Go Shop View archives

• Lavish

  Soaps, candles, books, stationery, bags, jewelry— oh, and did we mention clothes? If it's lavish and fabulous, chances are it's here. Set in the chic shopping district of Hayes Valley, the style goes beyond the easy “put a bird on it to make it cute” of some places and extends into the truly charming. (9/2011)

  508 Hayes St
  415-565-0540
  shoplavish.com
  

• Fabric8

  This gallery has more than just art for sale. We especially liked the limited edition tees and hoodies, but the hip kiddie duds deserve a shout-out too. Visit the back porch for a humble but neat little sculpture garden with changing exhibitions. (9/2011)

  3318 22nd St
  415-647-5888
  fabric8.com
  

• Green Apple Books

  This local institution, one of the last of the big independent bookstores, sells both new and used books. Indecisive readers looking for a good tome should check out the book of the month: The bibliophiles at Green Apple are so confident in their selection that they offer your money back if you're not satisfied. (9/2011)

  506 Clement St
  415-387-2272
  greenapplebooks.com
  

 

Go See View archives

• GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

  It may take a few hours to stroll its 1.7-mile span— especially because you'll be stopping for lots of pictures of the stunning skyline on the way, as well as gelato and some impromptu tanning on the Sausalito side— but it's really the best way to experience the majesty of this bridge. If you're feeling especially adventurous, rent a bike or even a tandem bike. You can always take it back on a ferry from Sausalito with you. (9/2011)

  At Lincoln Blvd and Hwy 101
  415-921-5858
  www.goldengatebridge.org
  

• Alamo Square

  Those who grew up in the 1980s and early-'90s will have a sense of déjà vu when arriving here. Made famous during the opening scene of popular TV Show Full House, the lawn where Uncle Jesse and the rest of the gang picnicked is dotted by visitors relaxing and snapping shots of the colorful Victorian homes that are known as the Painted Ladies. (9/2011)

  Pierce and Hayes sts
  alamosq.org
  

• RANDALL MUSEUM

  Besides offering a hearty yet short hike if approached on foot, this kid-friendly spot has a live animal showcase and an earthquake exhibit, complete with a place for kids to jump, making a seismograph needle measure their “floorquake.” (9/2011)

  199 Museum Way
  415-554-9600
  www.randallmuseum.org
  

 

Go Eat View archives

• Bluestem Brasserie

  Hearty bistro fare from awardwinning chefs tastes so much better when there's an outdoor terrace and rooftop bar to enjoy it on. Overlooking Market Street downtown, this classy, comfy newcomer is a breath of fresh air. Chef Sean Canavan's housemade charcuterie is not to be missed. $$$ (9/2011)

  One Yerba Buena Ln
  415-547-1111
  bluestembrasserie.com
  

• Chambers Eat + Drink

  This space inside the Phoenix Hotel (a divey-but-stylish spot where visiting bands often stay) has a got a slightly gothic yet very elegant vibe. Vampirelow lighting and bookshelves stacked with LPs gives this place a cool ambiance, and the food lives up to the hip interiors—Trevor Ogden, formerly of Mission Beach Cafe, serves a burger with the requisite beef and a hunk of beautifully crisped pork belly. $$$ (9/2011)

  601 Eddy St
  415-829-2316
  chambers-sf.com
  

• Greenburger

  At this new addition to the Lower Haight neighborhood, a longtime SF chef and his wife are dishing up locally sourced, meaty American fare inspired by the chef's hometown of Buffalo, NY. Look for Buffalo chicken wings and hearty, made-toorder meatloaf. $$ (9/2011)

  518 Haight St
  415-829-2491
  sfgreenburgers.com
  

 

Go Party View archives

• SIDEBAR Wine Tavern

  Set in SoMa’s Good Hotel, this place serves a long list of California-only wines. And, in an eco-friendly trend we like, it has eight of them on tap. In another piece of good news for imbibers, the draft beers go through a fancy cooling tower so that your brew has that frosty mug sensation. (9/2011)

  At The Good Hotel 112 Seventh St
  415-626-8381
  sidebarsf.com
  

• Churchill

  This fresh-faced new addition to the cluster of bars around Market and Church is a former dance club. It’s been updated with recovered wood from an old barn, and touts its “WWII vibe,” where the drinking is serious and unpretentious and the people still believe in common courtesy. (9/2011)

  198 Church St

• Fat Angel

  With a half dozen wines on tap—wine actually comes from a pressurized barrel—and a nice snacks menu of meats, cheese and sliders, packing on a few more pounds has never felt so heavenly. (9/2011)

  1740 O'Farrell St
  415-525-3013
  fatangelsf.com