From Wikitravel

The Avenues is a popular nickname for western San Francisco, made up of Golden Gate Park and the neighborhoods of Richmond and Sunset. It is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the west, Lake Street on the north, Arguello Blvd and Stanyan Street (from Lake to Frederick Street) and 7th Avenue (from Lincoln to around Golden Gate Heights Park, or about Quintara) and 19th Avenue (from Quintara to Sloat) on the east, and Sloat Blvd on the south.

[edit] Understand

The Richmond is a neighborhood bordered on the north by Lincoln Park and the Presidio, Arguello Boulevard on the east, Golden Gate Park on the south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. The Richmond is divided into the eastern Inner Richmond and western Outer Richmond by CA Highway 1 (Park Presidio/13th Avenue), which runs north-south.

San Francisco's Sunset District covers a large, mostly residential area on the west side of San Francisco. It is bordered on the west by Ocean Beach, on the north by Golden Gate Park, on the south by Sloat Boulevard, and on the east by a vague boundary roughly around 7th Avenue. It was built on a grid pattern and the vast majority of the housing in the area was constructed between 1920 and 1950. Sunset is divided into the eastern Inner Sunset and the western Outer Sunset by CA Highway 1 (19th Avenue).

Sunset's majority population is Asian-American, and this increases west of 19th Avenue in the Outer Sunset, where Chinese and Chinese-Americans make up a little bit less then 40% of residents. A sizeable Irish and Irish-American population also exists in Sunset.

On clear days you will see many locals and tourists watching the sunset at Ocean Beach; still, the moniker "Sunset" is a bit of a misnomer as the area is often covered in fog due to its proximity to the cold Pacific Ocean. However, whether or not the sun is shining, it is a charming neighborhood to visit.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By Muni

Richmond's central east-west artery is Geary Boulevard. Frequent bus service [1] from downtown via Union Square is provided by the 38-Geary bus. Even though the district only spans eight blocks from north to south, there are also parallel bus lines 1-California, 2-Clement, and 4-Sutter north of Geary and lines 31-Balboa and 5-Fulton south of Geary Boulevard.

Much of the Sunset neighborhood is accessible via the N-Judah and L-Taraval Muni Metro light rail lines. East-west bus lines through Sunset include the 23-Monterey, 48-Quintara/24th St, 66-Quintara and 71-Haight-Noreiga.

North-south bus lines which connect Richmond and Sunset through Golden Gate Park include 18-46th Ave, 28-19th Ave and 29-Sunset. Additionally, the 44-O'Shaughnessy runs up from Twin Peaks to the southeast and through Golden Gate Park past the de Young Museum, continuing up 6th Avenue into the Richmond neighborhood.

[edit] By car

Running north/south through the area and serving as the major traffic artery is Highway 1 (19th Avenue). In Sunset is another major road called Sunset Boulevard, located between 36th and 37th Avenues and running north/south from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard. On the western edge of the district is The Great Highway, which runs north/south along Ocean Beach. Geary Street is the central east/west artery through Richmond. Fulton Street runs east-west, marking the northern edge of Golden Gate Park while Lincoln Way runs east/west along the southern edge of Golden Gate Park. The southern border is marked by Sloat Boulevard which runs east/west.

[edit][add listing] See

• Grand View Park, surrounded by 14th and 15th Avenues along Noriega Street in the Sunset district. Worth visiting because of the stupendous views it offers over downtown San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, the Pacific Ocean, Marin headlands, and across to the Sutro Tower.
  • Moraga Street Stairs, on a steep pedestrian only section of Moraga Street between 15th and 16th Avenue. Stair risers comprise a colorful mosaic added during a 2005 renovation of the stairs. Climb to the top then go left or right to find a way into Grand View Park.
• Mountain Lake Park, located just north of the intersection of Lake and Funston at the southern end of the Presidio park [2]. A small hiking trail winds around this scenic lake, noted for its historic importance in that it supplied water to the nearby colonial Spanish settlement of the Presidio. There is also a playground and a tennis court at the southern side of the lake.
• Sigmund Stern Grove, along Sloat Boulevard between 19th and 34th Avenues. Home to many concerts and performances during the summer months which are free to the public, including the Stern Grove Festival [3].

[edit] Movie Theaters

• 4 Star Theatre [4], Clement St at 23rd Ave. Independently-owned theatre showing Hong Kong and alternative world cinema.
• Balboa Theater [5], Balboa St at 38th Ave. Catch a double-feature for $8.50 at this historic independent movie house.

[edit] Golden Gate Park

Between Fulton Street on the north, Lincoln Way on the south, Stanyan Street on the east and Ocean Beach on the west [6]. 5AM-Midnight. Free.

Once an area of sand dunes, Golden Gate Park is a roughly 1/2 mile-by-four mile urban oasis, with windmills, bison, museums, lakes, and a carousel hidden among its charms. At 1,017 acres, it is 174 acres larger than New York's Central Park, so unless you have a bike, you'll want to plan which area you want to visit, especially along the East (Stanyan street) to West (the Ocean) axis. During the summer to October, a free shuttle bus circulates. On Sundays and holidays, JFK Drive between Transverse and Kezar is closed to vehicular traffic; this car-free zone is popular with walkers, cyclists, and runners. The number 5 trolleybus runs along its North boundary, and offers the most frequent service across the park and to downtown. The N streetcar two blocks south of its South boundary with similar service.

• AIDS Memorial Grove, at the intersection of Bowling Green and Middle Drive East, +1 415 750-8340 [7]. A national memorial to AIDS victims. Free.
• Beach Chalet and Park Chalet, 1000 Great Hwy, +1 415 751-2766 [8]. A beautiful 1930’s building, the Beach Chalet is open for lunch, drinks, or dinner overlooking Ocean Beach and its brave surfers. Inside the Park Chalet are some exhibits with artifacts related to the history of the Golden Gate Park and San Francisco.
• Buffalo Paddock, along John F Kennedy drive between 36th Avenue and Chain of Lakes Drive. An unusual attraction is this herd of buffalo which have been here for over a century. Free.
• California Academy of Sciences [9]. Currently under renovation. Scheduled to reopen September 2008.
• Children's Playground, just off Bowling Green Drive north of MLK Drive, +1 415 831-2700. A large and unique kid's play area. Next door is a historic Carousel, which runs 10AM-4:30PM daily from Memorial Day-Labor Day and Saturdays and Sundays the rest of the year. Carousel rides $1.50 adults, $0.50 children.
• Conservatory of Flowers, 100 John F Kennedy Drive, +1 415 666-7001 [10]. Tu-Su 9AM-4:30PM. This antique palatial greenhouse, one of the first structures of its kind in the county, is filled with a huge variety of beautiful and exotic plant species. $5 adults, $3 teens/seniors/students, $1.50 children, free for children 4 and under (free on the first Tuesday of each month).
• de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, +1 415 750-3600, [11]. Tu-Th, Sa-Su 9:30AM-5:15PM, F 9:30AM-8:45PM. A modern and ethnic art focused museum, with three levels of fascinating exhibits with contemporary and historical pieces from America as well as art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas in a uniquely-designed building with courtyards and sculpture gardens. One corner of the building has a large tower which offers a lovely 360-degree view of the park and surroundings. $10 adults, $7 seniors, $6 teens/students, free for children 12 and under (special exhibits may require extra admission; first Tuesday of each month free).
• Dutch Windmill, next to the Beach Chalet. Once used for park irrigation in the past, now a scenic oddity at the western end of the park. A lesser-known windmill, the Murphy Windmill, is located at the southwestern corner of the park, but is under restoration. Near the windmills is the lovely Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden. Free.
• Japanese Tea Garden, on Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive just north of MLK Drive, +1 415 752-4227. March-October daily 8:30AM-6PM, November-February daily 8:30AM-5PM. The oldest public Japanese garden in the country, with beautiful plants, ponds, bridges, and Japanese-style structures including a tea house. Tours are available every Wednesday and Sunday at 1PM starting at the main gate. $4 adults, $1.50 seniors/children.
• Rose Garden, between John F. Kennedy Drive and Park Presidio Drive, just west of the de Young Museum. A wide variety of roses on display. Free.

• San Francisco Botanical Gardens (formerly the Strybing Arboretum), main entrance on 9th Avenue just north of Lincoln Way, secondary entrance at the Friend Gate at MLK Drive and Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, +1 415 564-3239 [12]. M-F 8AM-4:30PM, Sa-Su and Holidays 10AM-5PM. One of the largest botanical gardens on the west coast, the Botanical Gardens cover 55 acres with thousands of varieties of plants from around the world and multiple specialized gardens and miles of trails (seriously, the place is huge). One of the most unique attractions is the Redwood Trail, which runs through a naturalistic redwood forest reminiscent of the ones north of San Francisco along the Californian coast. There is also a bookstore and library on the premises, near the main entrance. Free guided tours of the gardens depart from the bookstore daily at 1:30PM with an extra tour on the weekends at 10:30AM. On Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays another free tour departs from the Friend Gate at 2PM. Free.
• Shakespeare Garden, at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Middle Drive East. With roses and other flowers mentioned in his plays. Free.
• Spreckels Lake, on the northern side of the park near 36th Avenue. As the home of the San Francisco Model Yacht Club, one is likely to see model yachts sailing on the lake.
• Stow Lake. Boathouse: +1 415 752-0347. This pleasant lake surrounding Strawberry Hill, a scenic island with excellent views and great picnic spots, is an excellent place to relax. Boating (several types for rent) is available from a boathouse, which is open daily from 10AM-4PM. Boat rentals $13-$17 per hour.

[edit] Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park defines the extreme Northwestern corner of San Francisco. It provides majestic views of the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate Bridge from the Ocean side, and the Pacific Ocean itself. A portion of the Coastal Trail runs through Lincoln Park from the Cliff House north to the Golden Gate Bridge. The #18 Muni bus goes from the Legion of Honor museum at the center of the park via the Cliff House to Golden Gate Park, while the very frequent #38 Geary buses terminate in between. Drivers will want to take the El Camino del Mar Drive through the small Seacliff area on the northwest side to view some fancy mansions between Lincoln Park and the Presidio.

• Legion of Honor Museum, 34th Avenue and El Camino del Mar, +1 415 750-3600 [13]. Tu-Su 9:30AM–5:15PM. Inside this building, a model of the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris, is an incredible collection of mainly European art, with works of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist periods, with art from some of the fundamental artists of their times, as well as some works from the 20th century from the likes of Picasso. One of the highlights of the collection is a collection of sculptures by Rodin, including The Thinker at the front entrance. $10 adults, $7 seniors, $6 teens, children 12 and under free.
• Cliff House, 1090 Point Lobos, +1 415 386-3330 [14]. The Cliff House, a well known landmark at the extreme western end of the park, provides both semi-casual and a more formal eating and drinking place [15]. Next door is the ruins of the Sutro Baths, a former swimming pool. Just off shore is Seal Rock, home to a population of sea lions.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Ocean Beach, along Great Highway between Point Lobos Avenue and Sloat Boulevard. A good place to walk, watch surfers, or just look at the ocean. Do not swim under any circumstances: the beach has an unusual riptide which claims several lives (usually tourists) each year. If you want to ocean swim, head to China Beach. Bonfires often line Ocean Beach on warmer days. Permits are legally required for bonfires (so be forewarned), but often spur of the moment bonfires happen on weekends. Local grocery stores usually sell cords of wood for this very purpose. Please remember to clean up after yourself, and don't leave any broken glass on the beach!
• China Beach, at the end of Sea Cliff Avenue just off El Camino del Mar. A small, secluded beach at the bottom of a steep slope, with beautiful views to the north towards the Golden Gate Bridge. You can swim here, but the water is quite brisk.

[edit][add listing] Buy

• 6th Avenue Aquarium, 425 Clement St (at 6th Ave), +1 415 668-7190 [16]. M-F 11AM-10PM, Sa-Su 10AM-10PM. Small store selling aquarium supplies and fishes, but in a small scale beats many public exhibits for fun and colorful fish.
• Amazing Fantasy, 650 Irving Street, +1 415 681-4344[17]. A comic book store, owned by guy named Frank. Friendly staff. They have a small collection of back issues, and will order anything for you by request.
• Black Oak Books, 630 Irving St (between 7th Ave and 8th Ave), +1 415 564-0877. New and used book store. Feels a little like a library when you get in, but browsing is encouraged, and staff is knowledgeable.
• Citi Shoes, 751 Irving St (between 8th Ave and 9th Ave), +1 415 665-6112 [18]. M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Many styles from sneakers, to dress shoes, to stilettos.
• Green Apple Books & Music, 506 Clement St (at 6th Ave), +1 415 387-2272 [19]. Su-Th 10AM-10:30PM, F-Sa 10AM-11:30PM. Renowned independent book and record store dating back to before the Beat Era. Both used and new books.
• Kamei Restaurant & Household Supply, 547 Clement St (at 7th Ave), +1 415 666-3699. Daily 9AM-7PM. Huge, affordable selection of kitchen supplies and household items.
• Super Tokio, 251 Clement St (at 4th Ave), +1 415 668-1118. Tiny store packed with Japanese snacks, toys, and other goodies.
• Tutti Frutti, 718 Irving Street (between 8th Ave and 9th Ave), +1 415 661-8504. M-Sa 10:30AM-6:30PM, Su 11AM-6PM. A fun shop with great gift items that range from "Worst Case Scenario" guides, to dictators-of-the-world finger puppets, to knitting kits, to Seasame Street T-shirts, to "nerdspeak" flashcards. This store has the kitsch you are looking for. Kind staff will ask you if you need anything.

[edit][add listing] Eat

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	$10 or less
Mid-range	$10 - 20
Splurge	$20 or more

A thriving restaurant area is to be found in the Inner Sunset around 9th Avenue and Irving Street. There is also a major Asian shopping district in the Outer Sunset on Irving from 19th to 27th Avenues with restaurants, supermarkets, a Taiwanese bakery, and tapioca drink places. Another small restaurant and shopping district in the Outer Sunset is located along Noreiga Street.

In the Richmond district there is a major Asian shopping district on Clement Street from 2nd to 12th Avenues with restaurants, markets, a number of dim sum (Cantonese snacks, literally `touch-the-heart') vendors, Hong Kong style bakeries, as well as Japanese, Thai, Burmese, and Korean restaurants, and tapioca drink places. Most other ethnic cuisines are represented as well. Not many tourists here.

[edit] Budget

• ABC Bakery Cafe, 2500 Noriega St (between 32nd Ave and 33rd Ave), +1 415 681-8800. Daily 7AM-3AM. Hong Kong style restaurant and bakery. $4-$7.
• Arizmendi Bakery, 1331 9th Ave (between Irving St and Judah St), +1 415 566-3117, [20]. Tu-F 7AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-7PM, Su 8AM-4PM. Chocolate things!!! and yummy pizza.
• Art's Cafe, 747 Irving St., +1 415 665-7440, [21]. Tu-F 7AM-3PM, Sa 7AM-4PM, Su 7:30AM-3:30PM. Tiny traditional diner with some Korean specials. $4-$7.
• Bashful Bull Too, 3600 Taraval St (at 46th Ave), +1 415 759-8112. Chicken-fried steak with country gravy, and American breakfast standards: It's the last full breakfast before the Pacific. $5-$15.
• Chabaa Thai Cuisine, 2123 Irving St (between 22nd Ave and 23rd Ave), +1 415 753-3347. Daily 11AM-1AM.
• Cheung Hing Chinese Restaurant, 2339 Noriega St (between 30th Ave and 31st Ave), +1 415 665-3271. Cantonese BBQ classics and the best roast duck in the city. $4-$7.
• Gordo's, 2252 Clement Street, +1 415 387-4484, 5450 Geary Boulevard, +1 415 668-8226, 1239 9th Ave (near Golden Gate Park), +1 415 566-6011, [22]. Daily 10AM-10PM. Cheap, reliable, rapid burritos and tacos.
• Howard's, 1309 9th Ave (between Irving St and Judah St), +1 415 564-4723. M-F 7AM-9PM, Sa 8AM-9PM, Su 8AM-3PM. Awesome breakfasts.
• Joe's Ice Cream, 5351 Geary Blvd (at 18th Ave), +1 415 751-1950, [23]. A classic American ice cream parlor with an Asian twist. Su, Tu-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM, closed Mondays (grill closes at 9PM).
• Johnny's Hamburgers, 2305 Irving St (between 24th Ave and 25th Ave), +1 415 681-7666. Daily 7AM-10PM. $3-$6.
• Khan Toke Thai House, 5937 Geary Blvd (between 23rd and 24th), +1 415 668-6654. An excellent and reasonably priced Thai restaurant with much better ambiance than your average Thai place.
• King of Thai Noodle House, 639 Clement St, +1 415 752-5198. Cheap and consistently good.
• Le Soleil 133 Clement St (between 3rd and 4th Avenues), +1 415 668-4848, [24]. Su-M 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-10:30PM. Gourmet Vietnamese cuisine. Try the soft shell crabs and the appetizer platter - yum!
• Ming Tai Wun-Tun Noodle, 2455 Noriega St (between 31st Ave and 32nd Ave), +1 415 681-0430. Huge shrimp wontons/shui gow/shrimp dumplings.
• Pho Hoa Clement, 239 Clement St (at 4th Ave), +1 415 379-9008. Daily 10AM-10PM. Super-cheap Vietnamese pho and sandwiches.
• Pho Phu Quoc (PPQ), 1816 Irving St (between 19th and 20th Ave), +1 415 661-8869. M-Sa 10:30AM-11PM, Su 10:30AM-10:30PM. Recently renovated neighborhood favorite. Savory and affordable Vietnamese dishes in a crowded, bustling atmosphere. Excellent rice and noodle dishes.
• Pho Quan Ngon, 2511 Noriega St (between 32nd and 33rd Ave), +1 415 566-3275. Northern Vietnamese.
• Polly Ann Ice Cream, 3138 Noriega St (between 38th Ave and 39th Ave), +1 415 664-2472, [25]. Boasts a collection of over FIVE HUNDRED homemade flavors. Fifty-four flavors are available daily.
• Sunrise Deli and Cafe, 2115 Irving St (between 22nd Ave and 23rd Ave), +1 415 664-8210. M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su 10AM-5PM. Awesome falafel. $6-$10.
• Sweet Delite, 519 Clement St (at 6th Ave), +1 415 386-8222. Excellent tapioca drinks and a large selection of Asian sweets.
• Taiwan Restaurant, 445 Clement St (at 6th Ave), +1 415 387-1789. Famous for their dumplings. Cheap.
• Tasty Curry, 1375 9th Ave (between Irving St and Judah St), +1 415 753-5122. Cheap, divey, tasty, and Halal. Delicious Indian/Pakistani food that will fill you up and not break the bank. The decor is... interesting. Both the food and personable waiters are an improvement over the staid Naan 'n' Curry. No reservations are necessary. Gumball machines provided. $5-$10.
• Toasties, 836 Irving St (between 9th and 10th Ave), +1 415 682-9980, [26]. Daily 10AM-8PM. Best Crab Melt in SF. Also try the Turkey/Avocado Sandwich. Crispy Garlic Fries and homemade Clam Chowder.
• Toy Boat Dessert Cafe 401 Clement Street, +1 415 751-7505. M-Th 7:30AM-11PM, F-Sa 8:30AM-12AM, Su 8:30AM-11PM. Filled with vintage toys and a lively atmosphere, this fun restaurant serves ice cream, cakes, tortes, muffins and more. You can grab a breakfast or lunch there, but really just come for the treats.
• Underdog, 1634 Irving St (between 17th Ave and 18th Ave), +1 415 665-8881. Daily 11:30AM-9PM. Great menu with several varieties of both meat- and veggie-based hot dogs, with an emphasis on local, organic ingredients. Super-friendly staff and a great atmosphere. In a very tiny space, with only a couple tables.

[edit] Mid-range

• Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant, 1000 Great Highway (on the western side of Golden Gate Park south of Fulton Street), +1 415 386-8439, [27]. Su-Th 9AM-10PM, F-Sa 9AM-11PM. Brewery and restaurant featuring live music, American bistro cuisine, hand crafted ales, and a panoramic view of the ocean.
• Burma Superstar, 309 Clement St (at 4th Ave), +1 415 387-2147, [28]. Su-Th 11AM-3:30PM, 5PM-9:30PM, F-Sa 11AM-3:30PM, 5PM-10PM. Outstanding Burmese restaurant that draws people from all over the city. Get there early; it will be crowded.
• Cafe Gratitude, 1336 9th Ave (between Irving St and Judah St), +1 415 824-4652, [29]. Daily 10AM-10PM. A delicious raw vegan restaurant with a wide selection of incredible desserts.
• Clement Street Bar & Grill, 708 Clement St (at 8th Ave), +1 415 386-2200. Tu-Th 4:30PM-9:30PM, F-Sa 4:30PM-10PM, Su 10AM-3PM, 4:30PM-9PM. Traditional American food in a casual environment. A popular spot for weekend brunch. $8-$25.
• Crepevine, 624 Irving St (between 9th Ave and 10th Ave), +1 415 681-5858, [30]. A laid back California-style eatery with a largely Brazilian staff. Scrambles, omelettes, sandwiches, soups, and, of course, crêpes, fill the chalkboard menu. The chicken vegetable soup is a favorite. Free refills on coffee. No reservations necessary.
• Ebisu, 1283 9th Ave (between Irving St and Lincoln Way), +1 415 566-1770, [31]. M-Th 11:30AM-2PM, 5PM-10PM, F 11:30AM-2PM, 5PM-11PM, Sa 11:30AM-11PM. Often cited as the best sushi on the West Coast of the United States. $10-$16.
• Giorgio's Pizza and Italian Dining, Clement St at 3rd Ave, +1 415 668-1266, [32]. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM. Fun Family style pizza and italian restaurant. Great authentic italian pizza and pasta dishes in a warm and cozy environment. Can get busy during peak dinner hours, also has pizza by the slice for fast take-out.
• Golden Gate Pizza, 1388 46th Ave (at Judah St), +1 415 564-5514, [33]. Daily 11:30AM-11PM. Italian and Indian favorites, delivery available.
• Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant, 2578 Noriega St (between 32nd Ave and 33rd Ave), + 415 665-8338. Sit-down dim sum. $6-$16.
• Mandalay Restaurant, 4348 California St (at 6th Ave one block north of Clement), +1 415 386-3895, [34]. M-Th 11:30AM-9:30PM (closed 3:30PM-5PM), F 11:30AM-10PM (closed 3:30PM-5PM), Sa-Su 11:30AM-10PM. Burmese/Chinese, a friendly, local favorite. $9-$12.
• Marnee Thai, 1243 9th Avenue (between Irving St and Lincoln Way), +1 415 731-9999, and 2225 Irving St (between 23rd Ave and 24th Ave), +1 415 665-9500, [35]. Daily 11:30AM-10PM. $6-$12.
• Miyoshi Sushi & Grill 914 Clement Street, +1 415 668-1638. Although the name has changed over the years, the quality of the food hasn't. This humble family owned establishment serves up some of the best and cheapest sushi and Japanese food! It is a MUST stop for those staying in the Richmond area.
• New Eritrea, 907 Irving St (between 9th Ave and 10th Ave), +1 415 681-1288. Tu-Th 5PM-10:30PM, F-Sa 5PM-11PM, Su 5PM-10PM. Huge platters of Eritrean (Ethiopian) food are served up here, along with native beers and lots of Injera bread. Portions are not for the timid. The staff is very friendly. Don't miss the sauteed mushrooms. $7-$10.
• Nizario's Pizza, 3840 Geary Blvd (at 3rd Ave), +1 415 752-7777 [36]. Sa-Th 11AM-2AM, F 3PM-2AM. Pizza by the slice.
• Park Chow, 1238 9th Ave (between Irving St and Lincoln Way), +1 415 665-9912, [37]. Su-Th 8AM-10PM, F-Sa 8AM-11PM. Eclectic menu, all delicious; busy on any given night. Whether in the mood for a hamburger, thai noodles, or a portobello sandwich, this place has it, which is good for when friends cannot decide on what to eat. Heated outdoor seating when it's not raining. Bar seating also. Has a sister restaurant in the Castro District.
• Pho Tudo 1000 Clement St (at 11th Avenue), +1 415 221-7111, [38]. Completely remodeled - Vietnamese restaurant with some of the best pho that you'll find in SF. Huge portions. Bizarre state of the art toilet in the ladies room.
• Q, 225 Clement St (at 3rd Ave), +1 415 752-2298, [39]. M-F 11AM-3PM, 5-11PM, Sa 10AM-11PM, Su 10AM-10PM. Modern American comfort food. Good wine list and several local beers on tap. A fun place to eat and almost always busy.
• RoHan Lounge, 3809 Geary Blvd (at 2nd Ave), +1 415 221-5095 [40]. M-Th 6AM-12AM, F-Sa 6AM-2AM, Su 6PM-11PM. Cozy lounge featuring soju, a traditional Korean liquor distilled from rice, barley and sweet potato.
• S&E Cafe, 2406 19th Ave (between Taraval St and Ulloa St), +1 415 665-7868. Daily 11:00AM-2AM. Midwestern American food as seen through Hong Kong eyes: complete meals include soup, roll, coffee or HK milk tea, entree, rice or spaghetti, Jello or Chinese bean soup dessert. Extensive list of unusual beverages from Ovaltine to Ginger Coke to green tea milk shakes; Chinese food available after 10PM only. Coffee shop ambiance with TVs at low volume usually tuned to a Chinese station. $7-14 for complete dinners; $3-7 apps and other dishes; $2-4 for beverages.
• San Tung, 1031 Irving St (between 11th Ave and 12th Ave), +1 415 242-0828. Th-Tu 11AM-9:30PM. Lines form down the block to eat at this dumpling house.
• Schubert's Bakery, 521 Clement St (at 7th Ave), +1 415 752-1580, [41]. M-Sa 7AM-6PM, Su 9AM-5PM. Cakes, pastries, cookies, and more; first opened in 1911 by a German immigrant.
• Spices!, 294 Clement St (at 8th Ave), +1 415 752-8884, [42]. Daily 11AM-9:45PM. One of the best and most popular Chinese restaurants in the neighborhood. Try one of the many varieties of "stinky tofu", a popular street food in Taiwan. The name identifies the dominant flavor.
• Tay Giang Restaurant, 2543 Noriega St (between 32nd Ave and 33rd Ave), +1 415 682-8886. A great Vietnamese restaurant with an extensive menu. $5-$15.
• Ton Kiang, 5821 Geary Blvd (at 22nd Ave), +1 415 752-4440, [43]. M-Th 10AM-9PM, F 10AM-9:30PM, Sa 9:30AM-9:30PM, Su 9AM-9PM. Arguably the best Dim Sum outside of Chinatown, this restaurant serves moderately priced Hakka cuisine, but make sure to go there between the hours of 10am and 4pm where they serve a traditional Dim Sum with servers that walk around and proffer dishes and tea. Make sure to come early on the weekends, as many locals and tourists line up to have a dim sum lunch. $10-$24.
• Troya, 349 Clement St (at 5th Ave), +1 415 379-6000, [44]. M-Th 5PM-9:30PM, F-Sa Noon-10PM, Su Noon-9PM. Turkish/Mediterranean cafe with occasional live music and some outdoor seating.
• Yum Yum Fish, 2181 Irving St (between 22nd Ave and 23rd Ave), +1 415 566-8433. Daily 10:30AM-7:30PM. Eat high-quality sushi for low prices in this eclectic combination French fish market/Japanese sushi bar. The atmosphere ain't much, but the fish is definitely yummy and plentiful.

[edit] Splurge

• Aziza, 5800 Geary Blvd (at 22nd Ave), +1 415 752-2222, [45]. W-M 5:30PM-10:30PM. Unique Moroccan cuisine made with local organic ingredients. Named one of San Francisco's 50 Best Restaurants by San Francisco Magazine. Reservations recommended. $15-$25.
• Chapeau!, 1408 Clement St (at 15th Ave), +1 415 750-9787, [46]. Tu-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-10:30PM, Su 5PM-10PM. Classic French bistro offering prix fixe dinners. Small, intimate dining room. Reservation usually needed. $15-$33.
• Clementine, 126 Clement St (at 3rd Ave), +1 415 387-0408. M-Th 5:30PM-10PM, F-Sa 5:30PM-10:30PM. Traditional French cuisine in an elegant, romantic environment. $20-$28.
• Cliff House, 1090 Point Lobos, +1 415 386-3330, [47]. Daily 11:30AM-3:30PM, 5PM-9:30PM (bistro open daily 9AM-9:30PM). At the far end of the Outer Richmond, overlooking the ocean, with a great restaurant (Sutro's) and a more informal bistro. Ideal to watch a sunset or a fogbank over the Pacific Ocean. Reservations strongly recommended for Sutro's. $20-$40 (bistro: $15-$28).
• Thanh Long, 4101 Judah St (between 46th Ave and 47th Ave), +1 415 665-1146, [48]. Tu-Su 4:30PM-10PM (open until 11PM Fridays and Saturdays). Vietnamese restaurant featuring roasted crab. Dinner only. $10-$25.

[edit] Food Markets

• 4th and Geary Farmer's Market, Geary Blvd at 4th Ave. Inexpensive fresh fruits and vegetables, and a decent selection of your basic grocery needs which might not be covered as well by the local Asian groceries. Only takes cash and check.
• New May Wah Supermarket, Clement St at 8th Ave. Huge (compared to others in the area) authentic Chinese supermarket. They have just about everything.
• Safeway, 735 7th Avenue, +1 415 752-4073, 2350 Noriega St (between 30th Ave and 31st Ave), +1 415 665-4565, 850 La Playa Street (right by Ocean Beach), +1 415 387-4664, and 730 Taraval St (between 18th Ave and 17th Ave), +1 415 665-4136. A large chain grocery store with a decent selection. The one of Noriega Street has a parking lot on top. The one on La Playa Street is one of the largest Safeway stores in San Francisco proper -- Don't go there on a Sunday evening, as they only get deliveries on weekdays, and often the beach crowds will deplete inventory until restocking on Monday morning. A nice tip is to get to Ocean Beach, and get a picnic of your choice at the Safeway, then go enjoy it at the beach.
• Village Market, California St at 8th Ave. Small, inviting food market featuring organic produce, wine, beer, and coffee to-go.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit] Bars

• 540 Club, 540 Clement St (at 7th Ave), +1 415 752-7276, [49]. Daily 10AM-2AM. Friendly bar with cool art, above-average beer selection, free wi-fi, and a great Sunday trivia night.
• The Bitter End, 441 Clement St ( at 6th Ave), +1 415 221-9538, [50]. M-F 3PM-2AM, Sa-Su 10AM-2AM. Two-level Irish bar with billiards, darts, pub food, and Tuesday night trivia.
• Durty Nelly's, 2328 Irving St (between 24th Ave and 25th Ave), +1 415 664-2555. Daily 11AM-2AM. Irish pub and restaurant.
• Eagle's Drift In Lounge, 1232 Noriega St (between 19th Ave and 20th Ave), +1 415 661-0166. A real dive bar. Stiff drinks and dartboards, one pool table.
• Eldos Grill & Brewery, 1326 9th Ave (at Judah St), +1 415 564-0425, [51]. A brewpub featuring craft-brewed ales and lagers, and Latin-influences southwestern cuisine. Possibly closed (2007) - check first.
• The Little Shamrock, 807 Lincoln Way (between 9th Ave and 10th Ave), +1 415 661-0060. M-Th 3PM-2AM, F 2PM-2AM, Sa-Su 1PM-2AM. The oldest Irish pub in San Francisco. Here you will find free popcorn for patrons, a few TVs tuned into all manner of sports, eclectic but cozy furniture, a shelf full of games at the back, and a fireplace. With very kind bartenders (and regulars), the Little Shamrock feels like a safe cozy den on any weeknight.
• The Plough & Stars, 116 Clement St (at 2nd Ave), +1 415 751-1122, [52]. M-Th 3PM-2AM, F-Sa 2PM-2AM. One of the best Irish bars in San Francisco. Traditional live music almost every night.
• Tommy's Mexican Restaurant, 5929 Geary Blvd (at 23rd Ave), +1 415 387-4747, [53]. W-M noon to 11PM (closed Tuesdays). Self-proclaimed "Premier Tequila Bar on Earth". A must-visit for tequila and margarita enthusiasts. Arrive early to avoid the (drunken) crowd.
• Trad'r Sam, 6150 Geary Blvd (at 26th Ave), +1 415 221-0773. Popular tiki bar featuring specialty blender drinks. Gets loud and crowded on weekends.
• Yancy's Saloon, 734 Irving St (between 8th Ave and 9th Ave), +1 415 665-6551. Lots of seating (wooden tables & chairs), with darts at the back, and also several large screen TVs. They have a nice happy hour (which many grad students from UCSF take advantage of).

[edit] Coffee

• Blue Danube, 306 Clement St (at 4th Ave), +1 415 221-9041. M-Th, Su 7AM-10PM, F-Sa 7AM-11PM. Small coffee shop with good sandwiches and a few sidewalk tables. Computers and paid WiFi available. Cash only.
• Henry's House of Coffee, 1618 Noriega St (between 23rd Ave and 24th Ave), +1 415 681-9363, [54]. A good local coffee shop.
• Java Beach Cafe, 1396 La Playa St (at Judah St), +1 415 665-5282, [55]. M-F 5:30AM-10PM, Sa-Su 6AM-10PM. Offers coffee, beer and wine, pastries, sandwiches, and the like. Outdoor seating, as well as tables, chairs and couches inside. You will find both locals and tourists filling the chairs on any given night.
• Java Source, 343 Clement St (at 5th Ave), +1 415 386-1618. Excellent coffee. Large front patio is usually buzzing with locals playing games and drinking coffee, and smoking. Sometimes is open until 1am.
• Royal Ground Coffee, 5301 Geary Blvd (at 17th Ave), +1 415 751-5282, and 2342 Clement St, +1 415 387-5282. Local chain serves good coffee and sandwiches.
• Sea Biscuit Cafe, 3815 Noriega St (between 45th and 46th Ave), +1 415 661-3784. M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 7AM-8PM. Coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. Pitchers of beer for $11.
• Simple Pleasures, 3434 Balboa St (at 36th Ave), +1 415 387-4022. Small, crowded cafe with very rich coffee and decent snacks, but the reason to go here are the plethora of San Francisco locals who come to hang out and chat. It's a great place to strike up a conversation with someone who you just met, and on weekend evenings they have free live jazz to boot, call them for dates/times.
• Zephyr Cafe, 3643 Balboa Street (between 37th Ave & 38th Ave), +1 415 221-6063. Quiet cafe that skimps a bit on the food and coffee, but has great atmosphere if you're looking for a nice hideaway to study, do work, or people watch. Th's right across the street from the Balboa Theater.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Days Inn at the Beach, 2600 Sloat Blvd., +1 415-665-9000, [56]. $125-$160.
• The Moffatt House, 1401 7th Ave (at Judah), +1 415 661-6210, (moffattbb@cs.com), [57]. Reasonably inexpensive B&B lodging. $73+
• Great Highway Inn, 1234 Great Hwy (right next to Ocean Beach and the N-Judah line), +1 415 731-6644, [58]. $125-$155.
• Geary Parkway Motel 4750 Geary Blvd (at 12th Ave), +1 415 752-4406. This former dive has been completely remodeled with clean rooms, nice televisions, microwaves, blowdryers, irons, and mini fridges. Reasonable prices, safe and neat - the owners have put a lot of effort into making this motel quiet and nice.
• Ocean Park Motel, 2690 46th Ave, +1 415 566-7020, [59]. $90-$175.
• Seal Rock Inn 545 Point Lobos Avenue, +1 415 752-8000, [60]. Check-in: 1PM, Check-out: 11AM (Front Desk hours: 7:30AM-11PM). Nestled at the westernmost edge of the city overlooking The Cliff House and The Sutro Baths ruins, this hotel has a small pool, volleyball court, and restaurant. $114-$152 Summer, $99-$137 Winter. You're a bit out of the way from downtown (about a 30 minute drive/bus), but a great location for someone who enjoys San Francisco's nature, or who will be heading to Marin or down to the peninsula, as you are on the other side of most of the clogged commuting routes. $110-$160.

[edit] Contact

• San Francisco Public Library - Sunset Branch, 1305 18th Avenue, ☎ +1 415 355-2808, [61]. Sun 1-5, M 1-9, Tu 10-9, W 10-9, Th 10-6, F 1-6, Sat 10-6.  edit

• San Francisco Public Library - Richmond Branch, 351 9th Avenue, ☎ +1 415 355-5600, [62]. Temporariliy Closed.  edit

• San Francisco Public Library - Anza Branch, 550 37th Avenue, ☎ +1 415 355-5717, [63]. Sun 1-5, M 10-6, Tu 10-9, W 10-9, Th 10-6, F 1-6, Sat 10-6.  edit

• San Francisco Public Library - Ortega Branch, 3223 Ortega St., ☎ +1 415 355-5700, [64]. Sun Closed, M 10-6, Tu 10-6, W 1-9, Th 1-9, F 1-6, Sat 10-6.  edit

• San Francisco Public Library - Parkside Branch, 1200 Taraval St., ☎ +1 415 355-5770, [65]. Sun Closed, M 1-6, Tu 10-9, W 1-9, Th 10-6, F 1-6, Sat 10-6.  edit

This is a guide article. It has a variety of good, quality information including hotels, restaurants, attractions, arrival and departure info. Plunge forward and help us make it a star!