Guidebook for San Francisco
Food Scene
Pinhole Coffee
231 Cortland AveBest coffee on Cortland Street
Great pastries and good for coffee too (our second favorite coffee place)
28 residents recomanen
Black Jet Baking Co.
833 Cortland AveGreat pastries and good for coffee too (our second favorite coffee place)
Good red sauce Italian food on Cortland Street. Half-priced wine on Wednesdays. Very kid friendly too.
137 residents recomanen
Vega
419 Cortland AveGood red sauce Italian food on Cortland Street. Half-priced wine on Wednesdays. Very kid friendly too.
Little Bee Bakery
1501 Cortland AveCute little bakery with delicious cakes, pies, and pastries.
Relaxed one-michelin stared restaurant within (longer) walking distance. Vegetable-focused menu. Great wine list. Tip: Difficult to get reservations, so plan well ahead if you want to get in. If you can't get a reservation, we have had some success with early (5:30) walk-ins.
105 residents recomanen
AL's Place
1499 Valencia StreetRelaxed one-michelin stared restaurant within (longer) walking distance. Vegetable-focused menu. Great wine list. Tip: Difficult to get reservations, so plan well ahead if you want to get in. If you can't get a reservation, we have had some success with early (5:30) walk-ins.
Saturday Farmer's Market. Open 6 a.m - 3 p.m. Great for picking up some local produce to cook a meal at home. Short walk from the apartment, but be forewarned its a walk up hill on the way back so don't buy too many heavy things :)
104 residents recomanen
Alemany Farmers Market
100 Alemany BlvdSaturday Farmer's Market. Open 6 a.m - 3 p.m. Great for picking up some local produce to cook a meal at home. Short walk from the apartment, but be forewarned its a walk up hill on the way back so don't buy too many heavy things :)
Delicious lunch or dinner spot. Tartine is famous for its bread, but really everything here is good. Take a stroll around the Heath Ceramics store next door before or after your meal.
155 residents recomanen
Tartine Manufactory
595 Alabama StDelicious lunch or dinner spot. Tartine is famous for its bread, but really everything here is good. Take a stroll around the Heath Ceramics store next door before or after your meal.
Smitten Ice Cream
432 Octavia StFun place to watch your ice cream get made. Delicious too!
CLOSED DURING COVID Delicious modern California cuisine. You will need a reservation, so book ahead.
149 residents recomanen
Frances
3870 17th StCLOSED DURING COVID Delicious modern California cuisine. You will need a reservation, so book ahead.
Skip to Sausalito tourist traps, and head up to Fish for fresh local fish in a casual setting on the water. One of our favorite lunch spots outside the city. On weekends, there can be a line so go early to avoid the crowd.
126 residents recomanen
Fish.
350 Harbor DrSkip to Sausalito tourist traps, and head up to Fish for fresh local fish in a casual setting on the water. One of our favorite lunch spots outside the city. On weekends, there can be a line so go early to avoid the crowd.
For an upscale and memorable meal in SF, Nightbird is one of our favorite spots. Grab a drink at the Linden Room before or after dinner.
6 residents recomanen
Nightbird
330 Gough StFor an upscale and memorable meal in SF, Nightbird is one of our favorite spots. Grab a drink at the Linden Room before or after dinner.
Casual, family-friendly spot near the Bart station. Delicious sausages and great beer list. No reservations necessary.
153 residents recomanen
Rosamunde Sausage Grill
2832 Mission StCasual, family-friendly spot near the Bart station. Delicious sausages and great beer list. No reservations necessary.
For late-night dining in SF, it doesn't get much better than Nopa. Serves dinner until midnight (1 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays). Great brunch on weekends too.
504 residents recomanen
Nopa
560 Divisadero StFor late-night dining in SF, it doesn't get much better than Nopa. Serves dinner until midnight (1 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays). Great brunch on weekends too.
Classic and delicious Sardinian food in a friendly neighborhood spot. This place is popular so reservations are a must, and you should book way ahead if you want a prime time.
146 residents recomanen
La Ciccia
291 30th StClassic and delicious Sardinian food in a friendly neighborhood spot. This place is popular so reservations are a must, and you should book way ahead if you want a prime time.
Great spot if you want tasty pasta for a reasonable price. Casual counter service and family-friendly.
27 residents recomanen
Barzotto
1270 Valencia StGreat spot if you want tasty pasta for a reasonable price. Casual counter service and family-friendly.
A San Francisco institution. Classic, old-school vibe. Not appropriate for vegetarians, as this place is all about the meat and you will get a lot of it, so maybe consider skipping lunch the day of your dinner here :)
111 residents recomanen
House of Prime Rib
1906 Van Ness AveA San Francisco institution. Classic, old-school vibe. Not appropriate for vegetarians, as this place is all about the meat and you will get a lot of it, so maybe consider skipping lunch the day of your dinner here :)
Delicious homey Mexican food walking distance from the apartment. You don't normally need reservations, and very kid-friendly. One of our favorite Bernal spots!
28 residents recomanen
El Buen Comer
3435 Mission StDelicious homey Mexican food walking distance from the apartment. You don't normally need reservations, and very kid-friendly. One of our favorite Bernal spots!
This place is impossible to get a reservation, but if you show up at 5:30 you can get a seat at the counter. Delicious Italian food; try the pineapple pizza, it's not your typical Hawaiian ;)
44 residents recomanen
Che Fico
838 Divisadero StThis place is impossible to get a reservation, but if you show up at 5:30 you can get a seat at the counter. Delicious Italian food; try the pineapple pizza, it's not your typical Hawaiian ;)
A pizza-flavored spinoff of the ever-popular Mission restaurant Flour + Water. It is walk-in only so no need to make a reservation, but put your name on the Waitlist (though the app Yelp) before heading over because this place is popular!
21 residents recomanen
Flour + Water Pizzeria
702 Valencia StA pizza-flavored spinoff of the ever-popular Mission restaurant Flour + Water. It is walk-in only so no need to make a reservation, but put your name on the Waitlist (though the app Yelp) before heading over because this place is popular!
Casual, family-friendly neighborhood pizza spot. No reservations necessary and delicious thin-crust pizza.
109 residents recomanen
PizzaHacker
3299 Mission StCasual, family-friendly neighborhood pizza spot. No reservations necessary and delicious thin-crust pizza.
Culty San Francisco beer with surprisingly delicious Detroit-style pizza. Family-friendly but get there early, this place is popular!
50 residents recomanen
Cellarmaker Brewing Company
1150 Howard StCulty San Francisco beer with surprisingly delicious Detroit-style pizza. Family-friendly but get there early, this place is popular!
Not that you came to SF to eat Mexico City food, but this place is so delicious, it is worth taking a break from Californian cuisine for one night.
13 residents recomanen
Cala
149 Fell StNot that you came to SF to eat Mexico City food, but this place is so delicious, it is worth taking a break from Californian cuisine for one night.
Casual Greek-inspired lunch spot (there are a few of them all over the city, but this one is closest to our apartment). The menu is limited to either salads or sandwiches, which makes ordering easy and you can't go wrong because they are both delicious. Wine and beer also available, and make sure to try the greek fro-yo for dessert!
196 residents recomanen
Souvla
517 Hayes StCasual Greek-inspired lunch spot (there are a few of them all over the city, but this one is closest to our apartment). The menu is limited to either salads or sandwiches, which makes ordering easy and you can't go wrong because they are both delicious. Wine and beer also available, and make sure to try the greek fro-yo for dessert!
MOVED TO THR MISSION DUEING COVID. STILL DELICIOUS. Delicious Hawaiian food in a trendy atmosphere. Great place to grab dinner before or after a show at SHN or any of the other theaters on Market Street. This place is popular so make a reservation well in advance, go early (5:30) or late (9:30), or be prepared to wait for a table. Good news is they have great cocktails to try while you wait!
55 residents recomanen
Liholiho Yacht Club
871 Sutter StreetMOVED TO THR MISSION DUEING COVID. STILL DELICIOUS. Delicious Hawaiian food in a trendy atmosphere. Great place to grab dinner before or after a show at SHN or any of the other theaters on Market Street. This place is popular so make a reservation well in advance, go early (5:30) or late (9:30), or be prepared to wait for a table. Good news is they have great cocktails to try while you wait!
Delicious neighborhood spot. Great for a casual but still fine dining experience.
11 residents recomanen
Marlena Restaurant
300 Precita AveDelicious neighborhood spot. Great for a casual but still fine dining experience.
Doma Sushi
433 Precita AveGo for an omakase in their outdoor parklet!
Drinks & Nightlife
Old Devil Moon
3472 Mission StGreat beer list. Nice outside patio.
Holy Water
309 Cortland AveFun local bar walking distance from the apartment.
Family- and dog-friendly brewery in walking distance from the apartment, with games and a big screen for sporting events. Usually has a food truck as well. Kids allowed until 8 p.m. Adults only after that.
94 residents recomanen
Barebottle Brewing Company
1525 Cortland AveFamily- and dog-friendly brewery in walking distance from the apartment, with games and a big screen for sporting events. Usually has a food truck as well. Kids allowed until 8 p.m. Adults only after that.
Wine bar. Great place to grab a glass of wine and some bites. When the sun is out, grab a spot in their parklet patio.
52 residents recomanen
VinoRosso
629 Cortland AveWine bar. Great place to grab a glass of wine and some bites. When the sun is out, grab a spot in their parklet patio.
Wine bar with a toddler play area. What could be better (for those of us with kids)? Call ahead and ask for a table near the kid's play area.
Ungrafted
2419 3rd StreetWine bar with a toddler play area. What could be better (for those of us with kids)? Call ahead and ask for a table near the kid's play area.
Best natural wine bar & store in the city. Grab some bottles to take back to the apartment or stay and drink here. They sometimes have a DJ spinning on weekend nights.
27 residents recomanen
Ruby Wine
1419 18th StBest natural wine bar & store in the city. Grab some bottles to take back to the apartment or stay and drink here. They sometimes have a DJ spinning on weekend nights.
Another of the best wine bars in the city. If good wine is what you are after, add this place to your list.
58 residents recomanen
Terroir
1116 Folsom StAnother of the best wine bars in the city. If good wine is what you are after, add this place to your list.
ABV
3174 16th StGreat cocktails, delicious bar food.
Serious Tiki Bar. If you are into rum and good cocktails, Smuggler's is a must visit while in SF. On the weekends there can be a line, so go early or on a weekday to skip the crowd.
100 residents recomanen
Smuggler's Cove
650 Gough StSerious Tiki Bar. If you are into rum and good cocktails, Smuggler's is a must visit while in SF. On the weekends there can be a line, so go early or on a weekday to skip the crowd.
Cocktail bar with a constantly updated themed menu of drinks. Just go with it... the drinks are delicious :)
280 residents recomanen
Trick Dog
3010 20th StCocktail bar with a constantly updated themed menu of drinks. Just go with it... the drinks are delicious :)
Cocktails and dim sum with an art deco vibe. Great date spot. Perfect spot to grab a drink after touring Chinatown.
Moongate Lounge
28 Waverly PlCocktails and dim sum with an art deco vibe. Great date spot. Perfect spot to grab a drink after touring Chinatown.
Check it out after your Anchor tour or, if tours of the factory are sold out, just stop by the tap room and try the famous San Francisco steam beer. There is usually a food truck selling food after 5 p.m. on weeknights and during the day on weekends. Family friendly!
12 residents recomanen
Anchor Public Taps
495 De Haro StCheck it out after your Anchor tour or, if tours of the factory are sold out, just stop by the tap room and try the famous San Francisco steam beer. There is usually a food truck selling food after 5 p.m. on weeknights and during the day on weekends. Family friendly!
Parks & Nature
Stunning Views of San Francisco a short hike from the apartment.
363 residents recomanen
Bernal Heights Park
3400-3416 Folsom StStunning Views of San Francisco a short hike from the apartment.
Local park and playground, with separate play spaces for toddlers and bigger kids, tennis and basketball courts, and picnic areas.
59 residents recomanen
Holly Park
625 Holly Park CirLocal park and playground, with separate play spaces for toddlers and bigger kids, tennis and basketball courts, and picnic areas.
Local park with large grass area (good for picnics) and kids playground. Precita Park Cafe is right across the street, if you need to grab something to eat. From the apartment, you can walk up and over the hill (it's a hike!) or take the 67 bus 5 stops.
6 residents recomanen
Precita Park Playground
405a Precita AveLocal park with large grass area (good for picnics) and kids playground. Precita Park Cafe is right across the street, if you need to grab something to eat. From the apartment, you can walk up and over the hill (it's a hike!) or take the 67 bus 5 stops.
Golden Gate Park is a must visit while in SF. It's huge and there are so many things to do here, but our favorites are picnicking outside the conservatory of flowers or visiting the DeYoung Museum and the Academy of Sciences. Or go on a Sunday when the streets are closed to traffic and ride a bike around the whole park.
1721 residents recomanen
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a must visit while in SF. It's huge and there are so many things to do here, but our favorites are picnicking outside the conservatory of flowers or visiting the DeYoung Museum and the Academy of Sciences. Or go on a Sunday when the streets are closed to traffic and ride a bike around the whole park.
Dolores Park has something for everyone... well at least everyone who isn't scared off by San Francisco's unique brand of weird. Great kids playground, gorgeous views of the city, and usually a guy selling weed-truffles. Grab some lunch at Bi-Rite and have a picnic. Be prepared for it to be crowded on a sunny day.
1244 residents recomanen
Mission Dolores Park
19th StreetDolores Park has something for everyone... well at least everyone who isn't scared off by San Francisco's unique brand of weird. Great kids playground, gorgeous views of the city, and usually a guy selling weed-truffles. Grab some lunch at Bi-Rite and have a picnic. Be prepared for it to be crowded on a sunny day.
Essentials
Full grocery store in walking distance from the apartment.
282 residents recomanen
The Good Life Grocery
448 Cortland AveFull grocery store in walking distance from the apartment.
If you need to do laundry during your stay, and want to do it yourself, we recommend Bernal Bubbles on Cortland. The other laundromat is closer, but we prefer this one. Plus, you can grab a bite to eat at 331 next door while you wait.
17 residents recomanen
Bernal Bubbles
397 Cortland AveIf you need to do laundry during your stay, and want to do it yourself, we recommend Bernal Bubbles on Cortland. The other laundromat is closer, but we prefer this one. Plus, you can grab a bite to eat at 331 next door while you wait.
Offers massage and acupuncture, and you can usually get next-day appointments. Check out its website for availability, and to make an appointment.
East-West Integrative Medicine Clinic
406 Cortland AveOffers massage and acupuncture, and you can usually get next-day appointments. Check out its website for availability, and to make an appointment.
If you need laundry done during your stay, Dan's will do it for you with their wash-and-fold service. Note: Cash only.
11 residents recomanen
Danny's Cleaners
746 Douglass StIf you need laundry done during your stay, Dan's will do it for you with their wash-and-fold service. Note: Cash only.
Shopping
Avedano's Meats
235 Cortland AveButcher shop and speciality market.
Small batch artisanal products market. Good for wine, cheese, liquor, coffee, and much more. Serves coffee and pastries in the morning, and delicious panini sandwiches for lunch (but get there on the early side as they sell out).
40 residents recomanen
The Epicurean Trader
401 Cortland AveSmall batch artisanal products market. Good for wine, cheese, liquor, coffee, and much more. Serves coffee and pastries in the morning, and delicious panini sandwiches for lunch (but get there on the early side as they sell out).
Skip Pier 39 and instead check out the Embarcadero waterfront from the Ferry Building Market Place, which has shops and restaurants and gorgeous views of the water. Go to Blue Bottle for a coffee, taste some cheese at Cowgirl, check out Humphry Slocome for an ice cream, or grab a beer at Fort point. So many options! Also a great place to pick up gifts for friend and family back home.
189 residents recomanen
Edifici del Ferry
Skip Pier 39 and instead check out the Embarcadero waterfront from the Ferry Building Market Place, which has shops and restaurants and gorgeous views of the water. Go to Blue Bottle for a coffee, taste some cheese at Cowgirl, check out Humphry Slocome for an ice cream, or grab a beer at Fort point. So many options! Also a great place to pick up gifts for friend and family back home.
One of our favorite local makers, Health Ceramics now has a gorgeous shop in the mission where you can browse their beautiful plates, housewares, and gifts. Shares a building with Tartine Manufactory, a delicious lunch or dinner spot.
107 residents recomanen
Heath Ceramics
2900 18th StOne of our favorite local makers, Health Ceramics now has a gorgeous shop in the mission where you can browse their beautiful plates, housewares, and gifts. Shares a building with Tartine Manufactory, a delicious lunch or dinner spot.
Simple and well-made women's and men's clothing store. You can make a reservation online if you want to go early before the store opens and beat the crowds. On weekends, there can be a line to get in... seriously ;)
8 residents recomanen
Everlane
461 Valencia StSimple and well-made women's and men's clothing store. You can make a reservation online if you want to go early before the store opens and beat the crowds. On weekends, there can be a line to get in... seriously ;)
If you are traveling with young kids or need to buy a gift for a kid, check out this stylish kid store on Valencia Street.
15 residents recomanen
Aldea Home & Baby
890 Valencia StIf you are traveling with young kids or need to buy a gift for a kid, check out this stylish kid store on Valencia Street.
We think this is the best butcher in the city. Pick up some of the pre-marinated meats and cook yourself a delicious dinner!
23 residents recomanen
Olivier's Butchery
1192 Illinois StWe think this is the best butcher in the city. Pick up some of the pre-marinated meats and cook yourself a delicious dinner!
Getting Around
BART Stop - 25 min walk or 10 min bus ride from the apartment. BART to downtown, the east bay, and OAK and SFO airports.
31 residents recomanen
24th St Mission BART Plaza
2800 Mission StBART Stop - 25 min walk or 10 min bus ride from the apartment. BART to downtown, the east bay, and OAK and SFO airports.
67 Bus Stop on the NE corner of Cortland Ave. and Nevada St. Take the bus toward 24th Street Bart to get over hill, to the Mission District, and to BART.
189 Nevada St
67 Bus Stop on the NE corner of Cortland Ave. and Nevada St. Take the bus toward 24th Street Bart to get over hill, to the Mission District, and to BART.
24 Bus Stop on Cortland Ave. and Folsom St. Take the bus inbound toward Jackson & Fillmore to get to Noe Valley, Dolores Park, the Castro, Haight-Ashbury, Alamo Square (the famous SF Victorian houses), and Pacific Heights.
Cortland Ave & Folsom St station
24 Bus Stop on Cortland Ave. and Folsom St. Take the bus inbound toward Jackson & Fillmore to get to Noe Valley, Dolores Park, the Castro, Haight-Ashbury, Alamo Square (the famous SF Victorian houses), and Pacific Heights.
If you're up for a bike around the city but want a little push up the hill, The New Wheel rents bikes on weekdays for $90 a day. A little more expensive than a traditional bike rental, but you will appreciate the motorized bike when taking on SF's famous hills!
16 residents recomanen
The New Wheel Electric Bikes
420 Cortland AveIf you're up for a bike around the city but want a little push up the hill, The New Wheel rents bikes on weekdays for $90 a day. A little more expensive than a traditional bike rental, but you will appreciate the motorized bike when taking on SF's famous hills!
Arts & Culture
Local branch of the SF Public Library. Open to all. Great kids area downstairs and playground behind the library.
35 residents recomanen
Bernal Heights Branch Library
500 Cortland AveLocal branch of the SF Public Library. Open to all. Great kids area downstairs and playground behind the library.
Best place to see a movie in SF. What could be better than delicious cocktails and food delivered right to your seat?
229 residents recomanen
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
2550 Mission StBest place to see a movie in SF. What could be better than delicious cocktails and food delivered right to your seat?
Modern art galleries in a warehouse space with rotating exhibits. Check out their website to see what is showing during your stay.
24 residents recomanen
Minnesota Street Project
1275 Minnesota StModern art galleries in a warehouse space with rotating exhibits. Check out their website to see what is showing during your stay.
Incline Gallery
766 Valencia StSomewhat hidden modern art gallery above the hustle and bustle of Valencia street.