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Red Window
Let’s get this out of the way: the windows are not red at this hopping tapas joint. Instead, the plate-glass expanse that surrounds the dining area is muralled with Art Nouveau-esque…
Epic Steak
Though the Golden Gate is San Francisco's iconic bridge, the Bay Bridge gives it a run for its money, even more so in recent years thanks to the light show that plays across it…
Trick Dog
Ask locals to name their favorite bars, and this small, well-known neighborhood haunt is sure to be on several lists. Its award-winning status is due to the thoughtfulness that goes…
Bix
Though it’s mostly a restaurant, longtime San Franciscans like me rank this dining room’s mahogany bar high on the “favorite local bar” list, satisfying our cravings for a taste of…
Jones
Think of this large, tucked-away, and notably sexy bar and restaurant just off Union Square as a rooftop bar at ground level. The steep prices correspond with the chic-rooftop notion…
Cold Drinks
One of the hottest new bars in town, the masculine, swank, “hidden” upstairs bar in China Live is no secret to anyone. But it is everything you want an upscale bar to be—comfy-chic…
15 Romolo
Opened in the late '90s by Jon Gasparini and Greg Lindgren, the duo widely known for serving up expertly made cocktails in compelling environments, this hidden North Beach watering and…
Downstairs@Black Cat
Yet another joint harking to days of yore, this Tenderloin supper club’s downstairs bar is spacious, mood-lit, and comfy, with couches, tables, and barstools, all with solid views of…
The Independent
The wonderful Nopa restaurant is not the only reason to head to gritty Divisadero Street, which bisects upper and lower Haight. This long-standing small music hall regularly hosts an…
Amnesia
Live performances by local musicians and craft brews are the selling points at this often-cramped, dimly lit, totally awesome Mission District hot spot favored by pretty much everyone,…
Feinstein's at the Nikko
Union Square’s Hotel Nikko is doing its part to keep quality cabaret and jazz alive in the city with this plush, intimate, 140-seat venue. A wide range of entertainers grace the stage…
The Kimpton Buchanan
Located in the footprint of the former Hotel Tomo, the Buchanan is the elegant result of a nearly 2-year complete renovation, highlighting a soft, modern style that’s at once…
Proper Hotel
Occupying the entire flatiron-style building at Market, McAllister and 7th streets, Proper, which opened in September 2017, is an ambitious endeavor from top to bottom. Luxury interior…
Hotel Via
This sleek, brand-new-from-the-ground-up boutique hotel has a lot to offer. For one thing, it’s directly across the street from AT&T Park, home to the San Francisco Giants and host…
The Metro Hotel
Family-run since it opened in 1985, the Metro is by no means fancy, but it’s got a warm, welcoming staff and clean, basic rooms, making it perfect for people seeking nothing more than…
Castro Theatre
Built in 1922 by renowned Bay Area architect Timothy Pflueger and listed as a City of San Francisco registered landmark, the beautiful Castro Theatre is known for its screenings of…
The EndUp
Open 24 hours, this club is where you're likely to "end up" after a night on the town, likely at 6am and not sober. It's a different nightclub every night of the week, but regardless…
AsiaSF
Food is not the point at this theatrical dinner-and-show destination featuring a multicourse meal and transgender stars. A popular spot for bachelorette and birthday parties, dates,…
Aziza
Warm, attractive, and out-of-the-way Aziza is one of the most highly regarded Moroccan restaurants in the country, as well as an all-around top city dining spot. Chef/owner Mourad…
Benu
Housed in a heritage building in the heart of SoMa, a few minutes’ walk from MoMa and other cultural attractions, Benu is one of the world’s rare three-Michelin-star restaurants.…
Waterbar
Waterbar delivers just about everything a San Francisco visitor—or local—could want. A contender for the “Best Views” award, it has unparalleled front-row seats for the Bay Bridge and…
Atelier Crenn
An atelier is a French workshop, and Chef Dominique Crenn (of Luce fame) uses hers to create dishes that are so intricate and whimsical that it’s wrenching to “ruin” them with that…
Greens
Greens was, arguably, the first restaurant in the U.S. to take a gourmet approach to vegetarian food, with an ambitious menu, extensive wine list, and a serene decor of hand-carved…
Johnny Foley’s Irish House
Foley’s is as well known for its surprisingly good pub food (bangers and mash, fish and chips, cottage pie and the like) as it is for its famous dueling pianos downstairs. It’s the…
Original Joe’s
This San Francisco institution claims it has served everyone from “the head politician to the head prostitute”—presumably not at the same time, though you never know. Founded by Tony…