Exploring all San Francisco has to offer is a thrill in itself. From outstanding restaurants to a developed arts and music scene, there is quite a bit to experience.; Whether you are a lifelong resident of the city or a newcomer, there is always a new restaurant, club or gallery ready for your discovery. With a city that is in constant flux, sometimes a list of places that are tried and true local favorites that will not let you down is appreciated. Below is a thematically organized list of places that locals hold dear to their hearts and will quickly steal yours as well. ;;
Drinks:
The Church Key
1402 Grant Ave (between Green St & Union St) Neighborhood: North Beach
(415) 963-1713
If you’re looking to have a nice glass of wine, you’ve come to the wrong place as this is easily a Beer Mecca. Church Key is slang for beer can opener, and with that name it comes as no surprise that when it comes to beer this place means business. The staff is friendly, so if you’re overwhelmed by your beer options or want some guidance on tasting new brews, the bartenders are knowledgeable and will help you find one to suit your tastes.
Known For: Beer Menu, but be warned, the “mystery beer” is PBR and parking is scarce, public transit is advised.
Top of the Mark
1 Nob Hill (between Mason St & Pine St) Neighborhood: Nob Hill
For Reservations: (888) 424-6835 (Recommended)
This bar is at the top of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, and offers some of the best views of the city. With 100 martinis to choose from, a house piano player that will make you want to dance and gorgeous views of the financial district, you can expect a lovely evening at Top of the Mark. Although Top of the Mark attracts tourists, a fantastic view and great martini is appreciated by locals as well.
Known For: Excellent views of the city and martini men.
Restaurants:
El Metate
2406 Bryant St (between 22nd St & 23rd St) Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 641-7209
This place is slightly off the beaten path, and always has a line out the door, but sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for and in this case, that saying is right on. The food and ambiance will make you think you’re in a taquería in Mexico rather than in San Francisco.
Known For: Chile Verde Pork Tamales and Horchata, a rice and cinnamon drink that tastes more like a dessert than a drink.
Caffeine Fix:
Blue Bottle Coffee
315 Linden St (between Gough St & Octavia St) Neighborhood: Several Locations
(415) 252-7535
Skip corporate coffee and explore the wonders of artisan coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee. There are several locations including at the top of SFMOMA which is perfect for a break from the museum, but the best place to experience Blue Bottle coffee is at their original location in Hayes Valley. Hipster as it may feel to have coffee in a roll-up garage door shop which requires you wait in an alley if the line is long, your taste buds will thank you. The Mondrian cake will make you want to stay, and skip taking your coffee to go.
Known For: Artisan Coffee
Culture + Food + Drink:
111 Minna Gallery
111 Minna Street (A few blocks from SF Museum of Modern Art) Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 974-1719
To be clear, this is an art gallery, however Monday nights from 5:00 to 10:30pm you can enjoy EAT with Tommy Halverson, the executive chef at the Phoenix Supper Club. EAT features a rotating menu, art and music scene that is worth frequently checking on. There is even a blog devoted entirely to EAT.
It should be noted that EAT is cash only.
Known For: Art and music mélange.
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr.
Golden Gate Park
(415) 379-8000
Every Thursday from 6:00 – 10:00pm, the Academy comes to life for the 21+ crowd with musical and theater performances. Cocktails and food plus the ability to dance and explore the innards of the Academy makes this a must see for locals and tourists.
Tip: The Rain Forest room closes on the earlier side (7:30pm) so be sure to head there first.
Price: Tickets are $12 for non-members with last entry at 9:00pm. NightLife VIP tickets are available for $59/person and provide express entry into NightLife and a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum’s collection with an open bar beforehand.
Known For: A cool place to explore both the sciences and their drink menu.
General Art Tip: Many San Francisco galleries are open late (5:30-7:30pm) and for free on the first Thursday of the month. 49 Geary Street building is where most galleries are located and is considered the hub of it all, but other downtown galleries are also involved. For a map of all of the participating in First Thursday visit: http://www.firstthursdayart.com/
Music:
222 Hyde;
222 Hyde St (between Turk St & Eddy St) Neighborhood: Tenderloin
(415) 345-8222
If delicious pizzas, a killer sound system, and tasty drinks are on your criterion for a good night out, 222 Hyde is a must. Described as a place where DJs experiment with great electronic music, this is a favorite spot in the Tenderloin.
Known For: 2nd and 4th Fridays feature “Lights Down Low” and the first Tuesday of each month features Auralism Records’ monthly event famous for its house beats.
*Closed Mondays