San Francisco Profiles – San Francisco’s Lower Haight with Anthony
It has been so fun doing this series! I am getting to know all my friends' secret hideouts! San Francisco is such an amazing city, one that is ever-changing and I love discovering a new little corner every week. Seeing these “villages” from a local perspective has made me really appreciate this method of traveling. I see the value of that when I leave the Bay Area and go to a place like Kyoto where I met Daniel from Context Travel. Sure he gave us a wonderful tour of the Nishiki Market, but more than that he shared his favorite local spots and hangouts which is definitely a cool way to explore a city!
San Francisco is a city of villages and if you are unfamiliar with its layout, here is a map that you can use to get yourself acclimated. After each interview, I have included some additional spots to check out should you choose to visit.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Opinions are always my own and I’ll never promote something I don’t use or believe in. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
San Francisco's Lower Haight may be less famous than its upper neighbor, but as is evident by being CurbedSF readers (a San Francisco real estate blog) neighborhood of the year several years in a row, it is an area that is well-loved. So when I found out that one of my colleagues lived in this area (I swear my co-workers are going to stop answering this question, as they will soon eventually all end up on these pages!) I jumped on the chance to hear his favorites.
Meet Anthony.
[1] Favorite thing about the Lower Haight.
Its location says a lot about the neighborhood. The centrality of the few blocks that make up LH blend and buffer the strong distinct identities of the surrounding neighborhoods. The identity is void of presumption. And that's what makes it welcoming, bringing together neighbors new and old, families, small businesses, and creative entrepreneurs. It's not perfect, crime, housing affordability, parking are not different here than anywhere else but I think the individualism of Lower Haight shines through in the residents, establishments, and the experience anyone has when they visit.
For a more tangible favorite I have of Lower Haight, again, I point to the central location. Walkable to the Mission, Hayes Valley, NoPa, Alamo Square; public transit routes adequately accessible in all directions; and quick access to the 101.
Plus, there's a good mix of merchant and residential spaces, so it's an area where business and residents coexist vibrantly. Especially in times of need, I met one of my good friends when an apartment building caught fire a few years back at Haight and Fillmore. Our local butcher across the street risked his life to run in and alert residents of that building. Some were taking refuge in local bars. It was an event I think brought many people together and it was due to the community spirit of both neighbors and merchants.
[2] Least favorite thing about the Lower Haight.
Hard to say, but parking can be difficult. Anyone visiting may be frustrated with parking. As for food, there is a lack of rich Italian and Hispanic dining outside of pizza and taco joints.
[3] What differentiates this neighborhood from all the other parts of the city?
It's a very efficient neighborhood. The accessibility to so many different types of activities, food, services and shops within a small area is really incredible. Mostly though, I think it's the people. There is a strong bond to this neighborhood, taking care of it and building quality life for all here.
[4] Favorite coffee spot in Lower Haight.
Bean There (201 Steiner S). Friendly atmosphere, great food, and selection of refreshments. I'm not a coffee drinker but I enjoy their tea and any friends and visitors that I send their way valued my recommendation.
[5] Favorite spot for drinks.
This is a toss-up, I would say Danny Coyles (668 Haight St) and Maven (598 Haight St). Both are popular and can get packed fairly easily. For cocktails, I enjoy the creativity and craft of the Maven bartenders and their delicious concoctions. For atmosphere, I enjoy the staff of Danny Coyles, although they do have a strong sports and pub quiz following so it's difficult on those occasions when excitement is ramped up among a large crowd.
Any respectable beer drinker must also consider Toronado (547 Haight St). A legendary establishment that does not take too kind to those who do not respect the bar or other patrons. Biker atmosphere with a connoisseur selection of craft brews.
[6] Favorite local hangout.
DSF Clothing (formerly D-Structure SF, 520 Haight St) is a clothing store (surprise) and art gallery. It's a fun space with a great staff led by Devin Chulick who is also the current Lower Haight Merchant Association President. Every Friday night the store has a casual social gathering (the store is open to all with music, refreshments and usually a Friday night discount on merchandise) in addition to frequent new gallery show opening events, Berlin ping-pong parties and even store-wide yoga sessions.
[7] Favorite breakfast spot.
Kate's Kitchen (471 Haight St) is fantastic, it has an excellent selection of breakfast options but is very popular so it's tough to get a table. Highly recommend though, very healthy and savory selections to choose from.
[8] Favorite lunch spot.
Greenburgers (518 Haight St) is my go-to spot for lunch. They have great soups, salads, and entrées to get you through any day. The name is sort of a misnomer because it's a nod to the Greenburger family. Often it's confused as a vegetarian spot which is not the case but there are plenty of options if you're not into meat.
Wing wings (422 Haight St) and Memphis Minnie's (576 Haight St.) are my other lunch destinations.
Wing Wings have some of the most incredible wings in the city made through imaginative recipes and ingredients in homage to the East Coast Mid-Atlantic area.
Memphis Minnie's is a true BBQ establishment that can rival any other place in the nation. It's a real treasure to have in the neighborhood but they smoke, cure, and cook pork in so many delicious ways it's hard not to go back all the time. However, I'm looking out for my fitness so I exercise restraint.
[9] Favorite dinner spot.
Chaparral (471 Haight St). Kate's Kitchen used to be just a brunch place but a few months back, a new group came in to operate the space at night for their own dinner pop-up experience. It's called Chaparral. It's only open Wednesday-Saturday evening but the food is California rustic with fresh flavorful ingredients. Since it's a pop-up, you have to bring your own wine or drinks. The atmosphere is very intimate and the Chef is very talented.
[UPDATE: unfortunately Chaparral is now closed. They couldn't reach a long-term agreement with their pop-up host, Kate's Kitchen.]
Maven has a great menu and atmosphere as well, it's very popular so getting a table has been harder lately. Maven has great seasonable menus with very savory American California cuisine with delicious Duck Sliders as my favorite.
Outside of American Cuisine. It's a toss-up between Sushi Raw (among an increasingly competing sushi restaurant presence) and Indian Oven. I think Indian Oven (237 Fillmore St) however was the first to truly open me up to Indian food and it's absolutely expertly done.
[10] One thing you always do/spot you always take friends from out of town to do/see.
See the outdoor spaces, from Alamo Square to Duboce Park, and the amazing street art in between. Lower Haight is really blessed with fine work from amateur and professional artists who have turned many of the Lower Haight environment into provocative and colorful pieces of expression. I have witnessed many murals that have taken many days with the help of many people. It's really something I love to show friends from out of town the love people have in this community for the neighborhood.
Thanks Anthony!
Here are other great spots in San Francisco's Lower Haight:
EAT – Breakfast/Brunch:
> The Grind (783 Haight St) cafe serving up a great selection of breakfast treats and espresso drinks.
EAT – Lunch/Dinner:
> Little Chihuahua (292 Divisadero) great chile verde chicken tacos.
> Axum Cafe 698 Haight St. at Pierce) Cheap Ethiopian dishes served on a large piece of injera and tangy salad.
> Café du Soleil (200 Fillmore St.) open-faced sandwiches served on organic bread and croissants outside seating.
> Estelas Fresh Sandwiches (250 Fillmore St) great veggie sandwiches, also turkey and smoked gouda are darn good!
> Cu Co (488 Haight St.) get the plantain burrito, but I have a thing for plantains…
> Two Jack's Niks Place (401 Haight St) real southern fried catfish.
> Thep Phanom (400 Waller) voted best Thai food in San Francisco multiple times. They have the usual dishes but try the Dancing Ladies (prawns stuffed with crab) or Three's Company (prawns, scallops and calamari in coconut sauce).
> Metro Caffe (247 Fillmore St) cheesesteaks and tater tots, enough said.
DRINK – Bars:
> Uva Enoteca (568 Haight St) great happy hour including tasty salami and herb pizza.
> Noc Noc (557 Haight St) great dive bar with an awesome beer selection.
> Mad Dog in the Fog (530 Haight St) Mad Dog serves up mad beers from England and all over the world.
> Nickie's (466 Haight St) Only bar that serves food in LH, great half-pound burger.
> Kezar Pub (770 Stanyan St.) For sports fans, has over 20 beers on draft.
> Molotov’s (582 Haight St) One of the few LH bars serving hard liquor, dog-friendly.
SWEETS:
> Three Twins Ice Cream (254 Fillmore St.) delicious organic ice cream, vegan offerings too, tiny location.
THINGS TO DO:
> The Wiggle bike route. It's even got its own Yelp page!
SHOP:
> Upper Playground (1661 Tennessee St) very San Franciscan street art-inspired clothes and gear.
> Merch (629 Haight St) cute boutique with curated goods including men's and women's clothing, home decor, perfume, etc.
> Vinyl Dreams (593 Haight St) EDM-focused record shop.
> Fiddlesticks (540 Hayes St) children's clothing and toy store.
LODGING:
> While Lower Haight has a great balance of residential and commercial spaces, lodging is a bit tough to find. Your best bet for living like a local here is renting a private home or apartment via services like Airbnb. They have a great guide for Lower Haight that includes some of their locations to rent.
WHAT OTHERS SAY:
Here are other posts and guides from a few other local sources.
> Hoodline local blog news and stories
> 7×7: We Wanna Be Friends With Three Twins Ice Cream Founder Neal Gottlieb
How about you? Do you have any Lower Haight additions? Have you been to this area of San Francisco? Did you find this post helpful for a future trip?
Like it? PIN it!
San Fran totally looks like somewhere I’d love to live! I definitely want to visit sometime 🙂
@Chelsea, it is quite an amazing location, hope you get to come visit some day!
I really want to go to SF one day. It seems to have such a laid back vibe which I love and the architecture is to die for.
@FI, San Francisco is very laid back, I love that aspect of Northern California, Oregon and Washington.
San Fran is HIGH on my list of must see cities! It seems like such a vibrant place <3
@Angelic, it is! Each neighborhood has something unique to offer!
San Francisco looks like such a fun place to visit! Hopefully I’ll make it there one day!
@Erica, I hope you get out here soon!
I love San Francisco! It’s so rich with beauty and life and is such a unique city! <3
@Shipra, have you been? What did you like best?
I love these lists! Great for those who know the city and others who are new in town. Noc Noc is a great place to grab a beer 🙂
@Lauren, thanks and thanks for adding to the list of vetted places by locals!
Great timing! I am going to San Fran next month for the first time! I will definitely have to try some of these places out! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
@Heather, fantastic, there are several posts in this series plus many other San Francisco posts under:
I’ve been to San Francisco once and would love to visit again.
@Karissa, what did you visit when you were here last?
Why oh why have I never been to SF yet? I must plan a trip there with my boyfriend asap 🙂
@Lindsay, you must! There are many great vegetarian and vegan restos here: https://misadventureswithandi.com/2013/08/san-francisco-for-vegetarians.html
Oh how I love SF! The bloody Mary’s, the wine, the food, the hills. What’s not to love? Oh the real estate prices. haha. Such an incredible city!
@Candace, that is the second time you have mentioned the bloody Mary’s – I need to know where you had them! What is your favorite restaurant? What part of the city would you like to learn more about?
Sounds like a very beautiful time as Anhtony said parking is a pain everywhere. I would love to visit SF one day
I love this post! I’ve never been to SF – but its on my list of places to visit! The pictures look stunning!!
@Jen, hope you get a chance to visit soon!
Love this! I’ve been a bit hesitant to venture out of my comfort zone SF spots, but this is making me reconsider!
@Brenda, where do you typically like to hang out? What other neighborhood would you like to see?
I love these posts! Now I want to go here. Those burgers look so good.
@Jenna, glad to hear, and that is a darn good burger!
What a lovely place! Looks so cool – and the food pics are amazing! I would love to visit!
ack! this is perfect. we’re still pretty new to the city and trying to figure out what people are referring to when they so judgingly talking about the micro’hoods!
@Annie, glad you liked it. I have several in the series:
I love this series! I always want to hear more about the diff neighborhoods in SF because I’m not that familiar with all of them.
@Jessica, so glad you like them, more to come!
we’re at the bottom of Russian Hill – I’ll have to scope out your series!!
@Annie, have you been there long? That is a neighborhood I haven’t done! If you are open to completing the interview, I’d love to have you!
I’ve only been to San Fran a couple of times but never really got to tour it, this post makes me want to go back!
@Cori, I hope you get back soon and have a chance to explore more!
I’ve always wanted to go to San Fran, this post makes me want to go even more!
Wow the way he described the Lower Haight reminds me so much of my hometown in Long Beach CA. There are so many local gems however the best part of the city are the people 🙂
@Winter, I am glad Anthony was able to transport you! Being that you are not that far away in SoCal, do you ever get up to San Francisco?
You are MY FAVORITE travel blogger. Love how you break it down to exactly what a visitor wants from a location they visit. I am going to SF in December and cannot wait to explore. Pinning this article to return,
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
@Ayana, oh thank you so much, that is super sweet. I have several posts in this series, so hopefully you will find need, I also have a other posts that may help you prepare for your trip:
I’ve never been to SF but I absolutely love all these pictures!!
@Alyssa, thanks and I hope you get an opportunity to visit one day.
San Francisco…..my most favourite city outside my home town of Sydney. I fell in love with the city when I first saw it in the latter half of 1972. I was able to revisit the city again in May of 2014.
It remains as vibrant now as it did then although my interests have varied. However, I like the domestic architecture which remains as colourful as ever. I love the external fire eacapes found through the city. The Trans America building still stands out in the city. Fishermans Wharf……..still a great place to visit. Unlike 1972, I have finally been able to have a look at Alkatraz. I must return and stay for a period longer than 5 nights the next time.
@Henryk, wow what a gap of years and so thrilled you still found it enjoyable. For now the TransAmerica building is still the tallest, I want to see it stay that way. I have been to Alcatraz (only once!) but not been inside the prison, still something to do! What was your best meal?