Chinatown is extensive and authentic, with crowded markets, kitschy shops and some of the best Chinese fare in America. An elegant alternative to the countless down-to-earth eateries is the Empress of China on Grant Street, a sixth-floor escape of wonderful views, grand décor and predictable, but perfectly prepared dishes.
North Beach is quintessential San Francisco and the perfect district for a night out of dining and drinking. The main artery of action is Columbus Avenue beginning at the base of the Pyramid Building and running northwest, loaded with upbeat Italian eateries, alfresco cafés, funky bars and eclectic gift shops.
The Mission District with much activity centered around the BART (subway) station area by Mission and 24th, is San Francisco's lively Latino quarter with a bevy of taquerias, taverns, hip second-hand shops and fun night spots. The Pancho Villa Taqueria on 16th Street is perfect for a cheap and delicious meal and Blondie's Bar on Valencia is about as boisterous as it gets on a Saturday night.
For a true taste of the city's "free love" late '60s-side, a visit to the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is a must. The heart of the neighborhood is on Haight Street near Golden Gate Park's west side. Funky shopping is all the rage here, so stop by the wonderful Booksmith for a good read or the amazing Giant Robot-loaded with anime, collectible toys, wild T-shirts and so much more.
SoMa (short for South of Market) is a neighborhood best enjoyed at night, when a wealth of fantastically funky bars and nightclubs come alive with revelry. Anu, a bar/club on Sixth Street has wild drinks and a cool crowd and out-of-the-way 111 Minna is a triple-threat tavern, gallery and nightclub rolled into one. The nearby South Beach area has a number of fun bars as well.
Union Square is a shopping haven of upscale retailers wrapped around a perfectly pleasant one-block city park. Popular shops include Sak's, Tiffany's and Macy's; and when you're ready for a respite, Lefty O'Doul's on Geary is a gritty piano bar with hearty food and drink and a lively crowd.
Fisherman's Wharf is kitschy and touristy, but is also a must-see for newcomers to the city-loaded with wacky shops, street-side seafood vendors and eccentric street performers. The nearby Buena Vista is the birthplace of Irish Coffee and one of the city's most famed bars, and it's also easy to grab the F-line streetcar to the handsomely renovated Ferry Building for good food and great shopping.
The nearby Marina is a tempting spread of nice homes, shopping and waterfront parks and outdoor areas. Chrissy Field is a beehive of joggers and picnickers with a nice vista of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge; while Chestnut and Union Streets have plenty of excellent clothing shops.
