We asked our fellow city dwellers at Benefit HQ, "If you weren't at work today, where would you be?" Then, we got to creating our insider's guide to SF. Explore this map by category, like restaurants or parks. SF is now your playground.
| Bars | Museums |
| Beaches | Music Venues |
| Benefit Favorites |
Parks |
| Coffee | Restaurants |
| Creameries | Shops |
| Donuts | Spas |
| Landmarks | Yoga |
The Pirate Store
826 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 642-5905 website
Arrrg me maties! This is the perfect place to purchase your eye patch, wooden leg or a jug of lard.
This pirate store is a front for writing workshops supporting young students. You can also interact with the booby traps located throughout the store. All sales in the pirate store profit the workshops. You can even purchase books written by these students as well as co-founder Dave Eggers.
Tiffany, Wholesale
A16
2355 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 771-2216 website
This is serious Italian.
Amanda, Digital
Anywhere A Yellow Go Car Will Take Me
2715 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA
1-800-91-GoCar website
Even as an SF resident, I love this! It's the best way to take in the grandeur of the Golden Gate Bridge and unexpected views from the Presidio.
Whitney, Finance
Baker Beach
1504 Pershing Dr # East, San Francisco, CA
Beautiful view of one of the most iconic bridges in the world, sand in your toes and quiet surf. Great place to hang out with friends to BBQ or picnic...
Patty, Digital
Bar Agricole
355 11th Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 355-9400 website
Very sophisticated drinks in the ultimate lo-fi architectural space. Snacks and dinner are pretty good, but then again, you're here for the rum list anyhow.
Valerie H, Digital
Barbacco
Beretta
1199 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 695-1199 website
The drinks are like art, carefully crafted by some the the city's best mixologists. The food is to die for! Pizzas are always delish, but the fava bean bruschetta is out of this world. Nice and dark decor, it's a good first date spot and nicely located in the heart of dive bar central.
Shannon, Brow Bars
Blackbird
Bob's Donuts
1621 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 776-3141
Two words: 24-hour donuts. The maple bar will melt your mind!
Quinn, Digital
The Buena Vista Cafe
2765 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 474-5044 website
A neighborhood bar in a tourist area?! Why yes, due to three things: 1. Awesome Irish Coffee
2. Big communal tables with lots of locals and interesting people visiting the city from all over the world. and 3. Nice views
Sheila, New Product Planning
Bullitt
2209 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 268-0140 website
This neighborhood bar unites tater tots and nachos as... totchos! Need I say more?
Pauline, Product Marketing
Burma Superstar
309 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 387-2147 website
Hands down the best Asian food I have ever had. There is a line out the door the second they open but they will take your cell number and call when a table opens up. Must try the Tea Leaf Salad!
Shannon H., Brow Bars
Cha Cha Cha
2327 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 824-1502 website
Grab a group of friends or one...just get here! You'll love the tapas & the sangria is a must.
Rick, Digital
Clarion Alley
Clarion Alley, San Francisco, CA
This is a great place to go! It features murals by local artists. The tradition spawned from the displacement and marginalization traditionally experienced by Mexican and Chicano/a of the United States, and as a means to reclaim the spaces historically denied to them.
The murals are modern and change regulary. Tour groups even go through there.
It runs between the super fun and hip Valencia Street and the very old school Mission Street.
Amanda O., Creative Services
Club Delux
1511 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 552-6949 website
Most nights have great jazz and pizza by giovanni. Fair warning, Mondays are stand up night - maybe steer clear
Amanda
Contraband Coffee Bar
1415 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 839-7388 website
This place is just as charming as its coffee is strong. Definitely the place to go if you're into that whole "slow filter, individual drip coffees & baristas who know what they're doing" thing.
Quinn, Digital
Crissy Field
Crissy Field, San Francisco, CA
Love sitting on the beach looking at the awesome view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Plus, I love taking my dog there since its an off-leash beach!
Celina, Wholesale
D Structure
520 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 252-8601 website
This Haight shop features local designers of clothing, art, music, etc.
Hannah M., Art
Dining Room at the Ritz
600 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 773-6198 website
High Tea at the Ritz is a proper affair, complete with a big price tag, beautiful service set, and perfect little sandwiches and scones. A great way to pretend you are a Lady Who Lunches.
Valerie, Digital
Dolores Park
Dolores Park, San Francisco, CA
It's always sunny, there's great people watching, and there are amazing restaurants close by to get takeout from and enjoy while you bask in the rays.
Lindsey R., Product Marketing
Top of Dolores Park
Dolores Park, San Francisco, CA
I love to enjoy a Tartine Morning Bun at the top of the park. Artisan baked goods with a view of the SF skyline.
Hannah Day, Digital
Farley's
Flora Grubb Gardens
1634 Jerrold Avenue, San Francisco, CA
(415) 648-2670 website
Oh, Flora, how your garden grows! Now I want a living wall... this is a super awesome plant design.
Amanda, Digital
Four Barrel Coffee
375 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 252-0800 website
The epicenter of SF hipsterdom happens to brew amazing coffees that are sustainably sourced. Really cool space with just a hint of Wild West feel, great art on the walls, and the best collection of ironic mustaches in the city. (Warning: No wifi)
Valerie H, Digital
Ft. Funston
Skyline Blvd, San Francisco, CA
(415) 561-3000 website
It's beautiful, especially on a sunny day. It's also the perfect place so my dog can swim in the Pacific and run around off leash. It's his happy place and mine.
Julie, Digital Media
Golden Gate Park - Japanese Tea Garden
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA
(415) 752-1171 website
I love the Tea Gardens! The gardens and the architecture are so beautiful I usually meet up with a friend here for a relaxing chat. And I always have some tea with my favorite "Spam Musubi."
Heather B., Creative Services
Gracias Madre!
2211 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 683-1346 website
What better place to have organic Mexican food than in the Mission? (Well, aside from Mexico of course) There is always a line as the food is that good. Don't let the vegan menu scare you. The quesadillas are too good to miss!
Tiffany E., Wholesale
Green Chili Kitchen/Chili Pies
1801 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 440-9411
New Mexico in SF! and can i just say Pie Shake
Amanda, Digital Media
House of Air
926 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 345-9675 website
Dodgeball + Trampolines = Love
Scott, Digital
Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream
2790 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 550-6971 website
Only in SF do you wait in line for ice cream..right?! Here they have flavors like strawberry candied jalapeno, russian imperial stout, and guinness gingerbread...enough said
Shannon H., Brow Bars
Imperial Spa
1875 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA
(415) 771-1114 website
Their acupressure massages are life-altering (my girl YoYo is incredibly skilled). And don't get me started on their red clay sauna...
Emilie R., Legal
Izakaya Sozai
1500 Irving St., San Francisco, CA
(415) 742-5122 website
Their delectable ramen (with pork belly) is truly the perfect companion on a foggy night in SF. They've also got a sick sake selection and Sapporo on draft!
Emilie R., Legal
Just For You Cafe
732 22nd Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 647-3033 website
One of the best breakfasts joint in the city - awesome beignets.
Amanda, Digital
Kabuki Springs and Spa
732 22nd Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 647-3033 website
Beautiful communal soaking tubs, saunas and steam rooms... relaxation and beauty are yours for a reasonable day fee. (Great on site massage therapists, too. Reservations recommended.) Near fun Japantown shops & easy access to tasty treats, as well.
Valerie H, Digital
Little Star
846 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 441-1118 website
Organic, whole wheat, stuffed chicago style pizza. Ah-may-zing! There is usually a bit of a wait, but it's worth it!
Scott, Digital
Marina Green
Marina Green, San Francisco, CA
It's so San Francisco! When walking down the Marina, you have the Golden Gate Bridge ahead of you, gorgeous homes on your left and on your right, who knows....festivals, kites, Blue Angels, artwork from local artists and always the Bay.
Heather, HR
Milk Bar
1840 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 387-6455 website
One of the best dive bar music venues in SF. All kinds of sick DJs and live performances
Rick, Digital
Mission Beach Cafe
Mission/Duboce Triangle198 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 861-0198 website
It's a total SF neighborhood spot...serves lovely, fresh, organic food, great coffee and sweets, sensible wine selection, and locally owned. Everyone is friendly and helpful.
Natalie, CS
Mollusk Surf Shop
4500 Irving Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 564-6300 website
Awesome surf shop filled with beautifully crafted boards, a nice gallery space and rad surf style (cute boys, too!).
Amanda T, Digital
New Asia Restaurant
772 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA
(415) 391-6666 website
The BEST Chinese dim sum! Large enough to have a constant flow of rolling food carts. Be sure to sit downstairs for first access to carts out from the kitchen.
Michael B., Wholesale
Nick's Crispy Tacos
1500 Broadway, San Francisco, CA
(415) 409-8226
Best fish tacos and burritos! Definitely order them "Nick's Way" & you won't be disappointed
Scott, Digital
Nooworks
395 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 829-7623 website
A locally owned and designed boutique with dresses that turn heads when you walk down the street. Think urban-chic with a bit of vintage appeal.
Shannon H., Brow Bars
Northbeach
Northbeach, San Francisco, CA
Alive, great restaurants, Washington Square park, Coit Tower, Lombard street, Brodway/Colombus streets, Fishermans at few blocks...
Catherine L., Wholesale
Ocean Beach - Dutch Windmill
1691 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA
It's awesome - what other city has the beach and a dutch windmill in it? Come on.....
May H., Finance
On a sailboat in the bay
San Francisco Bay
It's the most relaxing, while also the most challenging, place to be.
Lisa, Boutiques
Outerlands
4001 Judah, San Francisco, CA
(415) 661-6140 website
Because the dutch pancake with savory bacon, drizzled with maple syrup, always puts a smile on my face.
Alison, Consumer Marketing
Palace of Fine Arts
3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 563-6504 website
Moment of zen. Stepping into the past. Whimsical, romantic.
Alex F., International
Pika Pika
1730 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA
(415) 567-4610 website
Great reason to get to your movie at the Sundance Kabuki Theater early! Stop by Pika Pika for a fun photo and have your cute mugshot transformed into a rubber stamp, mini stickers, or a key chain with a vinyl body attached. This is a great place for all ages but even more fun on date night.
Tiffany E., Wholesale
Pizza Place At Noriega
3901 Noriega Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 759-5752 website
Perfect post surf food
Amanda T., Digital
Pizzeria Delfina
2406 California Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 440-1189 website
Delicious pizza with locally sourced ingredients, in a fun and hip environment.
Valerie H., Digital
Pushbike
3049 22nd Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 647-7456 website
This bike shop is owned and operated by one fantastic female messenger and cycling enthusiast. Full of the cream of the crop cycling apparel and accessories. If something is hot in the cycling industry she's got it. If your lucky you might show up when they are starting an alley cat race.
Shannon H., Brow Bars
Ragazza
Farmers Market, Ferry Building
1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA
(415) 983-8030 website
Saturday morning at the Ferry Building Farmer's Market is great for so many reasons, but number one is the chocolate chip cookies at Della Fattoria behind the Ferry Building.
Bjorn, IT
Scrap
801 Toland Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 647-1746 website
Great place to find just about anything
Amanda T., Digital
Seward Street Slides
Seward St & Douglass St, San Francisco, CA
SLIDES!
Mac W.
Sodini's Green Valley Restaurant
510 Green St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 291-0499
This was my parents go-to spot when they were first married and young in the city. 30 years later, my family frequents Sodinis... though my father is no longer with us, his spirit is well and alive in Sodini's walls that hold so many memories. Not to mention, the food is authentic and delicious!
Mac W., PR
Spice Kit
405 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 882-4581 website
The Best Pork Bun. Ever.
Emilie R., Legal
Stern Grove
832 Folsom St #1000, San Francisco, CA
(415) 252-6252 website
Free concerts in the summer, wonderful outdoor park. Great for walks and picnics year round.
May H., G&A
Sunday Streets in Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
The whole park is closed off from vehicular traffic, leaving bikes, skateboards, and rollerblades to roam danger free! Not to mention a gorgeous walk year-round.
Jane H., Digital
Sunhee Moon
1833 Fillmore Street Ste. 101, San Francisco, CA
(415) 928-1800 website
Local boutique for smart, but comfy everyday workwear.
Valerie H, Digital
Sutro Baths
Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA
An evocative, beautiful place with cool vintage ruins from turn of the century public baths... and a beautiful view of the wild Pacific!
Valerie H, Digital
Sutton Cellers
601 22nd Street, San Francisco, CA
(707) 874-9466 website
Located in the Dogpatch, they have open barrel tasting on Sundays. Always a super fun time.
Amanda T., Digital
Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 487-2600 website
The most divine pastries in SF to start your morning right. Easy walk to the Valencia Corridor for hipster shopping, too.
Valerie H, Digital
Telegraph Hill
Telegraph Hill, San Francisco, CA
Love the shops on upper Grant Street. Can hear cable cars & see the bay. Sun-bleached buildings. Walk to Union Sq., where Marilyn Monroe married Joe DiMaggio. It's near where I lived when I first moved to SF 10 years ago & fell in love with the city...
Megan F., Art
The Castro Theatre
429 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 621-6120 website
Old and new movies, a live organist, sing-a-long nights, and the most beautiful "20s movie palace" surroundings, all right in the heart of my very favorite SF neighborhood? Yes, please!
Ashley, Human Resources
The Ferry Building
The Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA
There are really great shops, the tri-weekly farmer's market has great produce, food, product and people watching.
Stephanie, IT
The Horseshoe Tavern
2024 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 346-1430 website
Located in one of the most scenic neighborhoods and on the same street as tons of cute shopping destinations (including the Benefit Boutique!), this bar has the friendliest bartenders in town and a refreshingly unpretentious crowd. If you're there during the day, ask the longtime local bartender Gary for fun facts about the neighborhood, past and present...and keep an eye out for those World Series San Francisco Giants players! They've been known to enjoy a post-game brew at what locals call "The 'Shoe."
Erin, PR
The Independent
628 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 771-1421 website
Great live music. Decent drinks. Way better since they put in ventilation.
Rick, Digital
The Lyon Street Stairs
Lyon St & Broadway St, San Francisco
The Lyon Street Steps are not only a great place to work off that ice cream you just had down on Union St but a great place to catch amazing panoramic views of the city. On a clear day you can see tons of sail boats Alctraz, the golden gate bridge and Coit tower. On a foggy day, you can see the top of the Golden Gate bridge peaking out of the clouds. Once you reach the top, walk through the iron gate on your right for a glimpse into the Presido.
Tiffany E., Wholesale
Trouble Coffee
4033 Judah Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 682-4732 website
Coffee + great cookies + a straw in a coconut and it's 2 blocks from the beach. Done.
Chelsea, Regulatory
Whatever
548 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 861-9428 website
Where else am I going to get my comic book nerd on?
Scott, Digital
Whiskey Thieves
839 Geary Street, San Francisco
(415) 409-2063
These guys have like over 50 different whiskies from around the world and a great jukebox.
Rick, Digital
Yoga Tree (Stanyan)
780 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 387-4707 website
Lauren Slater's Saturday morning yoga class will straighten out your mind, spine, and soul (and cure a hangover).
Emilie R., Legal
The Tee Off
The Ramp
855 Terry Francois Street, San Francisco, California
(415) 621-2378 website
Let's just say you're not going here for the good, but on a nice day it can't be beat
Amanda, Digital
Rainbow Grocery Co-Op
1745 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 863-0620 website
Hippy bulk goods and a general good feeling
Amanda, Digital
Lucky 13
2140 Market Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 487-1313
Amazing dive bar, they do not allow domestic beer and you can bring your dog. plus popcorn! and goldfish!
Scott, Digital
Truck Stop
450 Mission St San Francisco, CA
A little alley where they park 3 gourmet food trucks for you to eat lunch from. The trucks rotate, so you never know who's gonna be there... unless you want to cheat and check the website. Come on. Take a chance.
Rick, Digital
Unionmade
493 Sanchez St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 861-3373 website
Fantastic male boutique. Everything made in the good ol' US of A.
Scott, Digital
The Lookout
3600 16th Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 431-0306 website
If you want the real Castro experience.
Scott, Digital
Mighty
119 Utah St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 762-0151 website
DJs of all sorts come here to put it down. Bring your dancing shoes and a couple extra bucks cause the drinks can cost if you don't tip well.
Rick, Digital
Dynamo Donuts
2760 24th Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 920-1978 website
Bacon donuts... nuff said.
Scott, Digital
Primo Patio Cafe
214 Townsend Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 957-1129 website
Latin American Food that will smack you in the mouth. My ex and I got into a huge fight once because she ate the last of the Snapper Bites. Just sayin.
Rick, Digital
Walt Disney Family Museum
104 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 345-6800 website
Awesome museum in a great location.
Scott, Digital
Otis Lounge
25 Maiden Lane, San Francisco, CA
(415) 298-4826 website
If you're trying to get your swag up, this is the place. The door guy wears a 3 piece suit. Frequented by models and tastemakers alike. Ask for Damon and be prepared for one of the warmest receptions you'll ever receive.
Rick, Digital
Gama Go
335 8th Street, San Francisco, CA
90% of my non-work related apparel comes from here. Cute cartoony style.
Scott, Digital
Smitten Ice Cream
432 Octavia Street, San Francisco, CA
Cute spot for ice cream and people watching
Amanda, Digital
Suppenküche
525 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 252-9289 website
Beers, spaetzle , schnitzel all the german favorites
Amanda, Digital
Ebisu Sushi
1283 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
415-566-1770 website
RAW FISH, FISH, FISH! Gimme more!
Angelique, Digital
Pauline's Pizza
260 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 552-2050 website
Where pizza meet fusion + perfection!
Angelique, Digital
Regis Hotel Lobby
125 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 284-4000
Best place for a fancy drink and a walk in Yerba brena after the SFMOMA or before a flick at the metreon - love the fireplace
Angelique, Digital
Bi-Rite Creamery
3692 18th Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 626-5600 website
Lavender Honey, Earl Grey and Salted Caramel Ice Cream! Right next to Dolores park for people watching while you try not to drip.
Angelique, Digital
Twin Peaks @ Night
Twin Peaks, San Francisco, CA
Best layout perspective for new commers to the city and a beautiful view on a clear night!
Angelique, Digital
Lands End Trail
870 El Camino Del Mar
San Francisco, CA
Start at Sutro Baths to Palace of Legion of honors. Some of the best views of the Marin Headlands, Golden Gates and the GG Bridge
Angelique, Digital
Slanted Door
1 Ferry Bldg # 35, Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA
(415) 861-8032 website
One of the best Thai spots in SF with a modern twist. Whether you are in the Financial District Ferry Building or the mission area, it will be a delicious stop. You only THINK you don't like Turnip Cakes!
Angelique, Digital
Tommy's Joynt
1101 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA
(415) 775-4216 website
Local meat-fest landmark on Van Ness Avenue (also, the same people have owned Tommy's Joynt since it opened in 1947).
Angelique, Digital
Kara's Cupcakes
3249 Scott Street, San Francisco, CA
415 563-CAKE website
Desert after a full day of touring San Francisco - Get your strength back up!
Angelique, Digital
Yoga to the People
Udupi Palace
Delfina
3621 18th Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 552-4055 website
This "bustling neighborhood trattoria" serves up amazing food, service and is in a can't-be-beat location.
Amanda, Digital
Green Apple Books
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