Activities:
Black Cat – Ultra-Cool late night favorite throwback to the Tenderloin’s historic jazz clubs. Plan ahead and reserve a table downstairs to experience the late night Jazz sessions while experiencing Chef Alicia Jenish-McCarron’s incredible sharing menu along side some of the most beautifully crafted cocktails you’ll find in SF.
Curran Theater – The 1922 classic has been re-built as one of the best theaters in SF, now under the curation of Tony Award-Winner Carole Shorenstein Hays. Check their website for a current schedule.
Ruby Skye – An SF classic featuring live bands daily from electro-pop to punk to folk. Check their website for show times.
Jessica Silverman Gallery – One of the first to pioneer the gentrification of the Tenderloin, JSG is known for discovering emergent artists and launching them onto the national stage. A must visit for modern and concept driven art fans.
Restaurants:
Quick & Easy:
The Halal Guys – NYC Classic, brand new in SF. Gyros, Falafel etc in classic street food format.
Pearls – Let your inner fat kid come out. Voted the best burger in SF many many times and for good reason. Double down on house-made milk shakes and combo curly and regular fries. Diet starts tomorrow.
Tacorea – Tiny restaurant packed with cool kids and serving up Korean style tacos. Everything is under $11 and delish.
Taqueria El Sol – Classic hole in the wall Mexican taqueria. They make the food to order and you are in and out in 5 minutes.
All Others:
Rove – Casual and trendy neighborhood restaurant featuring an amazing burger, chicken sandwich, salad and that’s it. Really. With beers on tap and plenty of wine, what more do you need?
Katana Ya – In the middle of tourist everything, slink downstairs for some of the best Ramen in the city. Extra-credit for the underground, unbeaten path arrival experience.
Le Colonial – Hidden in an alleyway – entering this multi-story restaurant/venue feels like stepping into a time warp. Think white table cloths, rattan furniture, dim lighting and a live jazz band playing after 10pm – this Vietnamese/French fusion is a perfect date night or large party venue.
Liho Liho – From Ravi Kapur and the Nopa gang, this new-classic is critically acclaimed with good reason. Known for fresh and delicious Hawaiian fair – the open kitchen concept makes you feel right at home – on the island. Go downstairs before or after to Louie’s Gen-Gen room for amazing tropical drinks.
Huxley – From Kris Esqueda (Sons & Daughters) and Sara Hauman (Bar Agricole) is the quintessential neighborhood restaurant. Low key but date worthy, small but always available, delicious but not fussy. The menu changes often, but food is always fresh, local and creative.
Del Popolo – One of a few in the city, but straight up delicious pizza and salads in their coolest and most comfortable brick and mortar. Great for a weeknight bite with friends.
Aliment – Very SF neighborhood restaurant. Chef-driven, locally sourced menu that changes almost daily.
Akiko’s – Great Sushi- cool tiny restaurant. Awesome lunch or dinner spot after a day of shopping.
Matador – Laid back Mexican restaurant with great margaritas and house made Juices.
The Saratoga – From the Spruce and Village Pub team, this New American supper club style restaurant feels like a modern interpretation of the 1920’s. I suggest eating downstairs for a more intimate vibe – sip some vintage chartreuse and luxuriate.
Elephant Sushi (RX) – Really good sushi, not too expensive and cute hole in the wall style seating. If there is a line, go next door to the ultra-hip bar RX for a cocktail while you wait.