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advice, bakery, California, Citizen Cake, clothes, clothing, fashion, Ice cream, recommendation, restaurant, San Francisco, Shopping, Slanted Door, travel, United States
You know you’re a blogger when ___________________.
Yes, there are many things I could fill in the blank with, but on this particular Saturday morning, I’m saying, “You know you’re a blogger when you’re planning a trip and immediately start scouring the blogs of those you know (not personally!) who live in that particular city or have recently visited that particular city.”
It’s true. I’m planning an impromptu trip to San Francisco soon, and I need advice! I’ve only ever been in the San Francisco airport, so it’s safe to say this is pretty much my first trip. Those who live in San Francisco and those who have visited: I need your help, please!
Recommendations on things to do, places to see, places to shop, and places to eat are appreciated! I’ll only be there for a couple of days, so please suggest your absolute favorites!
I’ll also write out a list of things I’ve come upon online…let me know if any of them are worthwhile, or whether I should skip them!
- Taco Crawl – haven’t done much research into this, but sounds intriguing
- Ferry Building
- SFMOMA
- The Sentinel (restaurant)
- Tartine (bakery)
- Pizzeria Delfina
- Frances (restaurant)
- Zazies (restaurant)
- Bi-Rite Creamery
- Nopa (restaurant)
- Coi (restaurant)
- Millenium (restaurant)
- The Slanted Door (restaurant)
- Paulette’s (macarons)
- Saison (restaurant)
- Absinthe (restaurant)
- Choquet (restaurant)
- Spruce (restaurant)
- Smitten (ice cream)
- Miette (bakery)
- Chile Pies and Ice Cream (bakery)
- Baker & Banker (restaurant)
- Citizen Cake (restaurant)
- Goody Goodie Cream and Sugar (baked goods)
- ‘wichcraft (restaurant)
- Dynamo Donut and Coffee (bakery)
As you can see, I’m heavy on the restaurant/eating suggestions! However, I really haven’t looked in to any of these a ton, so please tell me which to steer clear of and which ones I absolutely cannot miss!
Again, please feel free to give me your own suggestions, as well as comment on anything from the list I’ve gathered! I only have a few days, so I must make the most of my time!
Thank you so, so, so much in advance!
I’ve been vacationing in San Francisco for about 2 months. My blog has a few posts here: http://taylormoseleyjewelry.wordpress.com/category/travel-2/
But, as far as where to eat, I enjoyed Fat Angel. Its a European style bar / restaurant where you sit close to each other at small marble tables. There are large windows on one side, tall ceilings, and its a small dining space that feel like its from Europe. The food is delicious! Its ideal for sharing plates if you are into that, which I am. That post is here and there is a link to the menu: http://wp.me/pUcw8-pL
I also recommend Buena Vista Cafe…. now this place is supposed to be very touristy, but at the same time- “who cares if its a great experience!” We have already been 3 times! I recommend going in the middle of the day, on a weekday… They claim to have brought the Irish Coffee (whiskey, coffee, cream) over to America… and they are damn good! And, it gets cold in SF, so knock back a couple of those before walking around the streets… and you are good to go. From there, there is a beach across the street, and you can hop on the trolly if you want to experience the SF trolly thing… Fisherman’s Wharf (extremely touristy) is walking distance from Buena Vista, but I was not impressed with it so much.. We basically just walked through looking at stuff, and moved on. I think we bought some taffy.
Chinatown on a Saturday morning is exciting… if you get there early, like 9am. The Asian markets open up, chickens running across the street, etc. Its a sight to see…. I would focus on the west side of Chinatown… basically, not through the “entrance”.
The Golden Gate Park is big and beautiful. Focus on the east end of the park for the best sights… Just walking through and looking at all the flowers, tall trees, plants, etc is nice and a great way to walk off a big meal…. but there are other things to do in the park…
Its cold. (If you are a wuss like me.) So, I bring a scarf, jacket, and 2nd layer everywhere I go…
Lots of walking, so don’t be stupid and wear heels. Wear your cute flats, boots, etc. Lots of boots in SF. SF is not the most fashionable city, so think “casual chic”.
I hope that helps… I am still here for a couple weeks… feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Have a great time on your trip…
Oh, wow! Thank you so, so, much for this great information! I’m definitely headed to your blog, and I’m checking out your recommendations! Thanks again! I really do appreciate it! 🙂
As you know I’ve been living here for about 5 years so I’m excited you’re going to be traveling here!!! If you have spare time I’d love to meet you!
Like the Taylor mentioned earlier, buena vista is awesome. GGpark is beautiful and definitely worth a visit since it has great museums to visit inside the park as well.
So I looked through your list and here are the things I really do recommend:
– If you’re going to the Ferry building definitely stop at Miette and also get blue bottle coffee (next door) to wash the sweets down with. Best coffee in town! Also you’ll be around fisherman’s wharf and Ghiradelli square. Stop by Boudin’s Bakery for fresh sourdough bread and Ghiradelli square for chocolate (duh!) It will be super crowded and touristy but it’s a great place to visit for first timers.
– If you have your heart set on NOPA make a reservation NOW… it’s nearly impossible to get in to and the wait takes forever– if you’re lucky.
-SFMOMA has great exhibits right now so definitely stop by, plus it’s in the heart of downtown SF where all your shopping and touristy needs will be met. (Anthro is a few blocks away!)
– Pizzeria Delfina is great (try the corn that I had in my post!) and tartine is literally a few doors down so save room for dessert (I recommend the bread pudding). Since you’ll be in the neighborhood you can also hang out at delores park and eat your desserts if you get it to go (seating may be difficult at tartine)
-I like bi-rite creamery (which is across the street from pizzeria delfina) so if you can fit that in it’s great, but Mitchell’s ice cream is the best ice cream in the city in my opinion so make that your #1 ice cream place.
– The slanted door is a little over-rated in my opinion. The food isn’t worth the money. There are a couple of other restaurants I’d recommend instead if you’re interested in straying out of the downtown/wharf area and into the neighborhoods…
– Toyose (the garage): This is a Korean BBQ place that is open from 7-3am in someone’s garage, literally. They have great food, mainly to share, and soju, a flavored korean alcoholic drink. It’s all the way in the outer-sunset by ocean beach so depending on where you are staying, mode of trasportation and what time you go it may be out of the way but if you can manage try it. No reservations taken.
– Burma Superstar: The best Burmese Restaurant in town. It’s been featured on food network for the tea leaf salad (which is fantastic). It’s in the inner richmond which is a cute neighborhood- a mix of a mini chinatown and hip boutiques. It also doesn’t take reservations.
– Pesce- Italian seafood place in Russian hill. It’s pricey but the food is fantastic. They take reservations. And the neighborhood is very cute!
-I have a post about smitten, definitely try it as well. It’s also in a very cute neighborhood within walking distance of cute shops and City Hall which is quite a view!
Dynamo Donut- GO THERE and get the maple apple bacon donut- you won’t be sorry!
– A couple of other hole in the wall places you should try for food are Outerlands, Thanh Long and Trouble coffee. They are all in the outer sunset too but are right along the N-Judah subway train and by the ocean. Outerlands is a great brunch,lunch, and dinner place. All organic and sustainable food. A couple of doors down is Trouble coffee that has this great toast. Pair it with coffee and fresh coconut juice and it’s a great breakfast or mid-day pick me up. Thahn Long is just a few doors down from Trouble and is a seafood place that is great. They mainly do crab and I recommend the whole crab with tamarind sauce. It’s pricey but well worth it.
Some other attractions you can check out are the Palace of Fine Arts, which is next to the Marina District so you can stop by Kara’s Cupcakes after if you wish, or lunch at Mamacita’s (I have a post about that place too). And of course if you get the chance walk along GGbridge.
It’s definitely cold here so layer up. Each neighborhood is also different with the weather(micro-climates) so it may be sunny and warmer in the mission (where pizzeria delfina is) but cold and windy by the ferry building, and foggy, misty and freezing in the richmond district (Burma superstar). Wear comfy boots (for warmth) and cozy scarves. I don’t know if you plan on driving, but public transportation here is pretty great once you get the hang of it. If you have anymore questions feel free to e-mail me!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Shermineh!
I would absolutely love to meet you, but sadly I’m afraid it might just not work out this time! 😦 BUT, I hope in a future trip we could meet up! Trust me…I would seriously love to meet you!
Golden Gate Park is on my list of things to try to do, although it’s not at the absolute top of the list. Hopefully it’ll make it in though! SFMOMA is also on that part of the list!
I’m without a doubt going to go to Miette and Blue Bottle Coffee…I can’t wait for that! I’m also going to check out Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and Kara’s Cupcakes (I saw the owner of Kara’s on Cupcakes Wars, but didn’t remember until you suggested going!)!
I’m thinking of going to Pizzeria Delfina for dinner one night and then heading over to Bi-Rite for some dessert. I have my heart set on Tartine for breakfast one day too!
I would love to go to Mitchell’s (looks delicious!), but I think it’s going to end up being a bit out of the way for me.
I’m planning on heading to Dynamo Donut and have my fingers crossed I’ll get to walk to Golden Gate Bridge too!
Thanks for all your advice…I’ll be sure to let you know what ends up happening after the trip! And again, so sorry I won’t be able to make meeting up work with this trip…next one though, we will! 🙂
I live about 3 hours north of San Francisco and used to be able to make it down there at least a few times a year. I have a 2 year old now. So, I haven’t been in over 2 years!
It is a wonderful city. I think the only thing I would add to the advice above is that if you like dance, Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet is absolutely wonderful. I’m not sure when you are going, but if they are performing at all it would be a great show.
Oh, and I always hit up Union Square for shopping. I know it’s touristy but I live in a small city and don’t have much in the way of shopping here. So, it’s a must for me.
Have a great time!
Thanks for the ideas, Amanda! Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be able to fit in the ballet! Hopefully I’ll be back to the city another time and able to do that! And I’m definitely going to Union Square! 🙂
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Yay! I love San Francisco 🙂 You seem to have food options well covered, so I guess I would only recommend in addition some fun/interesting places to visit. I love Golden Gate Park, especially the Japanese Tea Gardens, and the Palace of Fine Arts is a beautiful place to walk and picnic in as well (and it has the bonus of having The Exploratorium next door if you like cool sciencey things).
Thanks for the recommendations! Golden Gate Park is on my list, but I’m afraid I might not be able to squeeze it in…my time is so limited! I’ll try though!
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