San Francisco, California
Hey, I’m Kat! I met Audrey during our freshman year at GW, we were roommates for four years, and we just had our seven year Friendiversary on Facebook, so you could say things are pretty serious. I moved to San Francisco about a year ago and I’ve fallen in love with the city – especially the food. These are some of my favorite places in San Francisco:
Photo by Souvla
Cheap Eats - Souvla
Souvla is a small, “fast-fine” chain of Greek restaurants in SF that has a cult following, of which I am a proud member. If you mention Souvla here, you’ll receive a resounding “omg I LOVE Souvla!” Their menu is simple, but the flavors are bold: fluffy pita wraps and vibrant salads with spit-fired meats and California veggies, served alongside their famous Greek fries and dipping sauces. Pro tip: get your salad or sandwich “Greek style” for fries on top.
Brunch - Blackwood
Blackwood is a beloved American-Thai restaurant in the Marina that also happens to serve a great brunch. Their bottomless mimosas are *dangerous*. With a mix of traditional Thai dishes, brunch staples, and wildcard menu items like their Hot Stone Pot, there is truly something for everyone. Like most restaurants in SF, they don’t take brunch reservations – get there early on the weekend to grab a spot on their front patio and people-watch while you brunch in the sun.
Photo by SF Eater
Photo by Neighbor Bakehouse
Cafe - Neighbor Bakehouse
Neighbor Bakehouse is a hidden gem located in Dogpatch, just south of AT&T Park. It’s a small, unassuming walk-up café serving some of the best pastries in the city. They’re open Wednesday to Sunday because of their weekend popularity. I’m lucky to work nearby and take advantage of the shorter lines during the week. Anything on the menu will not disappoint, but some stars are the Raspberry Hazelnut Twice-Baked Croissant and the Ham and Cheese Morning Bun.
Drinks - The Tipsy Pig
The Tipsy Pig is a self-described “distinctly Californian gastropub” serving craft cocktails and comfort food since 2009. Located in the heart of the Marina, their sprawling outdoor patio is a popular spot for happy hours and brunches. Their happy hour provides a great opportunity to sample items off their regular menu at discount. Happy hour standouts include the BBQ Pork Sliders and the “Pretzel” Bites, which are really more like biscuits, as well as a few of their specialty cocktails like the Strawberry Fields.
Photo by The Tipsy Pig
Photo by SF Chronicle
Dinner - Coqueta
If you’re looking for a nice date spot along the water, with great cocktails and delicious tapas, Coqueta is the place to be. Located along The Embarcadero, its atmosphere reflects exactly what Coqueta means in Spanish: flirt. Reserve your table ahead of time, try the Branzino or the Spanish pork shoulder, and don’t skip the Patatas Bravas.
Activity - Dolores Park
On any given weekend in San Francisco, you can find hundreds of people along the hills of Dolores Park – if it’s particularly nice out, it can resemble the crowds of a music festival. The city views, ample opportunities for people-watching, and resident characters such as The Coconut Man (selling fresh, rum-filled coconuts) set the scene for a fun day for just about anyone. Bring some snacks, friends, and blanket.
Photo by Lonely Planet