On San Francisco Favorites
Tags: Bay Area, San Francisco, Food, Drinks, Nature

Now Playing: Shimmer- MIKNNA

View from a rooftop in the Marina

Over the past decade, I’ve been building out “Best Of” lists for my favorite places I’ve lived and travelled. After these past three years in San Francisco, I feel like it's time to share some of these finds!

Eats + Drinks

Farmhouse Thai + Trick Dog, Mission

Farmhouse Thai is my go-to Thai spot with some of the most creative dishes around (start off with some blue floral rice and a mango & shrimp salad). Trick Dog next door is my favorite bar in the city and sports a rotating seasonal menu, so there’s always something new.

Trick Dog

Chubby Noodle North Beach + 15 Romolo, North Beach

Get the spicy fried chicken and a shot (or two) of “The Good Idea” saki at Chubby Noodle. They’re famous for their bottomless brunch, but it gets packed. Grab a drink at nearby steampunk saloon 15 Romolo while you wait.

Slice House by Tony Gemignani+ The Alembic, The Haight

Slice House may just be the greatest slice in all of San Francisco (Golden Boy’s foccacia is a close second) and The Alembic is a neighborhood favorite. Check out the backroom full of cozy couches and a mini library.

Flour and Water + True Laurel, Mission

Flour and Water lives up to the hype, this is one of the most innovative restaurants in the country. Try the cocktail tasting menu at nearby True Laurel afterwards; this beautiful bar by the Lazy Bear team keeps racking up awards and you’ll see why.

True Laurel

Ipuddo + The Local Edition, SoMa

I’m a casual fan of ramen and this is my usual joint. San Francisco has plenty of top notch ramen, so you can’t go wrong (Mensho Tokyo, Coco’s, and NoJo round out the best in the city). Local Edition just down the block is a newspaper themed speakeasy (think the original “V-E Day Declared” and “Nixon Resigns” San Francisco Chronicle clippings) with live jazz almost every night. It’s a superb pairing.

The House on Grant + The Devil’s Acre, North Beach

One of the most low-key spots on this list is also among the best. The House is a tiny Asian restaurant serving some of the most delicious seafood in the city. The owner comes by to meet all the guests and really makes you feel at home. The Barbary Coast themed Devil’s Acre is a great way to kick off the rest of your night.

Coffeeshops

I spend a lot of time in coffeeshops, so this may be the only category in my “Best of SF” list that I’m actually close to finishing. To be honest, I don’t even know that much about coffee. I just enjoy the aesthetic of coffeeshops. The crowds coming and going. The hellos and goodbyes across tables and over cups. And those other patrons who post up and linger like I do.

The Matching Half, Panhandle

One of the coolest coffeeshops in SF.

The Matching Half

The Flagship Peet’s, Marina

Giant space and right in the heart of the Marina

The Flagship Peet’s

The Interval at Long Now, Marina

A self-described “Futurist” cafe stocked with all the books you might need to rebuild civilization, a mechanical clock built to last 10,000 years and rotating art exhibits- it’s worth a visit.

The Interval at Long Now

Sites

Breakfast at Devil’s Teeth Baking Company and by the Pacific Ocean,

Outer Sunset

San Francisco becomes more like a beach town once you go west of 19th Avenue. Grab the best breakfast sandwich in the Bay and stroll over to the coast.

Ocean Beach, Outer Richmond / Outer Sunset

Pick up some firewood, s’mores, and brews from the nearby Safeway and head over to the fire pits along the western edge of the city. San Francisco beaches get brutally cold, but they sure are majestic.

Chrissy Field, Presidio

A giant park with bubble soccer, a trampoline gym, and one of the most famous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Chrissy Field

City Trails

Everyone knows about Twin Peaks, these are two off the beaten path secrets:

Bernal Heights Summit, Bernal Heights

One of the most dazzling 360 degree views of the city

Corona Heights Summit, Corona Heights

Right in our neighborhood!