It can be tricky planning a trip to a city chock full of restaurants, shops, and coffee stops. If you’re anything like us then you love a day spent perusing the places the locals love. San Francisco is a vibrant city with some of the most contrasting enclaves, and this is what makes it so special. We are excited to share our go-to spots nestled in a few of our favorite nooks. – Eunice and Sabrina of Hello!Lucky
THE MISSION
Eat
Foreign Cinema– Amazing food and even better ambience. This is our go-to for group dinners.
Lolo’s– Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere. Jalisco spices with California vibes.
Lolinda– Argentinian cuisine. For dinner- or head upstairs for rooftop brunch.
Trick Dog– The best bar food you have ever had, drinks to match.
Flour + Water – Delicious with a cool ambience and the Dough Room, their private dining room, it’s a fantastic venue for special occasions
Sip
Stable Café– Lovely outdoor patio with WIFI
Four Barrel– You will find a line outside almost any time of the day, and yes, it’s that good!
Shop
Voyager – Women and men’s fashion & accessories from local craftsmen.
Bell Jar– Great for gifts! Women’s fashion and home decor.
Taylor Stitch– Lovely and locally made men’s fashion.
Paxton Gate – A quirky cabinet of curiosities full of fascinating finds such as a taxidermy unicorn, a wall of pinned insects, and drawers full of nifty rocks and minerals.
See/Do
Mission Bowling Club – Family friendly until 7!
Urban Putt – SF-themed miniature golf with cocktails, burgers and pizza. Family friendly until 8!
Dolores Park/ Mission Dolores- A jungle gym with a view. Something you and the kids will enjoy.
HAYES VALLEY
Eat
Rich Table – A block away from the hustle & bustle of Hayes- wonderful space & food.
Smitten Ice Cream– Tasty and trendy- surrounded by boutiques, beer gardens, and juiceries.
Bar Jules – a cozy little café that serves delicious plates created from local and seasonal produce.
Sip
Blue Bottle Coffee– Down an alley, in a garage kiosk, you will find one of the best fresh cups of coffee.
Ritual– Another great coffee shop!
Biergarten– Great spot for lunch! They serve German brews & cider, sausages & pretzels.
Shop
Welcome Stranger– Cool camp themed boutique for men.
Rand & Statler– For the fancier things in life.
Reliquary– Every time you enter it’s like Indiana Jones’ greatest adventure!
Lavish– Lovely paper goods and gifts shop.
NOPA/ WESTERN ADDITION
Eat
Nopa– Make a reservation for dinner or hop on their family table. Try the burger and a blue bottle martini!
State Bird – This spot has gotten a ton of attention since its opening so grabbing a table isn’t easy. Not exactly a last minute restaurant, but well worth planning ahead!
La Urbana – Delicious modern Mexican cuisine.
Mojo – A great place to grab lunch & has a patio.
Little Star Pizza– Not your average pizzeria! Their deep dish is a game changer.
Sip
The Mill – You will question the $4 toast until you try it. The is the type of coffee shop you could hang in all day – but bring a book or a friend, it’s a wifi free zone.
Madrone Art Bar – It’s a fun place for a cocktail, and they have themed nights like Motown Monday.
Shop
The Perish Trust– Old treasures and new, The Perish Trust is a place to feast your eyes! Right next door to The Mill.
Rare Device– Great finds by local artists! Cards, prints and home decor.
HAIGHT/ASHBURY
Eat
Off the Grid– It’s a seasonal gathering of food trucks at a cul de sac off Haight. Offerings stretch from dinner to dessert. There’s live music to get things moving!
Alembic – This menu is not your average, with options like bone marrow and pickled quail eggs, your adventurous side will thank you.
Magnolia Gastropub – A great microbrewery and restaurant – great atmosphere and food!
Second Act – This market is located in the old theatre, it’s a compilation of vendors selling an array of food & drink.
Haight Street Market – They have a deli that makes great sandwiches & a place to rest your feet.
Sip
Club Deluxe – Pizza, drinks, & jazz.
Shop
The Booksmith– Lovely bookstore where you can also get your paper fix!
Tantrum – A quick walk from Haight will land you at this circus themed kids boutique in Cole Valley. It can’t be missed!
Crossroads – One of the many consignment stores on Haight. If you feel like hunting there are always treasures to be found!
Mystery Mister – Great mix of carefully curated vintage clothes and curiosities.
La Rosa Vintage – Another fantastic spot for well curated vintage clothes.
See
The Conservatory of Flowers Very Alice in Wonderland.
The DeYoung Museum– For fine art & they have wonderful exhibits.
The Academy of Sciences– A great science museum with a planetarium, aquarium, and rainforest.
Stow Lake– A boathouse with rowboat rentals.
Where to Stay & How to Get Around
Stay
There’s is no better way to be immersed than to stay at an Airbnb. You will get to experience the real spirit & charm through an authentic San Francisco home.
Get Around
We are one of the best cities for public transportation! Muni & Bart make commuting a breeze, take Bart in from the airport and use Muni around town. If that’s not your thing, get techy and download one of the many rideshare apps- we recommend Lift, Sidecar, and Uber.
Enjoy your visit!
Wow! Thanks for this guide! I live in SF and I still haven’t been to some of these places! Thank you for sharing!!
Annie
The Mama Gazette