$4 toast seems expensive until you shift your paradigm: Where else can you get breakfast in the city for $4? I love getting apricot jam + cream cheese. Four Barrel coffee; environment is warm hipster.
The special honey cake and the period decor make this a lovely place to duck in from the weather and read a book.
Absolutely delightful, creative American cuisine served a la carte on trays. So fun. Get in line 30+ min before it opens if you don't have a reservation. As Andrew says, "Get the pancakes."
Best egg tarts in the city. Long lines. Always check "is-the-golden-gate-bakery-open-today.com" to make sure you won't be disappointed when you get there.
Ground zero of hipster coffee. Warm and welcoming feel. Be sure to check out Taylor Stitch next door for a fantastically curated men's clothing collection.
Great curated selection of men's clothing. Really good classic oxfords and belts. The people who work here are complete bros (in the good sense of the word) and give great customer service. Love them.
This is the only ice cream in SF Andrew and I agree on. A good balance of experimental flavors and nice texture. It's hard to get here without a car. You could pair the trip with brunch at Plow.
This is one of our top 3 pizzas in the bay. Very spare interior, tattooed owner, sells out early. The dough is chewy and the toppings are fresh and minimalistic. This is not a cute neighborhood.
Lovely brunch in the dining room, lovely dinner with string lights and a black+white film projected in the courtyard after sunset. Good for a special occasion.
Artisanal seasonal cocktails; the menu changes once every few months and is themed. Drinks can be hit or miss but are always creative. Try to avoid peak weekend hours because it gets quite crowded.
Kickass aguas frescas, especially mango and watermelon. I like the cabeza tacos and the quesadillas. A neighborhood favorite.
If you plan to have boba, it may as well be hipster boba. Using only the finest ingredients (Straus family milk, handmade jellos). The slow bar menu (brewed from tea leaves) is worth the wait.
Best bookstore in San Francisco. Lots of nooks and crannies. Love the handwritten employee recommendation cards.
To do this right, start at the mosaic steps at 16th and Kirkham, then continue to these steps at 16th and Moraga. Do not miss Grand View park at the top of the steps. One of the best spots in SF.
Possibly the best dive bar in San Francisco. Great for reading. Tons of historical paraphernalia on the walls.
Cool series of staircases behind old houses. If you're lucky you'll see the resident parrots.
Lush and tropical place to relax in the Marina. Skylights, plants, patio. I like the five spice dark & stormy.
Best bread in SF, possibly America? Baked fresh every day at 4:30, grab it before it's sold out. Go for the coconut cream tart if they have it. Rochers and lemon bars are my other current favorites.
Beautiful old movie theater with ornate decorations and a Wurlitzer organ. Often plays campy films, classic films, and deliciously tongue-in-cheek double header pairings. Iconic marquee.
Another favorite men's clothing shop. Spendy. My boyfriend picked up an amazing pair of twill pants (French Trotters) here. The guys who work here give great recommendations.
Small, cozy tiki bar in a neighborhood in Alameda. Quiet enough to have an intimate conversation, without the crowds of Smuggler's or the snobbiness of Tonga Room.
Technically not in SF, this is one of our top 3 pizzas in the bay. Opened by ex-Chez Panisse alums. Service is almost alarmingly attentive. Boot & Shoe is the sister restaurant but isn't as good.
I love the New Parkway because it has a variety of films, trivia night, beer, all the popcorn toppings you could want, and best of all, the seating is an eclectic and colorful collection of couches.
Lovely French breakfast; good to pair with a day trip to Berkeley, but not quite worth the trip on its own. Go when it's warm to sit in the courtyard out back. Get there early or wait for hours.
Fried chicken and waffles in a brunch setting suitable for your mom. I like it with gravy + hot sauce. It's great -- be prepared to wait a while for a table. CLOSED SUNDAYS!
My favorite grocery store in the Bay. I miss it constantly. Predates Whole Foods; so named because it's located in an old bowling alley. Insanely cheap, plentiful produce. Other items are $$ though.
