Nightingale Nest
Neighborhoods
Lower Haight
The Castro is an epicenter to the LGBTQI population, known all over the world as such. Many historical social justice movements have begun here and it continues to foster activist movements for social change. Think Harvey Milk.
On top of that, it’s also a great neighborhood to shop, eat, drink, dance and people watching in general.
293 locals recommend
The Castro
The Castro is an epicenter to the LGBTQI population, known all over the world as such. Many historical social justice movements have begun here and it continues to foster activist movements for social change. Think Harvey Milk.
On top of that, it’s also a great neighborhood to shop, eat, drink, dance and people watching in general.
Our neighborhood. I can always feel assured that this is where I can still feel like I'm in a real old-school San Francisco neighborhood of years long past. Just the right amount of grunge remains to keep it how I like it. Bars galore, great food spots, shopping & dispensaries. Oh, and get a tattoo in your downtime. ;)
41 locals recommend
Lower Haight
Our neighborhood. I can always feel assured that this is where I can still feel like I'm in a real old-school San Francisco neighborhood of years long past. Just the right amount of grunge remains to keep it how I like it. Bars galore, great food spots, shopping & dispensaries. Oh, and get a tattoo in your downtime. ;)
Walking distance from our place. It's incredibly easy to spend a full afternoon just wandering around shopping, eating and people watching.
223 locals recommend
Hayes Valley
Walking distance from our place. It's incredibly easy to spend a full afternoon just wandering around shopping, eating and people watching.
City/town information
One aspect of San Francisco that is ALWAYS consistent, is constant change. We've had more booms, busts & rushes over the past 170 years than most places will ever experience. For me, that's part of what helps The City constantly reinvent itself. That doesn't mean it always learns from past mistakes, but it's what keeps it interesting.
102 locals recommend
San Francisco
One aspect of San Francisco that is ALWAYS consistent, is constant change. We've had more booms, busts & rushes over the past 170 years than most places will ever experience. For me, that's part of what helps The City constantly reinvent itself. That doesn't mean it always learns from past mistakes, but it's what keeps it interesting.
Food scene
Not what anyone would call “fine dining” by a long shot, this classic “greasy spoon” has been around as long as I can remember...so at least 1994.
Outside of Covid times you will always find it packed from opening to early closing, 3 I think. It is DEF a locals spot after a night of partying.
66 locals recommend
Kate's Kitchen
471 Haight StreetNot what anyone would call “fine dining” by a long shot, this classic “greasy spoon” has been around as long as I can remember...so at least 1994.
Outside of Covid times you will always find it packed from opening to early closing, 3 I think. It is DEF a locals spot after a night of partying.
Our favorite French bistro in all of SF. It holds many memories of special nights spent here. It has always transported me back to a classic Parisian bistro when I feel that need in my life, that’s a lot
111 locals recommend
L'Ardoise
151 Noe StOur favorite French bistro in all of SF. It holds many memories of special nights spent here. It has always transported me back to a classic Parisian bistro when I feel that need in my life, that’s a lot
A new-vomer into the neighborhood, replacing our belived French inspired “Café du Soliel”, they are our closest café for morning caffienated standards and yummy pastries. At lunch time they make great salads, plus a great wine list for a café.
Yes, they have big shoes to fill for us locals who lost an institution literally overnight during lockdown, but they are working hard to fill those shoes and to establish a relationship with the neighborhood. Go give em a try and tell me what your thoughts are.
Tarragon Cafe
200 Fillmore StA new-vomer into the neighborhood, replacing our belived French inspired “Café du Soliel”, they are our closest café for morning caffienated standards and yummy pastries. At lunch time they make great salads, plus a great wine list for a café.
Yes, they have big shoes to fill for us locals who lost an institution literally overnight during lockdown, but they are working hard to fill those shoes and to establish a relationship with the neighborhood. Go give em a try and tell me what your thoughts are.
Wonderful café in a fabulous location. The vibe is always pleasant and the food is good. Especially if you decide to take it to go and enjoy right across the street at Duboce park.
I love the green smoothie, but also their wine selection, breakfast burrito, curry chicken sandwhich etc etc. and ice cream!
88 locals recommend
Duboce Park Cafe
2 Sanchez StWonderful café in a fabulous location. The vibe is always pleasant and the food is good. Especially if you decide to take it to go and enjoy right across the street at Duboce park.
I love the green smoothie, but also their wine selection, breakfast burrito, curry chicken sandwhich etc etc. and ice cream!
Highly rated local restaurant that spotlights the best local, seasonal ingredients in a casual, neighborhood setting.
149 locals recommend
Frances
3870 17th StHighly rated local restaurant that spotlights the best local, seasonal ingredients in a casual, neighborhood setting.
Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero StThe original Tartine location. Amazing bread and baked goods.
This bustling, James Beard Award-winning neighborhood trattoria in San Francisco's Mission District, is a must for any traveling foodies.
598 locals recommend
Pizzeria Delfina
3621 18th StThis bustling, James Beard Award-winning neighborhood trattoria in San Francisco's Mission District, is a must for any traveling foodies.
Locals love it here at this Valencia st. institution. The margarita scene, Mexican food basics and general fun "locals" vibe is affordable and with the experience.
69 locals recommend
Puerto Alegre
546 Valencia StLocals love it here at this Valencia st. institution. The margarita scene, Mexican food basics and general fun "locals" vibe is affordable and with the experience.
Small, family-run Japanese restaurant. Their sushi is very fresh, as is the house-made tofu. Limited seating but the waits are rarely very long.
35 locals recommend
Eiji
317 Sanchez StSmall, family-run Japanese restaurant. Their sushi is very fresh, as is the house-made tofu. Limited seating but the waits are rarely very long.
Amazing coffee and vegan pastry selection. Coffee is roasted at the location.
348 locals recommend
Four Barrel Coffee
375 Valencia StAmazing coffee and vegan pastry selection. Coffee is roasted at the location.
The arepas and yucca fries are addictive and worth the calories.
34 locals recommend
Pica Pica Arepa Kitchen
401 Valencia StThe arepas and yucca fries are addictive and worth the calories.
Lers Ros Thai
307 Hayes StClose by Thai that will leave you satisfied. Pre-theater dining.
Fast walk-up and order service with dependable burgers, fries and malts.
179 locals recommend
Super Duper Burgers
721 Market StFast walk-up and order service with dependable burgers, fries and malts.
La Taqueria
2889 Mission StThe tacos here are famous for a reason...they are delicious.
Traveler advice
What to pack
Warm clothes
If you have the notion that SF is in California so therefore it MUST be warm and sunny, especially in the Summer...think twice before packing. Our warmest months tend to be when most of the Northern Hemisphere would be experiencing brisk autumn. And our coolest and wettest days are often during the summer time.
ALWAYS bring a hoodie or two and keep one with you during the day. Because if you're out past 3-4ish, the bone chilling wind can sober you up real quick and blow you right into the nearest boutique to buy one. You've been warned. This is one way we always can spot a tourist