After a weekend of moving trucks, cardboard boxes, and bubble wrap; I’m ready for my next adventure. Growing up in San Francisco, I had no shortage of things to do and places to explore. So I’m excited to live in a new area of the city where I can try new restaurants and run down new streets! In the last year, I’ve found some pretty great places so I thought I’d make a list of some of my favorite spots. Take your friends, your significant other, or treat yourself to a night out as a party of 1!
The Classic Date Destinations:
Wine Bars:
Cultivar San Francisco 2379 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA
Cultivar is one of my favorite charcuterie spots in the city! Their small plates and entreés pair perfectly with a glass of wine. Their menu features many of their own wines making them the perfect spot to take a date, a group of friends, or your family. There is plenty of space to sit with the option of indoor seating or the heated parklet out front.
Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant 1 Ferry Building, Shop 23, San Francisco, CA
My favorite spot to take myself on a date with my book, the ferry building wine merchant has great wine and small bites. On Wednesdays, they have themed flight nights. The Wednesday I went, they had a selection of wines from France. Knowledgeable staff and importers tell you about the wines and the region in which they originate. It’s the perfect place for after-work drinks but it does close early on weeknights!
Que Syrah 230 W Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA
Located in one of San Francisco’s cutest neighborhoods, Que Syrah is the perfect pre-dinner delight! With so many restaurants nearby it’s the perfect first stop in the evening.
Yield Wine Bar 2490 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
Yield Wine Bar is the perfect spot for two in Mission Bay! Open late, they have a wide selection of wines and a great cheese plate!
Ice Cream Parlors:
Mitchell’s Ice Cream 688 San Jose Avenue, San Francisco, CA
A San Francisco classic, Mitchel’s has a wide selection of flavors, great milkshakes, and fun seasonal flavors. You can buy ice cream by the scoop or in a carton to bring home for later!
San Francisco’s Hometown Creamery 1290 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA
One of my favorite ice cream spots in the city, you can smell the waffle cones baking before you walk through the doors! They are located in the inner sunset walking distance from Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Conservatory of Flowers. But they also have an ice cream van that drives to other locations around the city. I typically find it near the Marina Greens on sunny afternoons!
Smitten Ice Cream 904 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA
Smitten is the Benihana of ice cream! Made right in front of you, cream and toppings are transformed into ice cream using liquid nitrogen. Light and creamy, you definitely have to give it a try!
Ghirardelli Chocolate 900 North Point St Ste F301, San Francisco, CA
A classic, Ghirardelli Square is the perfect place for a hot chocolate or an ice cream sundae. If you get a large group of friends together definitely try the earthquake sundae and get everyone’s favorite flavors!
Polly Ann Ice Cream 3138 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA
Polly Ann Ice Cream has a huge array of flavors. You can choose what flavor you’d like or you can leave it to chance by spinning the wheel at the counter.
Coffee Shops
Caffe Trieste 601 Vallejo St., San Francisco, CA
Located in North Beach, Caffe Trieste was opened in 1956 as the original espresso house on the West Coast. A cafe with a vibrant history in the city; Caffe Trieste has delicious coffee and decadent Italian pastries. Since the 1950s, celebrities and musicians have indulged in their coffee, making Caffe Trieste not only a hot spot for breakfast treats but also a hub for live music and art.
fifty/fifty 3157 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA
A small coffee shop located in the Richmond district, fifty/fifty is a great place to meet up with friends, or pick up a cup of coffee before a walk around the neighborhood.
Home Coffee Roasters 1222 Noriega St San Francisco, CA
Some of the most fun lattes in the city! Home Coffee Roasters offers everything a variety of fun flavored lattes including the churro latte, the birthday cake, latte and the lavender latte.
Noe Cafe 1299 Sanchez St, San Francisco, CA
A great place for coffee, scones and even empanadas, the Noe Cafe has cute outdoor seating so it’s the perfect place to bring your furry friend.
Pinhole Coffee 231 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA
Pinhole coffee is located amongst the twisting, turning, narrow streets of Bernal Heights. Their lattes, mochas, and pastries are a delicious snack to bring a quick walk up to Bernal Heights Park where you’ll find a beautiful view of the city and a small dog park!
Bars
Lost and Found Cocktail Bar 1439 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA
Located on the outskirts of the Sunset district, the Lost and Found Cocktail Bar is a hidden gem! They offer great mixed drinks and they’re located just down the street from a karaoke bar. If you try enough of their drinks you just might find yourself singing along to Paparazzi in a private room at K-Time Karaoke.
Martuni’s 4 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA
A piano bar located on the outskirts of Hayes Valley, Martuni’s is the perfect place for a Friday night drink. Their lemon drops… and of course their martinis are delicious and the entertainment is phenomenal.
Novela 662 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
With books lining the walls and a menu featuring your favorite literary characters, Novela is one of my favorite bars in the city. They have great appetizers and snacks and mixed drinks.
The Beehive 842 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA
A fun stop in the Mission, this bar is located just down the street from Smitten Ice Cream! Make it a full night out with a charcuterie board and some mixed drinks.
Restaurants
A Mano 450 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA
Some of the best ravioli I had in 2021, A Mano is located in the heart of Hayes Valley. Surrounded by bars and restaurants it’s the perfect place for a night out.
Baoz 1750 Cesar Chavez St Unit D, San Francisco, CA
A twist on a dim sum favorite, these large baos are perfect for a light dinner. I was satisfied with an order and a half (3 baos) plus dessert — a Nutella bao!
Coqueta Pier 5 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA
Perfect for small plates and tapas, Coqueta is scenically located on the Embarcadero with plenty of outdoor seating. They have a full bar with great beverages as well!
Soulva 517 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA
Located down the street from the park at the heart of Hayes Valley, Soulva is a great place to stop if you’re looking to eat outside. Take a wrap to go and sit amongst the sights and sounds of one of San Francisco’s most bustling and exciting neighborhoods.
Fun Activities:
The Game Parlour 1342 Irving St. San Francisco, CA
The game is afoot! Perfect for large groups or date night, The Game Parlour has any board game you can think of! For only $7 a person you can play all day. As you play, you won’t be able to resist their waffle sandwiches, waffle fries and cookies & cream lattes!
The Noriega & 16th Avenue Steps San Francisco, CA
The inner sunset is the perfect place for an urban hike! One of the most scenic locations is the staircase located at 16th Ave and Noriega Street. A community-built mosaic masterpiece, the steps take you up into the fog but if you’re lucky you’ll also catch a glimpse of the ocean as you take in the view.
Lucky Strike Bowling 200 King St, San Francisco, CA
Located right across the street from Oracle Park, Lucky Strike is perfect for a company retreat or a fun-filled date night! With a restaurant, full bar, and bowling lanes you’ll be entertained for hours.
Spark Social Food Trucks & Mini Golf Course 601 Mission Bay Boulevard North, San Francisco, CA
Down the street from Oracle Park, this dog-friendly food truck garden is the perfect place to get to know someone. Across the street from the food trucks is an extensive, outdoor San Francisco themed mini golf course.
Giants Game 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA
Take me out to the ballgame! One of the most scenic ballparks, if you’re visiting San Francisco you’ve got to visit Oracle Park even if it means you’ll be cheering for the WRONG team (Boooo!)
Pure Organic Spa 518 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA
Located up a rickety elevator, I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into when I first went to Pure Organic Spa. However, once I got out of the elevator, I was pleasantly surprised by a beautifully calming reception area and an even better massage. I booked my session through Class Pass which was really easy! Allow yourself to take a breather!
Bay Tour on the Red and White Fleet Pier 43, 5, San Francisco, CA
My boyfriend and I had a great experience on the Red and White fleet earlier this summer when we went for his birthday! Great views of the city, fun photo ops, and a bumpy ride under the bridge make this journey an affordable adventure. If you live in the city, it’s a great opportunity to play tourist and remind yourself how beautiful the bay area is!
Picnic on the Marina Green & the Palace of Fine Arts San Francisco, CA
A great place to do outdoor yoga, picnic, or read a book, the Marina Green is walking distance from the Palace of Fine Arts, Fort Mason, and Chrissy Field. Most days, there are food trucks parked along the side of the field including a Philz Coffee truck and sometimes the San Francisco Hometown Creamery van!
Did I miss your favorite spot? Send me recommendations at diariesofadancingqueen@gmail.com!
Diaries of a Dancing Queen 