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PattyP's List

San Francisco Neighborhoods

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PattyP
PattyP
Jul 12, 2010
San Francisco may be small, only 7x7 square miles, but there is an incredibly diverse set of neighborhoods within this little city. Below is a list of neighborhoods, loosely in order based on my favorites -- though that changes weekly and I know some better than others, which bumps them up on the list.
1
The Marina
The Marina
The Marina gets a lot of flack -- it's generally stereotyped as the yuppie neighborhood of San Francisco. Young 20-30 somethings walk around in Polo shirts with popped collars and Lululemon workout outfits. Say what you want about the people of The Marina, but this neighborhood has some of the best food and views of San Francisco. Restaurants like A16, Delarosa, Pacific Catch and Plant Cafe make the marina a culinary hot spot of the city. The neighborhood is quaint and the harbor views of the Bay can't be beat. This is a great area for weekend window shopping and lunch.
2
Nob Hill
Nob Hill
I live in Nob Hill, so I'm obviously partial to this neighborhood. I may be surrounded by hills from all sides, but the view from my living room makes the tough walk home worth it. Perched atop a hill, we can see the Bay, Northbeach, Coit Tower, the Financial District and the Bay Bridge from various rooms in the apartment. The cable cars running through the neighborhood are quite charming and some of the local cafes have an almost European feel. This area is largely residential, so not many bars or late night eats in the immediate vicinity.
3
The Mission District
The Mission District
If you can dream up a food, chances are The Mission District has is. From food carts to 5 star dining experiences, the Mission District is a culinary mecca for all price ranges and food genres. Often noted as the place in SF to get authentic Mexican, the Mission has its share of taquerias. I had my first taste of Ethiopian food in the Mission, but standard American, Italian and Sushi options are aplenty as well. You can check out a variety of street food options Friday nights at Fabric 8 in the Mission. Be sure to check out the beautiful murals of the Mission before lounging in the sun with a scoop of Bi-Rite Ice Cream at Dolores Park.
4
Presidio of San Francisco
Presidio of San Francisco
I'm lucky enough to work in the Presidio, so I'm treated to stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge every day. The Presidio is filled with history and is well worth a tour for any visitor or curious local. The Presidio is also a runner's paradise. Various trails lead through Crissy Field, underneath the GG Bridge, along Baker Beach, and through the forests of the Presidio. The Presidio is the ultimate urban oasis for those who need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Word of warning: trails can be confusing, so allow plenty of daylight hours for traipsing around.
5
Northbeach
Northbeach
Northbeach is the Little Italy of San Francisco. Walking down Colombus St can be a bit of a tourist trap as restaurant hosts try to lure you in to try the mediocre spaghetti bolognese. There are a few gems in the mix -- Tony's Pizza is not to be missed. And be sure to save room for some tasty Gelato. Mama's is a 5 star brunch spot, but beware the wait can be up to 90 minutes for a table (yes, the French Toast is that good). Washington Square Park serves as a venue for local artists to show their work during the weekends, and the Northbeach Festival is one of the biggest and most popular summer street fairs in the city.
6
Russian Hill
Russian Hill
Russian Hill is another popular living and hangout spot for the 20-30 something crowd, though it has a much less yuppy reputation than the Marina. Restaurants and bars line Busy Polk St and locals spend sunny afternoons perched outside cafes with their dogs lying underneath the tables. Polk St doesn't have an annual street fair, but people make up for by hosting regular Polk St pub crawls. Make your way from the hipster filled Hemlock Tavern to the decked out 70s themed Kozy Kar.
7
Pacific Heights
Pacific Heights
Pacific Heights is one of the ritziest neighborhoods in San Francisco. You can get a great look at some of the historic mansions by strolling along Broadway and Pacific Avenues. Or, you can take a free tour of the Pacific Heights mansions with San Francisco City Guides to get a look at Danielle Steele's house and learn some of the society gossip and scandal associated with some of the old homes. Lafayette Park serves as a good resting stop for some afternoon sun with a playground, some tennis courts, and lots of grass with views of the Bay. Be sure to hit up Fillmore St for some great shopping and good food. Fraiche Yogurt is a favorite Fillmore St stop of mine.
8
Noe Valley
Noe Valley
I have personally deemed Noe Valley the friendliest neighborhood in San Francisco. Every time I visit a restaurant or shop on 24th St, I'm greeted by nothing but friendly workers and customers. Everyone here seems so happy, there must be something in the water. Though the neighborhood extends beyond 24th St, that's where most of the hustle and bustle is. Clothing stores like Ambiance, restaurants like Fresca, and specialty shops like Chocolate Covered line the cute neighborhood strip. A few blocks off the main road lies one of San Francisco's best gems -- Omnivore Books -- not to be missed by any food lover!
9
Telegraph Hill
Telegraph Hill
It may sound strange, but this San Francisco neighborhood is famous for its birds. If you find yourself in the area, be sure to keep an eye out for the bright green Parrots of Telegraph Hill. The main site to see in Telegraph Hill is Coit Tower. It's a climb not made for the faint of heart, but it's worth it to get up top. San Francisco City Guides even offers a free tour of the artwork up at Coit Tower. I also enjoy looking at the houses lining the hillside of Telegraph Hill and wondering how on Earth anyone ever gets a moving truck up there!
10
Castro
Castro
Rainbow flags line the streets of San Francisco's Castro district -- this is where the LGBT community and its supporters come to thrive. San Francisco is by and large a tolerant city, but the Castro provides a magnified view of the Gay community. All are welcome here and it's a fun place to visit day or night. Chic clothing shops and trendy restaurants like Starbelly are always a hit by day, while the scandalously shaped baked goods at Hot Cookie and go go dancers at clubs like Trigger are a blast at night. For a truly San Francisco experience, be sure to check out a movie at the famous Castro Theater.
11
Seacliff
Seacliff
Seacliff represents one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in San Francisco. Heck, this is where Robin Williams lives! It's basically all residential, so not really a tourist hot spot. My sole experience with Seacliff consists of walking through the neighborhood admiring the large mansions while on my way to China Beach.
12
The Richmond
The Richmond
The Richmond is great for the plethora of restaurants in all price ranges.  Pick up some cheap banh mi or dim sum or splurge a little for some Burmese at Burma Superstar or Mediterranean at Aziza. The Richmond borders Golden Gate Park, along with  the California Academy of Sciences, the De Young, the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers. Also nearby are the Legion of Honor and Baker Beach.
13
Hayes Valley
Hayes Valley
Another really cute San Francisco neighborhood, Hayes Valley is one of those "up and coming places". Hayes St is known for boutique shopping and food. Top Chef fans will enjoy a trip to Absinthe, and sweet lovers can indulge in Christopher Elbow Chocolates, Paulette Macarons, and Miette Confiserie. Both Stacks and La Boulange are great for brunch, and Hayes St Grill is an historic stop before the ballet or symphony.
14
Japantown
Japantown
Japantown is a great place to spend an afternoon eating and shopping. Ramen and sushi lovers will delight in their food options, and non-risk takers can find something safe at Benihana. My favorite stop in Japantown is Pika Pika, a store featuring Japanese Purikura photo booths. The Kabuki theatre is lots of fun -- sit upstairs in the balcony and enjoy a cocktail as you watch the latest independent film.
15
Western Addition
Western Addition
Those trying to gentrify this area like to call it NOPA (North of Pan Handle), but the Western Addition is the original name. Some parts are dodgy, but the WA does have some great food and bar stops. Little Star Pizza and Blue Jay Cafe are neighborhood favorites, and Candybar is a great place to stop in for dessert and a drink after a meal at either. Madrone is a great night spot with local art on the walls and live DJs.
16
Potrero Hill
Potrero Hill
Porrero Hill is an area I'm not very familiar with, but its one that has been expanding quite a bit lately. Filled with trendy restaurants like Chez Papa and Kitchenette, the Potrero/Dogpatch area is making a name for itself. I even saw the Cheryl Burke Dance Studio as I passed through on a bus recently!
17
Union Square
Union Square
A tourist's dream....a local's nightmare. Union Square is always packed, especially during the holiday season and summer months. If shopping is your thing, Union Square is your place. Large department stores like Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and Macy's dominate the street blocks with smaller boutiques like Miss Sixty, Diesel and Betsy Johnson scattered between. Food in this area is largely mediocre and overpriced, though there are plenty of options. Check out the tree lighting ceremony and go ice skating in December!
18
The Sunset
The Sunset
The Sunset is another area I'm not largely familiar with. It's farther from the city center than many neighborhoods, but still has many perks. The Sunset can offer a more residential feel, though it borders both Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach. There is reportedly some very good food out in the Sunset, though I have to confess I have yet to try it out!
19
Financial District
Financial District
This is where the movers and shakers of San Francisco spend their time from 9-5 Monday through Friday (give or take a few hours for those crazy investment bankers). The FiDi isn't much for sightseeing, though it's got plenty of restaurants for those who spend their days in one of the skyscrapers. I spent almost 3 years working in this area, and while I appreciate much of the good food, I certainly don't miss my cubicle!
20
SOMA
SOMA
SOMA is the current trendy living area of San Francisco. While the remainder of the city is filled with old Victorian's and cute Marina style apartments, SOMA is filling up with rapidly constructed modern high rise condos. Some like the luxury of the buildings, others (like me), think they are eyesores that lack personality and charm. SOMA is also home to the incredibly charming AT&T ballmark. Not many cities have ballparks on the water, complete with kyakers hoping to catch the next home run!
21
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks
I know Twin Peaks solely as the vista, though I know there is also a neighborhood full of residents. I do have a friend who lives all the way up there, and she claims to enjoy it! As a vista, it's great! It can be hard to find parking during peak hours but it's worth the trip up to see this unique view of San Francisco and the Bay.
22
Cole Valley
Cole Valley
Cole Valley is a very cute area that I wish I knew better. It seems mostly residential to me, with the exception of one street of cafes, restaurants, pharmacies, and hardware stores. Brunch at Zazie is reason enough for me to return to Cole Valley -- the gingerbread pancakes are out of this world!
23
Haight-Ashbury
Corner of Haight-Ashbury
The Haight-Ashbury is a tourist must. Famous for being the central hub of San Francisco's free loving hippies of the 60s, many of the shops on Haight St have tried to maintain that feel. There are plenty of smoke shops and tye-dye tshirts to satisfy any wannabe hippie.
24
Chinatown
Chinatown
Chinatown is one of those places that tourists flock to and locals avoid. I live a few blocks from Chinatown and therefore venture in often to visit my local pharmacy and catch the closest bus lines. The streets are packed and it can be a harrowing experience just to travel half a block. Chickens hang in some food shop windows and I was even walked right passed a man with a full pig slung over his shoulder the other day.
25
Tenderloin
Tenderloin
The Tenderloin gets a pretty bad rap on account of high crime rates. It's not a place I want to hang out indefinitely, but it turns out there are some pretty fantastic (and cheap) food spots in the TL. Saigon Sandwich and Punjab Kabob House are both worth a trip in -- just don't walk through the Tenderloin alone.
26
Hunter's Point
Hunter's Point
Hunter's Point is another one with a bad rap on account of high crime rates. I actually have never been to Hunter's Point and don't know anything about the neighborhood at all, so I can't provide much commentary!
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wow! glad the area where I live made your list at # 20 and I work in # 19. I need to cook something up for your community. There's one I want to do but it is hard to decide where it should fall under--your bakers community or this community. Thanks, Patty!
On July 14, 2010
Reply
ohhhhhh I'm looking forward to this mysterious sweets related San Francisco review!!
On July 14, 2010
 
The Haight's all the way down at 23? Wow...I love the food on Haight- which boasts the only Puerto Rican place I've ever seen and my favorite Meditteranean restaurant with belly dancing every hour and hookahs with exotic flavors. They also have Red Vic Theatre- classic SF spot and Amoeba as well as a ton of cute shops, more than just the hippie ones! Oh and in the Richmond there's a place called Toast, I think, that's supposed to be one of the greatest breakfast spots, according to my cousin who lives there! And I love Java Beach in the Sunset- great coffee shop with local musicians. Thanks for posting descriptions of each- I'm from the Bay originally and just moved back but, couldn't keep up with all the new neighborhoods and spots to check out!
On July 14, 2010
Reply
Unfortunately, I'm not a big Haight fan. I get harassed more there than in any other neighborhood when I'm simply trying to walk around, which makes it unpleasant. I think you're referring to Kan Zaman as the place with belly dancing and hookah. I've been there before and it was really fun. And Piedmont Boutique is one of my favorite stores in SF. Even with that, it's just not my favorite neighborhood. I have to try Toast, I'll have to check it out!!
On July 14, 2010
*I haven't tried Toast is what I meant
On July 14, 2010
Not a fan of the Haight area either; my car got broken into when I went there--twice.
On July 14, 2010
Neither is a lot of people, I guess I just have a soft spot cuz I hung out there all throughout HS. I love it but, our car hasn't been broken into (crosses fingers)! And I just ignore the gutter punks....actually, last time I was there I was shocked as shit because one of them wished me a good day LOL!
On July 28, 2010
 
My favorite West Coast city! This is a great list. Thanks for ranking these neighborhoods and giving us your perspective on them as an insider. Makes me want to visit again!
On July 13, 2010
Reply
I do hope you come to visit again soon! Thanks for reading :)
On July 13, 2010
 
Great work. I grew up in the Portola District near Excelsior, where San Bruno Avenue is. Don't see it on your list, though. :(
On July 13, 2010
Reply
I haven't gotten them all on there yet...just doing 26 was exhausting!!
On July 13, 2010
No problem! :) The area of McClaren Park was pretty crazy. When I was a kid I used to catch frogs and tadpoles there. There are condos there now! I'm not that old, just saying. :)
On July 13, 2010
 
When the World Science Fiction Convention was held in San Francisco back in the 90s our hotels were on the edges of the Tenderloin. I was followed by a suspicious looking guy one day when I set out to photograph the old post office which was supposed to be around there and I doubled back to the Niko and passed through their lobby to my own hotel. One of our group got mugged and had all his money stolen in J-town of all places, which just goes to show you that you should never carry large amounts of cash any where
On July 13, 2010
Reply
The south of market area is more cleaned up but the Tenderloin is still a den of thieves and drug dealers. The old post office is nice, and the old court buildlings there are quite classic. My grandmother told me back in the pre War days, one would dress up and be noticed downtown.
On July 13, 2010
We were right across from the Emporium. I collected old post cards from before the earthquake and it was quite the place to be back then.
On July 13, 2010
I don't walk around the Tenderloin alone, but I had my apartment in the Marina broken into and someone attempted to mug me in Pacific Heights -- two of the "safest" neighborhoods. You've always got to be on your guard in a city!
On July 13, 2010
That's true of any large city, actually. Good comments! They've majorly renovated the Emporium area now -- it's called the San Francisco Center. It's a huge shopping complex across from what used to be the old Woolworths building.
On July 13, 2010
This was back in 94. I was told it was only a couple of blocks away and I'd been walking the six blocks to the convention center (in the opposite direction) for 2 or 3 days and hadn't had any problems so I thought I'd give it a go. At least I was paying enough attention that nothing happened.
On July 13, 2010
one trick not to get mugged--act like you live and know where you're at, move as if you know where you're going and do not use your ipod; I used to walk in the Tenderloin alone, and no one ever bothered me. I think any place--at the wrong time is dangerous. No place is safe--you make yourself safe.

and Scotman, the Tenderloin is actually a place where a lot of nice folks live; (maybe a little unfortunate or starting out, I know a couple who lives around that area because they are immigrants) the reason why it seems bad is because it got a rep as a place for drug dealers from all over the Bay area to hang out. Why? because of the clubs in SF.
On July 14, 2010
I acted like I knew where I was going but that big camera with the telphoto lens gave me away as a tourist. =) We were all driving back from a restaurant one night and we were on this 4 lane one-way road very close to the hotel, and there were 3 cars in aline ahead of us. For some reason our driver just sat there waiting instead of going around. So I said "Unless one of you guys really needs to make a drug buy could we just go around?" That's when they noticed what was going on and decided to do as I suggested. =)
On July 14, 2010
 
Having grown up here, I've really grown to love 1-24 all almost equally, with 25 coming in really close behind (it's not that bad).  I'm avoiding 26 like the plague though :P

Great list, Patty!  Loved reading it!
On July 12, 2010
Reply
It is amazing how much diversity can fit into such a small city, and how much difference a few blocks can make! Thanks for reading :)
On July 12, 2010
 
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