I always think of the Western Addition as this huge part of San Francisco west of Van Ness Avenue…read more In my head, where I live (the Panhandle), Hayes Valley, Anza Vista, Alamo Square, Cathedral Hill, and even Japantown are sub-neighborhoods of the larger Western Addition, kind of like South Beach seems like a part of SOMA, rather than a distinct neighborhood. I know I'm not right, but it is interesting and telling that what used to be the larger Western Addition got carved into these smaller neighborhoods, probably for real-estate purposes--and by "real-estate purposes," I mean racism, because the Western Addition has long had a reputation as a Black neighborhood, and one of the things that the real-estate industry has traditionally done is segregate potential homebuyers by race. You probably know the story. Through the 1950s, the Western Addition was home to many of San Francisco's jazz clubs and to a larger Black community of business- and homeowners. This Black neighborhood was destroyed, like many Black and minority neighborhoods across the country in the mid-twentieth century, by redevelopment. The Central Freeway was rammed through the middle of the neighborhood, and by 1970, more than 10,000 people had been displaced, 60 entire city blocks of homes and businesses having been razed. What replaced those homes were the widened Geary Street (now Geary Boulevard) and the collection of mostly shoddily constructed housing projects that dot the Western Addition today. It's still an interesting neighborhood with a slightly higher Black population than most of the rest of the city (excluding Bayview and Hunters Point, which are losing their Black populations as well), but it is a shell of its former self, especially when it comes to nightlife. It recently lost is Safeway, but there is a new Trader Joe's. The city is also redoing the Buchanan Street Mall, which is the no-cars greenway, including multiple playgrounds, that replaced Buchanan Street between roughly Page and Eddy Streets in the heart of the Western Addition. The blocks and blocks of fenced-in housing projects can feel scary to walk by, especially at night, when the east-west streets in the neighborhood are desolate except for people waiting for the 5-Fulton or 31-Balboa at bus stops. Sadly, there's still more crime here than in surrounding neighborhoods, including drive-by shootings near Jefferson Square Park that killed a child at a sleepover party. The Western Addition is also home to The Fillmore, Kimbell Park, the the Ella Hill Hutch Community Center, and quite a few churches. I also think it's funny that it's called the Western Addition even though it's on the eastern side of San Francisco. And its police station, in front of which cars are broken into regularly, is called Northern Station, even though three other police stations are farther north than it, including, again hilariously, Central Station.

I can't even tell you. You've gotta live here to understand…read more update: and goddamnit stop calling it NOPA. NOPA is a restaurant that used to be a laundromat, that's all.

Some nice favorite gems at the Inner Sunset [San Francisco]…read more I don't come to the Inner Sunset often except for one thing... mainly FOOD. Inner Sunset is located south of Golden Gate Park next to the UCSF campus. Many of the businesses are clustered on Irving Street and 9th Avenue... there are a lot of amazing places to eat at the Inner Sunset, maybe not as hoity-toity as the Marina District but the following are some of the places we've enjoyed and visited: * Tartine Inner Sunset [Irving Street] - this Tartine location is open for delivery and takeout only. Online ordering was easy and my bag of goodies was ready in 30 minutes (notifying me by text). My daughter enjoyed both the Lemon Cream Tart and the Lemon Cranberry Pistachio Teacake. I was also happy to see the Pain Au Chocolat Croissant available. Fresh and yummy... but pricey. * Mahalo [9th Avenue] - we ordered the Hawaiian macaroni salad. It's a favorite in our household. Delicious and authentic! * 16th Avenue Tiled Steps - we stopped by this beautiful tiled steps just west of Grand View Park. This popular steps is popular among tourists. There are 163 steps... heading up has a nice view of stars and sea design. There are a few landings in between sections (to catch your breath). The plants alongside the steps are well maintained by the community. Street parking. * Hidden Garden Steps - beautifully tiled stairway. The stairway is between a Kirkham and Lawton Streets. It's easy to miss these steps because the stairs are narrow and very steep. We got lucky at the time... no tourists! I love these steps! The ceramic tiles are colorful with beautiful designs and once we reached the midpoint of the steps there were some great views to be seen of the city. Truly a hidden gem. Next on my list to visit (not necessarily in this order): Arizmendi Bakery Hometown Creamery San Tung "Jobs fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul." - Jaime Lyn Review #2061

When I moved to San Francisco, I spent a good month looking for a place to live. I knew where in…read morethe city I wanted to live (where I eventually ended up living), but more importantly, I knew where I didn't want to live. Or at least I thought I did. There were also plenty of places that I would live if I had to, but they weren't high up on my list of places to check out. One of those places was the Inner Sunset. At the time, I was generally a Richmond boy, if only because my brother had mostly lived there, except for when he first moved to San Francisco and lived in the Outer Sunset near Polly Ann's (https://www.yelp.com/biz/polly-ann-ice-cream-san-francisco). In my mind, if I were going to live in the Sunset, I needed to be closer to Polly Ann's, so the Inner Sunset didn't do anything for me. Well, I was wrong. So so so so very wrong. So wrong, in fact, that when I had to start apartment-hunting again this past winter and into spring because my San Francisco home of almost 20 years burned down, the Inner Sunset was a preferred neighborhood, not just one that I would put up with living in. Ninth Avenue by itself is worth everything. But there's so much more, and sometime between my moving to San Francisco and my flat burning down, my brother had moved to the Inner Sunset, and then he moved even innerer into the Inner Sunset. The one place I was interested in seeing during my 2003 housing search was on Irving Street, between either 9th and 10th, or 10th and 11th. This was back when photos on Craig's List either weren't allowed or were few and far between, so all I had to go by was the potential future roommates' descriptions of themselves and the apartment. It sounded wonderful, as did they. But when I showed up for my appointment five minutes early, no one was home. I dutifully called and waited 20 minutes outside, and then called again, but no one ever got back to me. This might seem like par for the course now, but it was the first time, I believe, I had ever been ghosted. I'd been stood up before, of course, but there had been subsequent fake apologies or whatever. This time? Nope, neither of the potential roommates ever called or emailed me or responded to my polite email asking whether they need to reschedule. Ghosted. In 2003. By people I'd never met in person but had had a nice phone conversation with. It bothers me to this day, and sadly, I think I've held that aggravating experience against the neighborhood, if only a little bit. But you know what? Even if Canvas Gallery is long gone (and that's OK, because I really used to like Pacific Catch before it got so corporate), there's still Gordo and Green Apple and Arizmendi and Hometown Creamery and Sunflower Garden and the gelato place and so many other favorites, and again, that's just on a three-block stretch of 9th Avenue. I also love Hugo Street. And here's an important San Francisco-locals-only question for you: Is Hugo the "H" street of the Avenues, or is Hayes? Or maybe it's Haight? I have serious history with Hayes, but despite that, I vote for Hugo. What do you say? Compliment or message me with your true and final answer.

Many locals and tourists could be found on weekends strolling or enjoying sidewalk seating and…read moreparklets along West Portal Ave. The avenue itself is not that long - not even a mile. Families, couples, singles, transplants, and even some homelessness are all present. A myriad of local businesses and just a few chains (i.e., not gentrified, no fast food eateries, no major retailers) add to its charm. But, it is still basically a real San Francisco neighborhood where SF natives reside. Depending on what street you're on, single-car garage homes dot the surrounding area with many multi-million dollar homes. While it is centrally located on a SF-proper map, it is easily accessible to Ocean Beach due to Sloat Blvd as a connector. Plus, both Junipero Blvd and 19th Ave are a block away at the southwestern end of West Portal Ave (e.g., both are straight shots to Hwy 280). Parking is metered but there are many time limit spaces on the residential streets.

West Portal is an amazing place to hang out with friends, go with family, or just walk around by…read moreyourself late in the afternoon. There are many fun boutiques, yummy restaurants, and other little knick-knack shops around. There may be some homeless people roaming around from time to time, but they mean no harm. That is what you get when coming to San Francisco. This is still a great place for families to come and visit and just sit around at the park and play on the swings, it makes West Portal special.

An industrial area transforms from mainly factories to a mix of great restaurants and apartments…read more Fascinating to come to the neighborhood here and see how it is transforming into an up an coming super cool area. A cocktail of restaurants, cafes, apartments and art galleries have made this an attractive destination for city folk (and even humble visitors like yours truly). Over the years this place has evolved into the super cool. I love the meat places, saloons and the proximity to the discoveries that remain to be uncovered on nearby Potrero Hill.

The first time I met someone who told me they're from The Dogpatch, I pictured a torn-up abandoned…read moresandlot with junkyard dogs running amok. I later came to know it as a blank slate between "SF proper" and Hunters Point. My trips here are always for food along 3rd Street. Sometimes I find random art, and sometimes I find myself way off 3rd St aka middle of nowhere.

I enjoy inner Richmond ..we moved to retire ..I like being retired haha who wouldn't ..USa is for…read moreretired people haha ..from Washington dc

The Inner Richmond is one of my favorite for so many reasons. Mostly because it is a family and pet…read morefriendly neighborhood. And very walkable, with parts of the neighborhood bordering mountain lake park, the Presidio, and also bordering Golden Gate Park. Love all the amazing restaurants and walkable mom and pop shops as well.

"I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand Walking…read morethrough the streets of Soho in the rain He was looking for the place called Lee Ho Fook's Gonna get a big dish of beef chow mein" (Warren Zevon) San Francisco is home to the oldest Chinatown in North America. Covering 24 square blocks, its history can be traced to the early 1850s. The driving forces behind the immigration were the California Gold Rush and jobs on the Transcontinental Railroad. San Francisco's Chinatown today is a feast for your senses, with colorful lantern lined streets, produce markets, workers wrapping dim sum dumplings in the store's windows for your viewing pleasure, pagoda roofs, dragon gates, fishmongers, bakeries, and scores of restaurants. Walking through Chinatown was such a treat! We saw dragon dancers walking through the street, stopped at a fortune cookie maker and watched the workers fold up the little cookie bundles and had a family dinner at the oldest Dim Sum restaurant in America, the historic Hang Ah Tea Room. We loved our visit.

When you dim sum, go to Chinatown!…read more The oldest and largest Chinatown in America is in San Fran and it offers plenty of Chinese street food classics and of course a wide selection of baked, fried or steamed dim sum. Most shops open at 7 or 8 so get there before the lunch rush as some of the popular ones get sold out. After devouring all the dim sum, explore and walk around. Another must stop is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory which is a family run shop hand folding cookies since 1962. Watch the ladies fold, pack these iconic cookies and pick up a bag or two to take back home to your friends and family. Places we ate at: GOOG MONK KOK BAKERY WING SING DIM SUM DELICIOUS DIMSUM HOUSE OF DIM SUM GOLDEN GATE FORTUNE COOKIE

It's always fun getting to visit San Francisco and it was such a gorgeous day to be there…read more We were in town to visit the DeYoung Museum and have a picnic lunch in Golden Gate Park. I love looking at all the colorful houses all stuck together. It's nice to see the residents taking pride in their homes and keeping everything so beautiful. We passed by a nice flower stand on a corner street that's been there forever. There are many hidden gems within these neighborhoods like this flower stand and mom and pop eateries and markets. Golden Gate Park was so lovely. We enjoyed our lunch sitting at one of the park benches under a tree, people watching and enjoying the water fountains. The DeYoung museum was amazing as usual. We had the best time. San Francisco is always a good time. There is so much to do and see. I feel really lucky to live in the South Bay, which is about 90 minute drive into the city. It works perfectly for visiting and having fun for the day.

1 of 2 Yelp reviews…read more Quality/Quantity - Writing this update as I just noticed that there are more than one SF Yelp review... What can I say, we still have a love/hate relationship... I miss the days when kids can play in the streets and you can leave your doors unlocked or open... I miss the days when all the tourist locations were fun and we did not have to worry about all the current crime and problems. I miss the days when we rarely had car break-ins. I miss the days when the city was cool, hip, old $$, new $$, etc. I miss... I am starting to feel I should give an extra star to local good small businesses that are able to last 50+ years in this environment. Adapting to all the changes, challenges, etc. Some positives - Very diverse city. So much culture. The food scene! Still a great city to entertain our guests. Still nice to do all the tourist stuff, but more cautiously now. Still a beautiful city, well parts of it. See previous review for better details. No need to repeat. Most popular tourist stuff to do here: Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Alcatraz Island, Cable Cars, Japan Town, China Town, Walt Disney Family Museum, Lombard Street, Exploratorium, Oracle Park (ATT park), Golden Gate Park, Japanese Tea Garden, Palace of Fine Arts, SF Zoo, etc. Other attractions time permitting: Ferry Building, Twin Peaks, beaches, Coit Tower, Presidio, Union Square, Embarcadero, "Painted Ladies," Castro, SF City Hall, etc. Atmosphere - See above and previous reviews. See pictures. Approximately 47 square miles. City and county 232 square miles. Population: Approximately 874,000 people (2020). Service - Depends on what you do, eat, or drink. Personally, I think service has decreased. Businesses have to "tough up" due to the current environment. Price - Expensive, especially for what you get! I am glad most restaurants have finally got away from all those additional fees and "taxes;" see my previous reviews/rants from years ago. Owner Comment - 1850 incorporated. 1776 Mission established.

After our indulgent snacks, we decided to walk off some of the food, so upon leaving the Ferry…read moreBuilding, I made an executive decision and had us walked toward the direction of Pier 39. Shortly after, we encountered lots of street vendors selling hot dogs which is something new (for me). I mean, one or two here and there, I get it. But there were like rows of 10 all selling the same thing--grilled hot dogs. Bizarro! (Edit: My friend reminded me that some of them were selling drinks and they have alcohol. Not judging and I'm not the prohibition police, but Wow, this just continues to surprise!) And then we saw a bunch of people gathered for a labor strike. So maybe they were there to feed them? By this point, my friend was looking for a public bathroom. We found one but it was locked so we continued on towards Pier 39. Mission to find a bathroom aside, it was a great day for a nice walk on this historic path that used to be where all the ships were docked back in the Wild, Wild West Days. A lot of San Francisco was built on top of sand dunes and crumbling rocks, so you can really feel the history here, but the actual walkway is very paved and even so no worries. I used to work nearby and saw some skeletons of buried ships when they had excavation done when a new building goes up, and usually they just document and leave the ship buried and built on top of it. It's pretty cool and definitely part of SF history. And if you don't want to walk or can't, there are a lot of what I would call peddling tuk tuk (pedicab) offering rides for a price. Or you can take the F street car that goes from Market Street all the way down to Pier 39.

As a local, I walk down here on a daily basis. I love doing my evening walks. Although I must admit…read moreit does it busy during "tourist season". It's a long haul but I think it's a beautiful way to see quite a lot of the city. I do have a difficult time dealing with bikes riding on the sidewalk instead of being on the designated bike lanes.