Tara & John's Guide to SF

Tara
Tara & John's Guide to SF

Favorite restaurants

There are a ton of excellent dining options in SF. Here are just some of our favorites that are in our 'hood (all within walking distance).
This place opened a couple of years ago in this old warehouse space - it's connected to Heath Ceramics, so it's nice to be able to browse around while you're waiting for a table. We love coming here in the mornings to grab pastries/coffee, or for special occasion dinners (reservations recommended). Everything on the menu is scrumptious and the cocktails are inventive and tasty. It's only a 10 minute walk from our place!
155 locals recommend
Tartine Manufactory
595 Alabama St
155 locals recommend
This place opened a couple of years ago in this old warehouse space - it's connected to Heath Ceramics, so it's nice to be able to browse around while you're waiting for a table. We love coming here in the mornings to grab pastries/coffee, or for special occasion dinners (reservations recommended). Everything on the menu is scrumptious and the cocktails are inventive and tasty. It's only a 10 minute walk from our place!
Duck, duck... DUCK. The Morris is perhaps most well known for its roast duck, which should not be missed. But everything on the menu is lovely, with intricate flavors. The cocktails are also tasty - try the chartreuse, if you're feeling adventurous (they have a chartreuse slushie for the uninitiated). This place is also within a 10-12 minute walk from our place. Walk-ins are welcome although they tend to be fairly busy most nights.
19 locals recommend
The Morris
2501 Mariposa St
19 locals recommend
Duck, duck... DUCK. The Morris is perhaps most well known for its roast duck, which should not be missed. But everything on the menu is lovely, with intricate flavors. The cocktails are also tasty - try the chartreuse, if you're feeling adventurous (they have a chartreuse slushie for the uninitiated). This place is also within a 10-12 minute walk from our place. Walk-ins are welcome although they tend to be fairly busy most nights.
The first time we came here, we passed on the pasta tasting menu. Well, it was a mistake! Their pastas are delicious. Truly - the only better pasta we've had was in Italy. If you can't make reservations, then arrive early and walk-in! Usually you can get lucky and grab a seat for 2. This is about a 10 minute walk from our place. You'll want to walk back to burn off some of those carbs ;)
266 locals recommend
Flour + Water
2401 Harrison St
266 locals recommend
The first time we came here, we passed on the pasta tasting menu. Well, it was a mistake! Their pastas are delicious. Truly - the only better pasta we've had was in Italy. If you can't make reservations, then arrive early and walk-in! Usually you can get lucky and grab a seat for 2. This is about a 10 minute walk from our place. You'll want to walk back to burn off some of those carbs ;)
Stop in for a quick bite/snack and sit outside with a glass of wine, if you're in the mood. Otherwise, this place is also great for take-out (run by the same folks as Flour + Water and Central Kitchen, next door). We love their sandwiches and salads. The roast mushroom sandwich is filling and flavorful. Less than a 10 minute walk from our place. *kid friendly
83 locals recommend
Salumeria
3000 20th St
83 locals recommend
Stop in for a quick bite/snack and sit outside with a glass of wine, if you're in the mood. Otherwise, this place is also great for take-out (run by the same folks as Flour + Water and Central Kitchen, next door). We love their sandwiches and salads. The roast mushroom sandwich is filling and flavorful. Less than a 10 minute walk from our place. *kid friendly
Modern California cuisine in a casual setting. Same owners as Flour + Water, but a different menu and vibe. They're only open for dinner, and usually they have a number of spots open for walk-ins. Right next door to Salumeria and less than a 10 minute walk from our place.
82 locals recommend
Central Kitchen
3000 20th St
82 locals recommend
Modern California cuisine in a casual setting. Same owners as Flour + Water, but a different menu and vibe. They're only open for dinner, and usually they have a number of spots open for walk-ins. Right next door to Salumeria and less than a 10 minute walk from our place.
Delicious Peruvian food in the heart of the Mission (the one closest to our place is on Van Ness, which is about a 12 minute walk; there's also one on Valencia further west). The roast chicken is no joke! Even our toddler can't turn down the empanadas, chicken, and rice. We also recommend a ceviche. *kid friendly
203 locals recommend
Limón Rotisserie
524 Valencia St
203 locals recommend
Delicious Peruvian food in the heart of the Mission (the one closest to our place is on Van Ness, which is about a 12 minute walk; there's also one on Valencia further west). The roast chicken is no joke! Even our toddler can't turn down the empanadas, chicken, and rice. We also recommend a ceviche. *kid friendly
Super tasty brunch spot (but don't just limit yourselves to one meal!) in a cozy and comfortable setting. It's small so don't be surprised if there's a wait. Quite family friendly and everything on the menu is delightful.
123 locals recommend
Universal Cafe
2814 19th St
123 locals recommend
Super tasty brunch spot (but don't just limit yourselves to one meal!) in a cozy and comfortable setting. It's small so don't be surprised if there's a wait. Quite family friendly and everything on the menu is delightful.
Really cute bistro with delicious homey Japanese food. The owner and servers are all lovely - our toddler loves the gyoza and the rice dishes. The beef curry is good, but so is everything else.
25 locals recommend
Bon, Nene
2850 21st St
25 locals recommend
Really cute bistro with delicious homey Japanese food. The owner and servers are all lovely - our toddler loves the gyoza and the rice dishes. The beef curry is good, but so is everything else.
Great salsa bar (all homemade, six different kinds!), fast service, yummy Mexican food. We like the burritos and quesadilla.
115 locals recommend
El Metate
2406 Bryant St
115 locals recommend
Great salsa bar (all homemade, six different kinds!), fast service, yummy Mexican food. We like the burritos and quesadilla.

Things to do

There's so much to see and do around SF. This is just a smattering of suggestions (and we've left out some of the major "tour book" attractions) - if you have specific questions or things in mind, don't hesitate to reach out.
Honestly, this may be our favorite market in SF. Yes, it's almost always crowded. Yes, you always leave with more than you intended. But if you want insight into local and seasonal produce and products and some dang good food, Bi-Rite is your place. We like grabbing some sandwiches to go then wandering over to Mission Dolores for people watching. Don't forget some of the chewy chocolate chip/sea salt cookies. You may not want to share.
651 locals recommend
Bi-Rite Market
3639 18th St
651 locals recommend
Honestly, this may be our favorite market in SF. Yes, it's almost always crowded. Yes, you always leave with more than you intended. But if you want insight into local and seasonal produce and products and some dang good food, Bi-Rite is your place. We like grabbing some sandwiches to go then wandering over to Mission Dolores for people watching. Don't forget some of the chewy chocolate chip/sea salt cookies. You may not want to share.
When the weather is nice, you can barely see the grass due to the throngs of people lounging around. Luckily, the park was recently renovated and is big enough that you're bound to find a spot you like. The southwest corner is good for a panoramic view of the city skyline (and usually far enough away from the folks enjoying their herbal refreshments on the northern slope). There's also a nice kid's playground, although it's geared more towards older kids.
1244 locals recommend
Mission Dolores Park
19th Street
1244 locals recommend
When the weather is nice, you can barely see the grass due to the throngs of people lounging around. Luckily, the park was recently renovated and is big enough that you're bound to find a spot you like. The southwest corner is good for a panoramic view of the city skyline (and usually far enough away from the folks enjoying their herbal refreshments on the northern slope). There's also a nice kid's playground, although it's geared more towards older kids.
This alleyway is kept up-to-date with murals by local artists, many of them with political or social themes. Grab a coffee and wander down this alley - you very well may see an artist updating/painting while you're there.
33 locals recommend
Clarion Alley Street Art
90 Clarion Alley
33 locals recommend
This alleyway is kept up-to-date with murals by local artists, many of them with political or social themes. Grab a coffee and wander down this alley - you very well may see an artist updating/painting while you're there.
If you have older kids or sturdy toddlers who can walk/hike a bit, the Lands End trail is mostly flat, with views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. If all else fails, let them run around on the beach.
694 locals recommend
Lands End Trail
Lands End Trail
694 locals recommend
If you have older kids or sturdy toddlers who can walk/hike a bit, the Lands End trail is mostly flat, with views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. If all else fails, let them run around on the beach.
The largest farmer's market in SF with amazing offerings at very reasonable prices. Open year round, every Saturday from 7am-2pm.
104 locals recommend
Alemany Farmers Market
100 Alemany Blvd
104 locals recommend
The largest farmer's market in SF with amazing offerings at very reasonable prices. Open year round, every Saturday from 7am-2pm.
Wander up and down Valencia Street in the Mission. There's plenty of action between 15th and 24th. It'll take you about 15-20 minutes to walk from the apartment to this area of the Mission, but it's a nice way to spend the morning. We frequently walk west on 24th (grab a coffee and donut on the way) until we get to Mission/Valencia, then explore shops/stores along Valencia. (We find that there are enough playgrounds and interesting things around to keep our kiddo occupied.)
163 locals recommend
Valencia Street
Valencia Street
163 locals recommend
Wander up and down Valencia Street in the Mission. There's plenty of action between 15th and 24th. It'll take you about 15-20 minutes to walk from the apartment to this area of the Mission, but it's a nice way to spend the morning. We frequently walk west on 24th (grab a coffee and donut on the way) until we get to Mission/Valencia, then explore shops/stores along Valencia. (We find that there are enough playgrounds and interesting things around to keep our kiddo occupied.)
Explore the bounty of California at this artisan food market from oysters to cheese to chocolate. Also, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday visit the farmer's market. Saturday has the largest selection of vendors.
189 locals recommend
Ferry Building
189 locals recommend
Explore the bounty of California at this artisan food market from oysters to cheese to chocolate. Also, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday visit the farmer's market. Saturday has the largest selection of vendors.

Kid friendly activities

Here are some of our toddler's favorite things to do with her parents on the weekends.
This is a great playground. There are several play structures that are geared towards toddlers and kids. There are swings and a train for little ones to use their imagination. It's spacious, especially for being chock in the middle of the Mission.
36 locals recommend
Mission Playground
36 Cunningham Place
36 locals recommend
This is a great playground. There are several play structures that are geared towards toddlers and kids. There are swings and a train for little ones to use their imagination. It's spacious, especially for being chock in the middle of the Mission.
Yes, it's a nice home/baby store. But there's also a little play area in the center that sometimes when we're feeling really scrapped, we bring our little one to on rainy days. The folks are super nice and the parents don't mind taking turns wandering around the store.
15 locals recommend
Aldea Home & Baby
890 Valencia St
15 locals recommend
Yes, it's a nice home/baby store. But there's also a little play area in the center that sometimes when we're feeling really scrapped, we bring our little one to on rainy days. The folks are super nice and the parents don't mind taking turns wandering around the store.
Admission is pricey, especially for the whole family, but kids love exploring the different exhibits. Don't miss the hands-on tactile discovery tide pool, and definitely go up on the living roof when it's not too windy. The rainforest is great to wander around and you'll definitely see lots of birds and butterflies. For older kids, there's the planetarium. We'd suggest making a half day or day trip out of this, since you can also wander around the park and go into the Sunset neighborhood for eats (either 9th or along Irving gives you plenty of options).
816 locals recommend
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr
816 locals recommend
Admission is pricey, especially for the whole family, but kids love exploring the different exhibits. Don't miss the hands-on tactile discovery tide pool, and definitely go up on the living roof when it's not too windy. The rainforest is great to wander around and you'll definitely see lots of birds and butterflies. For older kids, there's the planetarium. We'd suggest making a half day or day trip out of this, since you can also wander around the park and go into the Sunset neighborhood for eats (either 9th or along Irving gives you plenty of options).
Fun indoor play space with lots of different activities for kids of many ages. There's a reading room with comfy bean bags, a play stage where kids can put on a puppet show, a LEGO wall, and the whole top floor is art/science projects. Around the corner is a small playground with a giant slide that toddlers and older kids love.
23 locals recommend
Children's Creativity Museum
221 4th St
23 locals recommend
Fun indoor play space with lots of different activities for kids of many ages. There's a reading room with comfy bean bags, a play stage where kids can put on a puppet show, a LEGO wall, and the whole top floor is art/science projects. Around the corner is a small playground with a giant slide that toddlers and older kids love.
This is around a 15-20 minute walk from the apartment, in the Bernal Heights neighborhood (once you cross Caesar Chavez, it turns into Bernal). It's a small but nice playground, and grassy green right outside for picnics. Be forewarned, it always tends to be busy during the weekends, especially during sunny days. You'll invariably run into a birthday party or two, bouncy house included.
6 locals recommend
Precita Park Playground
405a Precita Ave
6 locals recommend
This is around a 15-20 minute walk from the apartment, in the Bernal Heights neighborhood (once you cross Caesar Chavez, it turns into Bernal). It's a small but nice playground, and grassy green right outside for picnics. Be forewarned, it always tends to be busy during the weekends, especially during sunny days. You'll invariably run into a birthday party or two, bouncy house included.
The play structures here are probably more suitable for slightly older kids, since toddlers won't have the dexterity to climb or balance on some of them. But, there is a play structure geared more towards younger kids, swing sets, and a play train.
Franklin Square Playground
2596-2692 17th St
The play structures here are probably more suitable for slightly older kids, since toddlers won't have the dexterity to climb or balance on some of them. But, there is a play structure geared more towards younger kids, swing sets, and a play train.
An indoor option for kids 3+: a trampoline park located in a converted airplane hangar in Crissy Field.
54 locals recommend
House of Air Trampoline Park
926 Mason St
54 locals recommend
An indoor option for kids 3+: a trampoline park located in a converted airplane hangar in Crissy Field.
More suitable for older kids, but there are some activities for toddlers, too. Lots of hands-on exhibits, like stepping inside a tornado, counting the rings on a 300-year-old tree, and building an electrical circuit. It's fun for parents, too.
432 locals recommend
Exploratorium
Green Street
432 locals recommend
More suitable for older kids, but there are some activities for toddlers, too. Lots of hands-on exhibits, like stepping inside a tornado, counting the rings on a 300-year-old tree, and building an electrical circuit. It's fun for parents, too.
We like the Presidio for easy, kid-friendly hikes, and the Andy Goldsworthy sculptures. There are also two playgrounds near the area - Julius Kahn and Presidio Heights. We usually convince our daughter to go on a walk with us along the , then if she's still full of energy, we let her run around one of the playgrounds before we head home.
Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line
Presidio Boulevard
We like the Presidio for easy, kid-friendly hikes, and the Andy Goldsworthy sculptures. There are also two playgrounds near the area - Julius Kahn and Presidio Heights. We usually convince our daughter to go on a walk with us along the , then if she's still full of energy, we let her run around one of the playgrounds before we head home.

Neighborhoods to explore

Here are some of our favorite 'hoods to go hang out in.
Small but trendy neighborhood, with lots of boutiques, bars, and restaurants. Some of our favorite stores/places to go include: Marine Layer (low-key, Cali cool clothes), Aether (very nice outerwear/athleisure wear, but pricey), Warby Parker, Fiddlesticks (for the requisite kids store), and Timbuk2. Here are some tasty places to eat: Salt & Straw (for yummy, Portland-based ice cream), Souvla (upscale Greek), Chantal Guillon (macarons), Smitten (local SF ice cream made to order with liquid nitrogen), a Mano (tasty Italian), and Chez Maman (cute French bistro with solidly good food).
223 locals recommend
Hayes Valley
223 locals recommend
Small but trendy neighborhood, with lots of boutiques, bars, and restaurants. Some of our favorite stores/places to go include: Marine Layer (low-key, Cali cool clothes), Aether (very nice outerwear/athleisure wear, but pricey), Warby Parker, Fiddlesticks (for the requisite kids store), and Timbuk2. Here are some tasty places to eat: Salt & Straw (for yummy, Portland-based ice cream), Souvla (upscale Greek), Chantal Guillon (macarons), Smitten (local SF ice cream made to order with liquid nitrogen), a Mano (tasty Italian), and Chez Maman (cute French bistro with solidly good food).
Yes, it's bougie. Yes, there are tons of name brand and high end boutiques. So what? Pac Heights is clean and safe and smells nicer than other parts of the city. Go and wander around, [window]shop, and enjoy yourself. Stop by Smitten or Delfina Pizzeria to reward yourself for walking uphill. There are also a few great playgrounds/parks in the area for kids to run around.
53 locals recommend
Pacific Heights
53 locals recommend
Yes, it's bougie. Yes, there are tons of name brand and high end boutiques. So what? Pac Heights is clean and safe and smells nicer than other parts of the city. Go and wander around, [window]shop, and enjoy yourself. Stop by Smitten or Delfina Pizzeria to reward yourself for walking uphill. There are also a few great playgrounds/parks in the area for kids to run around.
Before we had kids, we used to hate on Noe all the time. It's clean and a bit prissy and very family oriented. Now that we have kids, we go there more often than we'd like to admit. The central downtown hub is small, walkable, and has enough stores/restaurants to keep it interesting. We sometimes take our daughter to Charlie's Corner Bookstore for musical story time (calendar here --> https://charliescorner.com/story-time-and-special-events/). Then, we reward ourselves with pastries from Noe Valley Bakery down the block.
95 locals recommend
Noe Valley
95 locals recommend
Before we had kids, we used to hate on Noe all the time. It's clean and a bit prissy and very family oriented. Now that we have kids, we go there more often than we'd like to admit. The central downtown hub is small, walkable, and has enough stores/restaurants to keep it interesting. We sometimes take our daughter to Charlie's Corner Bookstore for musical story time (calendar here --> https://charliescorner.com/story-time-and-special-events/). Then, we reward ourselves with pastries from Noe Valley Bakery down the block.
Explore Clement street with its various Asian groceries, restaurants and shops. Unlike Chinatown, which caters to tourists and plays up its kitschy vibe, Clement St is geared towards local residents. There are some really great restaurants there (all kid-friendly), such as Mandalay (Burmese), Chili House SF (Chinese), and My Tofu House (Korean). Green Apple Books is one of the best bookstores in SF, which is also in the area. It has books for everyone and also has a nice children's section.
18 locals recommend
Richmond District
18 locals recommend
Explore Clement street with its various Asian groceries, restaurants and shops. Unlike Chinatown, which caters to tourists and plays up its kitschy vibe, Clement St is geared towards local residents. There are some really great restaurants there (all kid-friendly), such as Mandalay (Burmese), Chili House SF (Chinese), and My Tofu House (Korean). Green Apple Books is one of the best bookstores in SF, which is also in the area. It has books for everyone and also has a nice children's section.

Food scene

Have a craving for donuts? Want something more than just jelly or creme-filled? Search no further than the delightful concoctions/combinations of flavors at Dynamo. Our favorites include milk chocolate passionfruit, Mexican chocolate, and salted caramel. Definitely grab a latte while you're at it, then wander around down 24th to Mission/Valencia.
199 locals recommend
Dynamo Donut and Coffee
2760 24th St
199 locals recommend
Have a craving for donuts? Want something more than just jelly or creme-filled? Search no further than the delightful concoctions/combinations of flavors at Dynamo. Our favorites include milk chocolate passionfruit, Mexican chocolate, and salted caramel. Definitely grab a latte while you're at it, then wander around down 24th to Mission/Valencia.
Not sure why the original Philz isn't showing up on this map, but don't go to the one in Embarcadero. Go to the original Philz on 24th in the Mission (3101 24th/cross street Folsom). Go ahead. Tell the barista just how you like it. They want you to love it.
915 locals recommend
Philz Coffee
3101 24th St
915 locals recommend
Not sure why the original Philz isn't showing up on this map, but don't go to the one in Embarcadero. Go to the original Philz on 24th in the Mission (3101 24th/cross street Folsom). Go ahead. Tell the barista just how you like it. They want you to love it.
Wilson and his wife run this small coffee joint and their attention to detail is amazing. They roast their own beans and make their own baked goods (croissants, cookies, other pastries). Coffee is excellent! Try the Thai Breakfast - it’s cold brew blended with banana and oat milk, over cold brew ice cubes. Crazy delicious.
46 locals recommend
CoffeeShop
3139 Mission St
46 locals recommend
Wilson and his wife run this small coffee joint and their attention to detail is amazing. They roast their own beans and make their own baked goods (croissants, cookies, other pastries). Coffee is excellent! Try the Thai Breakfast - it’s cold brew blended with banana and oat milk, over cold brew ice cubes. Crazy delicious.

City advice

What to pack

Bring layers!!

SF is notorious for its micro-climates throughout different parts of the city. Our apartment is in one of the sunniest (and warmest) parts of SF. Don't be fooled when you leave the sunny Mission and land in foggy and chilly Outer Sunset. Pack layers so you're prepared from morning to night. You'll thank us later when you don't have to buy that cheesy tourist sweatshirt.
Getting around

Muni vs BART

There are several options for public transport around the city. Muni typically refers to the light rail (and the mass transit system, in general) and BART is the subway. There are places where they intersect but their paths bring you to different parts of the city. For visitors, if you don't get a Clipper card, it's probably easiest to download MuniMobile: https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/muni/fares/munimobile. You can use this for the bus, light rail, and cable car. BART has its own app: https://www.bart.gov/guide/apps
What to pack

Bring face masks!

Just a reminder during the time of COVID that SF businesses will not serve you or let you in unless you are wearing a face covering. Please also keep in mind that we are following social distancing here. Please bring face mask(s) so that you are prepared to venture out!