Some San Francisco Favorites

The way to my heart is food and drink

A version of this was first posted on the Hearne Hideouts site last year. Resharing here. Happy 2025, Substack friends!

I’m a couple years out from a decade of living in San Francisco. And the list of great memories at various restaurants and bars at this point is exhaustive. However, a new year means it’s list-making and reflection season. So with that, please support these amazing spots on your next visit to the City. And invite me along :)

The Buena Vista

Opened in 1916 next to the last stop of the Powell-Hyde Cable Car. It came into my life 101 years later in my first year in SF. Skip the lines and ask to sit at the bar. You’re in for a show. The restaurant is famous for bringing Irish coffee to America, and boy, are these drinks a fun way to start your morning or end your evening (you will get judged if you ask for decaf). Christopher and my first ‘I love yous’ came after drinking a couple of these.

Equator Coffee

There isn’t a Marina Green walk with friends without stopping for to-go lattes and a pastry at their location in an repurposed military gatehouse in Fort Mason. The Mission-style architecture (think red tile roofs) and views of the Bay are stellar. Speaking of views, Equator also has a location in the historic Roundhouse next the Golden Gate Bridge. They need to give their lease coordinator a raise.

Radhaus

It’s a rare weekend if you don’t find us at Radhaus. A converted ship yard, this German beer hall located in Fort Mason has picturesque views of the Marina through it’s very large windows. The giant wood slab for its bar is an ideal place to enjoy a liter of Hefeweissbier and Jagerschnitzel.

The Tailor's Son

Christopher and I stumbled upon this spot when they first opened in 2021 and since then it has been on rotation for girls nights, dinners with out-of-town friends and weekend brunch. Obsessed with the old school alcohol packaging they have on display behind the bar. They specialize in Milanese cuisine so definitely order one of their Risottos. Also, get the Negroni.

Over the Moon Creamery

Chestnut Street’s only and best ice cream shop. The definition of luxury is getting a tiny metal spoon for sampling. Our grocery haul is rarely complete without picking up a pint of the stratatella. I work out daily to eat a bowl of this ice cream almost daily.

Brother's Korean BBQ

This family-style Korean BBQ spot has tabletop charcoal grills. A superior way to cook your own meat compared to gas. I crave this spot the most during rainy weekend days for a late lunch.

Ly's Vietnamese

Lombard Street is hectic but don’t look past this unassuming, no frills spot for the best Pho. We’ve tried them all, but my favorite it their Five Spice Chicken Pho.

Union Larder

My first wine bar… ever? Can’t confidently say that for sure but I definitely wasn’t this sophisticated/trendy before moving to SF and finding this cool establishment. The stylish spot is located on Hyde Street— the same street as my first apartment in the city.

God, I can go on. But I’ll leave you with these tried and trues for today.

happy new year, xx Lauren