Who lives here: Danielle Steele; Nancy Pelosi; Larry Ellison
Bar and restaurant scene: There is no bar and restaurant scene in Pacific Heights except on
Fillmore St, which is technically Lower Pac Heights, which is technically a neighborhood made up
by brokers, but who cares because your personal chef will likely be cooking all of your meals.
Public transit situation: Youre going to want a car. But there are a few bus lines that run
through Pac Heights, like the 3, 22, and 45.
Quote from a resident: I love the beauty of Pac Heights. When I walk out my door, I often see
tourists on my street corner taking pictures. They're taking pics of the bay, the steep hills, and
all the beautiful homes. The views from the corner of Fillmore and Broadway and Divisadero
and Broadway are some of my favorite in the city. I also love the ambience of Fillmore St once
you pop over the hill. It's lively, with lots of things to do, but also quaint and 'neighborhoodly,' I
also think Pac Heights has the best summer street festival, the Fillmore Jazz Festival. As for the
downfalls, it's expensive. I just read an article recently that it's the most expensive
neighborhood in the city. - @FrankGarzaSF
10/15/2015
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Presidio Heights/Laurel Heights

A lovely extension of Pacific Heights thats right on the border of the Presidio.
Who lives here: Affluent people
Bar and restaurant scene: There arent a lot of bars in this neighborhood, but Spruce is
excellent, albeit pricey, as is Sociale across the street. Ellas is perfect for a down-home brunch.
Just expect a wait.
Public transit situation: There arent a ton of options, but the 43-Masonic is nearby as is the 1California.
Quote from a resident: I didnt actually want to live in this neighborhood, but it turns out I
really love it. Its very quiet, the fog doesnt come here as much as I thought it would, and Laurel
Village has everything I need in terms of groceries, a bookstore, a hardware store, and coffee.
Sometimes it does feel a little too quiet, but if thats the worst thing Im complaining about, I
think Im fine. - Jill A.
10/15/2015
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Potrero Hill
Its always sunny in Potrero Hill. And often times, theres parking as well!
Who lives here: Upper-middle-class people, often with families
Bar and restaurant scene: Chez Papa, Serpentine, and Plow are all Potrero Hill favorites. Bars
arent a big thing in this neighborhood since its mostly residential, but Thee Parkside always has
good live music.
Public transit situation: Get a car. Or take the 22-Fillmore, or maybe the 10. But probably just
get a car.
Quote from a resident: Great place to live if you love sunny weather. Lots of hills, which can be
a downside if you don't like walking, or a positive if you are into fitness (hey that new Fitbit
commercial was filmed here). Amazingly, has two of the most famous punk rock venues (Thee
Parkside and Bottom of the Hill), and the Anchor Steam brewery tour is one of the best (though
waiting list is months long). With all the Dogpatch/Mission Bay construction going on, there are
lots of new wine bars and restaurants popping up. Getting a taxi used to be a problem because
of less foot traffic than the Mission or say, North Beach, but Uber solved that problem. Easy
access to southbound 101/280, but prepare to go through the entire city to go north of the
peninsula. Plow is the best brunch in the city, but our Safeway is one of the worst. @mattconte
10/15/2015
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Russian Hill
Home to the (not actually) crookedest street in the world, hidden staircases, and cozy
restaurants, Russian Hill is a favorite spot for people who like the idea of the Marina, but dont
want to live in the Marina.
Who lives here: Young urban professionals; couples who havent had babies (yet); San Francisco
families with old money
Bar and restaurant scene: Polk St has a ton of bars and restaurants and there are cute little
cafes smattered throughout the neighborhood. Lord Stanley, Reverb, and Cocotte are all great
places to eat dinner and Bullitt and Tonic both have a busy, if not a little younger, bar crowd.
Greens is the place to go to watch the game.
Public transit situation: There are plenty of buses running through the neighborhood (1, 10, 12,
19, 27, 30, 45, 47, 49), as well as a cable car.
Quote from a resident: I have a car, but I never use it. Everything I need is on Polk St, including
groceries, coffee, and booze. If I could stay here forever, I would. - Meredith M.
10/15/2015
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SoMa
SoMa used to be warehouses and seediness; now its charmless loft apartments and startups.
Still, it is home to the Giants and there are some great food and drink options. During the week,
anyway. Truthfully, this neighborhood is hard to define because its so sprawling.
Who lives here: Tech bros; homeless people
Bar and restaurant scene: SoMa is enormous, which means there are a ton of dining options,
most of which are top notch. Marlowe, Zero Zero, Prospect, and Salt House are just a few
restaurants that will deliver a good meal. For drinks, try Black Hammer Brewing (just beer), Lord
George (cocktails by South Park), or Petes Tavern if you also want to watch the game.
Public transit situation: Theres a good chance youll have to transfer unless youre going
somewhere along the N-Judah line.
Quote from a resident: I dont have rent control and theres not a whole lot open around me
on the weekends, but my building has a pool, a hot tub, and tennis courts, which is nice? Adam B.
10/15/2015
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The Tenderloin
In a city full of nice neighborhoods, the TL is decidedly *not* nice. In fact, it has the some of the
highest crime rates in the city. Still, there are plenty of reasons to live here, one of which is
affordable housing and the other of which is good bars and restaurants. Also, beware: theres a
nebulous border around the Tenderloin which realtors call the Tendernob. Whether or not
this is a real neighborhood remains to be seen.
Who lives here: Theres a large homeless population, as well as young people looking for cheap
places to live.
Bar and restaurant scene: Bourbon & Branch and Tradition are both known for trendy cocktails,
while Mikkeller offers up rare beers on tap and Whiskey Thieves offers up... whiskey. Bartlett
Hall has a solid menu and theres always a wait for Huxleys New American cuisine.
Public transit situation: Forget having a car in this part of town. The bus and metro are the only
way to go. Luckily, you dont have to go far to find a stop.
Quote from a resident: One of the more affordable parts of SF, its convenient for walking to
the Financial District, most buildings are rent controlled, and there are lots of great cocktail bars
in the area. Its not a good 'hood if you want quiet... throughout the week you'll definitely hear
your share of drunk and/or crazy people if you leave your window open. - @themayorpete
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Upper Haight
The Upper Haight can be annoying thanks to the tourists looking for the '60s and street kids
looking for free money, but its right next to Golden Gate Park and central to pretty much
everything.
Who lives here: Former (and current) hippies; hipsters; longtime residents; newcomers. The
Upper Haight, like so many neighborhoods, is really a melting pot. You wont see a lot of suit
and ties though.
Bar and restaurant scene: Go to Magnolia for good food and good beer and Alembic for good
food and excellent cocktails. Street Taco is the place to grab street tacos that arent on the
street and Hobsons Choice is perfect for drinking and people-watching. Any night that ends at
Aub Zam Zam is a night that went well.
Public transit situation: The N-Judah is nearby in Cole Valley, but the 7, the 33, and the 43 are
the neighborhood staples.
Quote from a resident: I try to avoid Haight St on the weekends, but its a great place to go for
a bite or drink during the week. And we love being so close to the park. Crimes definitely gotten
worse recently -- it seems like a car is being broken into every other day -- but that also seems
to be true everywhere in the city recently. - Marisa N.
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Western Addition
Realtors have tried, pretty successfully, to separate the western part of the Western Addition
into a new neighborhood, which they call NoPa in an attempt to gentrify it. Thats gross, but
since we do have to acknowledge that part of town is now totally different from the Fillmore,
well just call it Divis. Right now its very up-and-coming with new bars and restaurants popping
up as fast as people can get em built.
Who lives here: This is a pretty ethnically and economically diverse neighborhood thanks to
recent gentrification. The Fillmore used to have a bustling African American population, but
many of those people have been forced out.
Median one-bedroom rent: $3,160 (around Divisadero)/$2,800 (around the Fillmore)
Bar and restaurant scene: Divisadero has some great food; Nopa and 4505 Burgers & BBQ are
just two options. Statebird Provisions and Progress on Fillmore are both famous for a reason
and Dosa is a sure bet for tasty Indian food in a cool space.
Public transit situation: No trains, but plenty of buses. That being said, a bike is a good thing to
have in this neighborhood.
Quote from a resident: I always tell people how much I love being by Alamo Square, but I
actually dont go there a lot. Nor do I ever run on the Panhandle like I tell myself Im going to.
Its nice to know those things are there though and I appreciate that the neighborhood is still
changing, so theres always new stuff to do. Although I say that and yet go to Nopa for brunch
every weekend. - Alison F.
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West Portal
Another neighborhood that feels like a small town, West Portal has a lot of great mom-and-pop
shops and a friendly vibe.
Who lives here: Families; retired people; students
Bar and restaurant scene: West Portals main strip goes on for a few blocks and within those
blocks you have some of the best sub sandwiches in SF (Submarine Center), great burgers
(Bullshead Restaurant), sushi, Chinese, Italian, and pizza (Goat Hill). There are also enough bars
that you wont have to go to the same one every single night.
Public transit situation: West Portal Station has the K, L, M, and T, and the 48 and 57 are also
right there.
Quote from a resident: Just tell everyone it sucks. I dont want tech people to move here. Plus,
the line at Sub Center is already hella long. - Matt R.
Editor's Note: Rent prices provided by Zumper.com.
10/15/2015
33

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