Hidden San Francisco: How to Visit Like a Local
There's more to San Francisco than what's depicted on tourist maps.
Image via Complex Original
Through the chilling fog and treacherous hills of San Francisco you can find all sorts of sights. A compact space made up of neighborhoods with distinct personalities, the city offers plenty to do—especially when it comes to the food and drink scene. But it would be unwise to spend your days in the city getting too cozy. Instead, seek out some gems. Throw away that tourist map because, as the locals will tell you, the real San Francisco lies far from Fisherman’s Wharf. Here are a few spots for a more alternative and authentic San Francisco experience.
Oh, and word to the wise: always carry cash. San Francisco’s bartenders and cashiers get pretty tired of pointing to the ‘cash only’ signs.
Arinell Pizza
Location: 509 Valencia St.
If all you crave after a long day of exploring is a nice, greasy piece of pizza, then Arinell will most definitely satisfy your needs. The dive-y joint blends into the rest of Valencia St. but stands out because of its decidedly anti-hipster environment. As metal music plays in the background, sink your teeth into a thin-crust slice of pizza served on an even thinner sheet of wax paper. Arguing whether this is the best pizza in San Francisco is a moot point—Arinell is made for quick pit stops and greasy guilty pleasures.
Zeitgeist
Location: 199 Valencia St.
Ask any San Franciscan where you can spend a chill evening enjoying the fresh air and they’ll direct you straight to the patio at Zeitgeist. This grungy bar serves up plenty of beers and a heavy dose of hard rock and metal music. No frills or fuss here—the beers are cold, the pool table ready, and the patio open until late. If you work up an appetite, head to the food area to grab a burger or Kielbasa dog. Pro tip: If you’re a fan of the potent drink, make sure to order their well-known Bloody Mary.
El Techo de Lolinda
Location: 2518 Mission St.
Make it a point to traverse up and down the Mission—Mission Street for taco stops and thrift shops and Valencia for the hip joints and trendy boutiques—and make a stop at Lolinda’s El Techo for a great view of the city. A short elevator ride later and you’re up on a rooftop that features cocktails and small plates. If you happen to visit on a weekend, stop by for decadent brunch dishes like Techo Rancheros eggs. Reservations are always a good idea but the space is also good for a quick drink.
The Labyrinth at Land’s End
Location: Lands End Trail
The stuff of childhood dreams, the Eagle Point Labyrinth at Land’s End is a maze-like pattern on the ground made up of rocks. Created by Eduardo Aguilera, the labyrinth requires some effort to find but totally rewards adventure-seekers at the end. Challenge yourself and see if you can make it out of the labyrinth or simply stand nearby to bask in its creativity—and the beauty of the greenery nearby. Follow the signs to find it and enjoy the walk over.
Bob’s Donuts
Location: 1621 Polk St.
For those late-night or early morning pastry cravings, head to Bob’s Donuts, which is open 24 hours a day. The place requires little description: it serves up quality, classic donuts that just hit the spot. You can also find croissants and apple pie to fulfill your sweet craving even further. Die-hard donut fans can take the bakery’s special challenge of finishing a giant donut within three minutes and getting their name posted on the Hall of Fame.
The Mint Karaoke Lounge
Location: 1942 Market St.
Amateurs, step aside. Someone told all the dedicated and talented karaoke singers in town to spend their nights at The Mint Karaoke Lounge. While no karaoke joint can guarantee the quality of its singers, something about The Mint’s stage—complete with moving background lights—brings out the star in its visitors. Grab a drink and watch the show or join in for yourself. If you have a big group or birthday coming up, consider reserving a few tables for the night (at no extra cost). Word to the wise: The sushi place next door will bring your food right into the lounge.
Green Apple Bookstore
Location: 506 Clement St.
San Francisco boasts quite a few great bookstores but something about Green Apple Bookstore makes it particularly welcoming to bookworms of all types. With two locations in the city, the bookstore features everything from new releases to pulp classics. Look for the sale sections and the impressive selection of used books, too. The best part is that the staff members write super entertaining descriptions for their favorite books. Good luck walking in and leaving without a new tome under your arm.
El Mercado Urbano at La Urbana
Location: 661 Divisadero St.
While the portrait of a beautiful woman might attract you to the main part of La Urbana, keep walking to find its hidden gem nearby. El Mercado Urbano, a small space with a rolling garage door, presents a more casual atmosphere than the neighboring La Urbana. But you can enjoy roughly the same offerings here as in the main restaurant. While the cool breeze comes in through the partially open space—which many locals just called ‘the garage’—you can enjoy delicious cocktails and small bites in a lively atmosphere.
Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream
Location: 1 Ferry Building; 2790 Harrison St.
With two permanent locations and a slew of vendors featuring their wacky flavors, Humphry Slocombe constantly comes up in conversations about the best ice cream in the city. Head to their shop in the Ferry Building or on Harrison St. in the Mission to experience flavors like an Earl Grey Plum sorbet or a Chocolate Smoked Sea Salt ice cream. They also concoct boozy treats like a Scotch and Soda ice cream float. Make a trip early in your visit, in case you end up wanting seconds.
111 Minna Gallery
Location: 111 Minna St.
Make it a point to visit the city’s art galleries to see some awesome contemporary art. 111 Minna Gallery really amps up the art viewing experience with fun events like a recurring Pancakes and Booze show. The gallery features two bars and endless walls of changing art. Check their events calendar to see what shenanigans might be happening during your stay in town.
Trad’r Sam
Location: 6150 Geary Blvd.
While a few Tiki bars reign supreme in San Francisco—like the well-known Smuggler’s Cove—sometimes you need something a little further away from the city. So head to the dive-y and often rowdy Trad’r Sam for a Tiki experience that won’t break your wallet. Most mixed drinks here won’t cost you more than six dollars. Just make sure that you drink them slowly—the menu doesn’t include a description of the ingredients so it’s a little like playing drink roulette.
The Bison at Golden Gate Park
Location: Golden Gate Bridge
Among its many attractions, Golden Gate Park is home to a group of bison. Yes, you read that correctly. Near Spreckles Lake, a fenced enclosure shows bison grazing on the grass. The first pair of them arrived in 1890 and now you can watch some of these chill creatures hanging out amidst the beauty of the park. Follow John F. Kennedy Drive to the western part of the large park to see this unique space.
Trick Dog
Location: 3010 20th St.
For a truly hip San Franciscan experience, stop by Trick Dog bar. The locale features a menu that changes every few months and follows a different theme each time. Past themes have included a zodiac menu and, fittingly, a San Francisco menu divided by sights and neighborhoods. Here, the bartenders craft superb cocktails and the inside feels intimate and energetic. Upstairs, you can enjoy dishes like chickpea falafel sticks, kale salad, and more. Make sure to arrive early as this space gets pretty packed during peak hours.
Madrone Art Bar
Location: 500 Divisadero St.
With art hanging from virtually every empty space on its walls, the Madrone Art Bar hosts a variety of nightlife events. Swing by for open mic on Sundays, Motown music on Mondays, and everything from bluegrass to indie rock every other night. It’s a chill place to dance and can get seriously bumping on the weekends. Some nights require a small cover free while others are free. Check the bar’s website to scope upcoming events.