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 Sophisticated, modern speakeasy |
1725 Haight Street at Cole Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 666 0822 http://www.alembicbar.com/ |
The Alembic's Southern theme and intimate setting are an intriguing variation from the local pubs and hippie hang outs usually found in the Upper Haight. From the owners of the Magnolia Brewery, the Alembic brings a menu of small plates that can best be described as upscale Soul Food and a diverse drink list full of interesting variations on traditional cocktails as well as beers from around the world. Especially interesting is their entirely local draft beer selection. Low lit and intimate, the Alembic has the feel of a modern speakeasy and is the place to go for unpretentious sophistication in the Haight. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: vintagedramas |
 Photo: OhioCapCity |
 Photo: Jeff Scott  |
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Funky eatery in Haight Ashbury |
1466 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 552 4550 |
It is nothing but mellow here, with the sort of funky atmosphere that Janis and Jimi would have felt at home with. Paintings by local artists cover the walls while the locals add their own color. The menu, a sort of diner chow meets hippie nirvana, has good food, huge portions, and great prices at about $10 or less per person. The home fries are justly famous. Be prepared for lines on the weekends, but the service is always friendly and quick. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great new & antique bike store |
510 Frederick St (at the corner of Stanyan Street) San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 876 4507 http://www.americancyclery.com/ |
This Haight District shop showcases Americana as represented by the bicycle, and it repeatedly gets voted best bike shop in The City by local publications. The store specializes in antique bicycles that date back as far as the early 1900s. A 1915 Master Bicycle from Sears, restored to its original condition, is an example of the finds that make its way through the shop. It collects and restores vintage balloon tires, roadsters, three speeds and classic-lightweights. The bicycles for sale also include a collection of Schwinn reproduction balloon tire bikes and parts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Jones |
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Skewers and smoothies |
1607 Haight Street (At the corner of Clayton Street) San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 701 9301 |
This popular Upper Haight eatery serves all of its food on sticks, well, most of it. Choose from Salmon Teriyaki, chicken, beef, scallops or other meats and veggies. Whatever your choice, it is served grilled on a stick with a rice or a potato side dish. It is a quick, cheap and healthy meal. The other great attraction here is the interesting mix of locals, from gracefully aging hippies, to glam Goths, to students from the nearby universities. It is a splendid place for people watching. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: kimi i |
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Fresh Mexican food in the Haight |
1654 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 864 8608 http://www.elbalazo.net/ |
The menu of this eatery proudly proclaims "Absolutely Mexican, Absolutely Fresh". Regular patrons happily agree. Located right in the middle of the Haight Street shopping district, this place offers authentic Mexican food cooked with fresh vegetables from California farms. Menu items include the Burrito Vallarta, which is a burrito filled with fresh prawns, California cactus and red peppers, and the Super Vegetarian Nachos, covered with zucchini, mushrooms, carrots and onions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: dogwalks |
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Gourmet Italiano |
945 Cole Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 731 1343 http://www.bambinosristorante.... |
Serving gourmet Italian food in trendy Cole Valley, this place has a nice selection of pastas, meat entrees, pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches. The interior is warm and inviting. The aroma of fresh garlic and bread will stimulate even the weakest appetite. The imaginative menu includes deliciously rich Roasted Garlic and Brie, a pear, pecan and cambozola salad with orange vinaigrette and several specialty pasta dishes. Entrees feature three free-range chicken delicacies. The selection of vegetarian pasta is superb; try the Spicy Linguine with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Spinach and Mushrooms. A luscious Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Sandwich served on foccacia bread (with fries or salad) is a nice lunch treat. A full selection of beers and Italian and California wines are available to complement your meal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Above the fray |
900 Stanyan Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 665 5333 |
Two floors of delicious dining await you at this tastefully restored Victorian eatery. Dark wood and bright lace curtains for the backdrop for elegant dining with such meticulously prepared dishes as 'Kaeng Phed Ped Yang', a succulent curried roast duck coated with aromatic spices and stuffed with tomatoes and pineapple and gingered prawns simmered in a clay pot. Other selections include flavorful noodle dishes and a nice array of curries in different styles and intensities as well as piquant satays. The service for the local fans of Thai food is gracious and unobtrusive. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Santeria & great sangria |
1801 Haight St at Shrader San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 386 7670 http://www.cha3.com |
Do not be discouraged when the host announces it will be an hour for a table. It is worth the wait. Besides, after one pitcher of intense sangria, you will not even feel the time passing. Authentic Santeria altars and strange artifacts adorn the walls. World music transports you to a foreign land. The Calamari with Garlic Aioli, Spicy Roasted Potatoes, and Grilled Plantains are highly recommended. There is another location at 2327 Mission St. Check website for full details including menu items. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: gazorama |
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Inexpensive Mexican food |
1805 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117-2711 United States +1 415 751 6204 |
In the middle of the bustle of Haight Street, this no-frills, yet cozy restaurant draws large crowds of diners leaving only standing room most days of the week. Burritos and tacos and the house specialty come with a choice of beans, rice, and meat. In addition to the tasty traditional Mexican fare, the restaurant also offers a special vegetarian menu that features a tofu burrito and vegetarian nachos. The service is friendly and quick. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Everything French but the Kiss |
400 Dewey Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94116 United States +1 415 242 0960 http://www.chouchousf.com/inde... |
In French, Chouchou means "cutie pie" and that is precisely how to describe this charming French restaurant. Tucked away in small corner of San Francisco's Forest Hill district, Chouchou holds a mighty reputation among those who have discovered it and for good reason. Not only does the restaurant serve mouthwatering dinners like Duck Leg Confit, Steamed P.E.I. Mussels Marinieres, and Pan Roasted Pork Tenderloin, but they also have a full brunch menu with a delectable selection of omelettes and sandwiches. Chouchou also specializes in pastries and tarts that can be ordered online or in-store and have to be tasted to be believed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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International noodles |
1790 Haight Street (at the corner of Shrader Street) San Francisco, CA 94117-2808 United States +1 415 387 6366 |
Step off Haight Street into this soothing low-lit cafe/bar. Beer, microbrews and a great selection of sakes offer thirst quenching. Hunger, on the other hand, will be more than satisfied by the wide range of noodle dishes. Generous portions of recipes from all over the Asian continent give you more than enough sustenance to brave the Haight again when your meal is through. As the name implies, many dishes here are seasoned with citrus to enhance the spicy flavors. Favorite dishes include Coconut chicken with spicy lemon, and noodles with garlic and shiitake mushrooms. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin Cheng |
 Photo: kawkawpa |
 Photo: randy stewart |
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Mighty tasty |
100 Carl Street (at the corner of Cole Street) San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 664 1800 |
A Cole Valley neighborhood favorite, this place sells delicious crepes by the bundle. The restaurant's popularity is due to low prices, great service and a specialty menu. In a somewhat casual, even funky, environment, it is certainly not a place for a fancy dinner but rather one for a quick treat. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the thin, pancake-like delicacy can be topped with a variety of goodies from fruit and powered sugar, to cheese and onions. Breakfast crepes are served with a side of house potatoes. Note: Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: michael brown |
 Photo: Christine Miguel (陳清 |
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Authentic Louisiana |
1418 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 863 1374 |
This tiny but bright eatery on Haight serves some of the most authentic Cajun/Creole food to be found this far from Louisiana. There are two reasons. First, the owners are from the Bayou State and they know what they are doing when it comes to whipping up the down-home cooking from that region. Second, they fly in real Gulf of Mexico seafood to go into the Jambalaya, Etouffee and gumbo that they serve up with style and a smile. The space is decorated with feathered masks and posters from The Big Easy in Mardi Gras colors of purple, yellow and green. Lines of people from all over form at peak hours. It is worth the wait. This is one of the only places in The City that can cook a pot of breakfast grits properly. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wonderful food, extensive wine list |
901 Cole Street (at Carl) San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 566 3063 Samantha Engel |
Chef/owner Arnold Eric Wong creates a menu delicately fusing European and Asian elements into every dish. The Tamarind Lamb and Vegetable Kabobs with Spaghetti Squash Spanakopita leaves one wondering how such distant flavors found themselves together in an entree. The wine bar offers over 400 popular and hard-to-find varieties from around the world (40 available by the glass). The management has also thoughtfully imported several cheeses from Europe to complement the wine tastings. A popular spot for young professionals, the decor is airy and bright in a French Bistro meets California Casual sort of way and the service is great. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mellow ambiance |
1813 Fulton Street (at the corner of Masonic Avenue) San Francisco, CA 94117-1213 United States +1 415 221 1876 |
The food at this comfortably Bohemian spot is only slightly more interesting than the crowd. It is a mix of upscale types, staff from the nearby hospital, students from USF, hippies and working class residents. As for the menu, it is a selection of carefully prepared Middle Eastern fare such as falafels, baba ganoush and hummus with coffee house favorites such as smoothies and scones. The coffee is house-roasted to an intense but slightly sweet flavor and fuels the bustling morning crowd as effectively as the mellower crowd that lingers over books and newspapers. The service is personable. Payment is in cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cole Valley sushi |
943 Cole Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 759 8428 |
This narrow space with a warm feeling is accentuated by wall-to-wall sushi lovers here. A loyal clientele from nearby UCSF medical school packs the place nightly, but it is not hard to get seating quickly at the sushi bar, though tables require a bit of a wait. The accent here, as the name would suggest, is on sushi, both the standard (eel, mackerel, and yellowtail) and the more exotic specialty rolls, but the full Japanese menu is given careful preparation. Udon and sobe noodles, yakitori, and tempura are all worth trying, too. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rick Audet |
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Organic and natural foods |
1621 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 487 1540 |
Committed to healthy living? If the answer is yes then patronize this independent health food store, located in the heart of San Francisco's legendary Haight-Ashbury district. Catering exclusively to the healthy and environmentally conscious individual, this store is filled with a variety of goods. You will find organic fruits and vegetables, vegan-friendly edibles, bulk nuts, grains and dried fruits, and more plus dietary supplements, herbal medicines and all-natural beauty aides. Do not miss the delicious soups, salads and made-to-order sandwiches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Custom-prepared Japanese food |
108 Carl Street (between Cole and Shrader streets) San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 753 6808 |
Call ahead to the master chef at this restaurant and he will create a special menu customized both to your pocketbook and your palate. The usual cost for a catered, pre-designed meal can range from USD70-100. Looking for something a bit lighter and less expensive? Diners also have the option of ordering from a menu that includes a wide selection of sushi and tempura. All food can be enjoyed in the restaurant's tropical atmosphere, complete with green plants and small water fountains. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hookah & Dine |
1793 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 751 9656 |
The romantic atmosphere, the scent of flavored tobacco, and the Middle Eastern decor will win you over upon entering this charming restaurant/hookah bar. Stop in with friends for a drink and unwind with some hookah. For lunch or dinner, sit back and relax on plush pillows, and enjoy the occasional belly dancers as they lure you into the international vibe and music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fresh & fun, family-style |
408 Dewey Blvd (at the corner of Laguna Honda) San Francisco, CA 94116 United States +1 415 665 6888 |
At this family-owned neighborhood favorite, you will find soft lights and polished wood tables that create the feel of home, with gracious service and the freshest food to match. Start with Sizzling Rice Soup, then move on to Sweet Basil Chicken or Szechuan Beef. Vegetarians will enjoy several delicious options, including Broccoli with Cashews and Ginger Eggplant. Specials change nightly, so even the most loyal regular is guaranteed a surprise each visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Microbrews in the Haight |
1398 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 864 7468 http://www.magnoliapub.com/ |
This is a relaxing place for family and friends to gather. Handcrafted beers are served along with good food in a friendly atmosphere. The menu is mainly American-style with burgers, sandwiches, and such with plenty of vegetarian alternatives. Busy Haight Street activity is visible from the windows, but inside you are well sheltered from all of it. Be sure to sample the Prescription Pale Ale, one of the best tasting medicines ever created. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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History and brews |
1398 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 864 7468 http://www.magnoliapub.com |
It is Haight-Ashbury, so what better music to be wafting in the air as you sip the house-made brews than the Grateful Dead in a place that was known back in the '60s as the Drug Store? Remodelling has made the setting less psychedelic, though there is an embullient mural on the wall, but Jerry and the guys are always on the sound system taking you back to the Summer of Love. That sets a mellow mood for the huge sandwiches, plates of sausages, bowls of hearty soup, and tempting finger foods such as french fries and onion rings. The service from the hip and hippie wait staff is friendly and the atmosphere is always 1967. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marta Piqueras |
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Great Eritrean |
1538 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 621 4129 |
This Haight Street restaurant specializes in East African cuisine, specifically from Eritrea. Recognized for authentic traditional recipes made with unique spices, fresh vegetables and meats, it has been voted as the best African restaurants by various local publications. What makes it even more cozy is that orders for two or more people are served family-style on one large plate. Casual and comfortable, it is a popular spot with all types of locals and the service is great. The window seats are especially good for watching the street theater on Haight Street. The menu consists of vegetables, beef, chicken, lamb entrees served with injera (bread) and shiro (chickpeas), lentils, spinach, and salad. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A cut above |
1770 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 387 9224 |
A short flight of stairs in a refurbished Victorian leads to this tiny gem. The decor is airy and bright with pale walls and lace curtains, reinforcing the old-fashioned ambiance. There are a few spicy-hot items on the menu, but the majority of the items are mild with coconut or citrus as the base of the piquant flavor blend. The Haight Street locals dig into succulent gingered chicken served by a cheerful wait staff. There is a nice selection of noodle and rice dishes that can be prepared with chicken, fish, beef or veggies, each flavorful and served in large portions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: lisabette. |
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Asian Street Food in NoPa |
1751 Fulton Ave San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 441 1710 http://www.polenglounge.com/in... |
Asian Street Food meets upscale dining in San Francisco's NoPa (North of Panhandle) neighborhood at the Poleng Lounge. There, diners can enjoy small plate traditional dishes from Vietnam, Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, and the Philippines while being entertained by live entertainment and DJ sets. With events scheduled nearly every night, Poleng mainly hosts live DJs and free weekly double feature movie nights. They also rent space for functions of up to 150 guests. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Modern and inviting |
1751 Fulton Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States http://www.polenglounge.com/te... |
This Balinese-inspired tea-centric restaurant and nightclub is decked out in bamboo with round metal tables and a large dance floor. There are 30 loose-leaf teas to choose from, including rooibos, oolong, black, herbal and many eclectic green teas in flavors like Thousand in Red and The Monkey King. Also try an elixir with fresh fruit or a vodka and tea infusion cocktail. Menu choices include Beef Sirloin Salpicao with Marrow and Crispy Salt and Pepper Squid. Private parties and banquets may also be booked in advance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Zen There Was Poleng |
1751 Fulton St (at Masonic Ave) San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 441 1751 http://polenglounge.com/ |
Poleng Lounge has changed the art of enjoying tea into something extradinary and more. By day, the lounge offers diverse and unusual blends of loose leaf tea in a Zen atmosphere, by night Poleng transforms into a pan-Asian restaurant, performance space, and a posh lounge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: flatsol press |
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Eclectic grain-based fare |
92 Judah Street (between 5th and 6th avenues) San Francisco, CA 94122 United States +1 415 731 6175 http://www.pomelosf.com/ |
This tiny cafe down the hill from the UC Medical Center sports the motto, 'Noodles and Grains Unite'. The menu features a variety of reasonably priced, inventive international dishes named after world cities with a 'featured desination' each month. The interior is cozy and cheerful but exceedingly small, accommodating only 18 people. Seating consists of 10 padded bar stools along a high counter and four tables with two chairs each. Start off with the Pomelo - a salad of organic greens mixed with jicama and grapefruit or the Qatana - lentil and swiss chard soup. Try the Phnom Penh - a chilled rice noodle salad with veggies and grilled tiger prawns with a delicious lime and peanut based dressing. Cuisine from Italy, the Phillipines, Japan and Thailand are also delectably prepared. Beverages include several international beers, French and California wines, sake and expresso drinks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eric Castro |
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For the best in bacon |
1451 Haight Street (Between Ashbury Street and Masonic Avenue) San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 864 6981 |
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is logical then to make breakfast a very big meal and very good one. To reach this goal, this not-too-funky spot is the place to be. Though small in dimension, the food here is huge. Every plate served is colossal, and, more importantly, delicious. It touts lots of meat on the menu. This is the Pork Store, after all. Ham, bacon, sausage, chops, all served with eggs, potatoes, toast and endless cups of strong coffee is served up by the friendly wait staff. If you are not feeling carnivorous, order a short stack of pancakes (it is actually rather tall), omelette, French toast, or a veggie and tofu scramble. Sit at a window table or choose a stool at the counter, where you can watch all that fabulous food being prepared. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: angela wan |
 Photo: Will Kivinski |
 Photo: Ali Hussain |
 Photo: Peter Spier |
 Photo: dakota dakota |
 Photo: Lani Schreibstein |
 Photo: Dana Chrisler |
 A blast from the past coffee house |
2095 Hayes Street (between Clayton and Cole streets) San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 387 3859 |
Places go to great lengths to achieve the retro-mellow ambience to be found here, but this is real thing, and has been around almost since the Summer of Love. It is a funky kind of cozy, with a motley assortment of wooden tables, dining room chairs, and sofas upholstered in velour. There are nooks perfect to spend a lazy afternoon, flanked by a tense philosophy student from the neighboring University of San Francisco on your left and a sweet middle-aged hippie on your right. The service is as casual and friendly as the atmosphere. The food (sandwiches, soups, pastas, and sweets) is hearty and cheap, catering to vegetarians while not excluding the meat-eater. The coffee is always fresh here and there are Poetry Readings on Wednesday nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Small, up & coming designers |
1687 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 350 2903 |
Local women love this new Haight Street boutique. It is a nurturing place to shop, with wide-open spaces and nice-sized collection of great clothes that go from day to evening. It eatures hip independent brands like Chaiken & Capone, Theory, Madison Brown, Mandalay and Beth Bowley. You might find a cashmere tube top and matching poncho, a pair of basic black pants or a sexy dress for a night out on the town. Review © 2007, Wcities |