2017-12-18 03:15:12
Polk Street Nob Hill and Russian Hill This corridor, which is named after former U.S. President James Polk, bustles with shopping, restaurants and more. Strolling northward will have you finish your journey with bay views from the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, a perfect spot to rest your legs. Along the way, shoppers can score vintage treasures at ReLove (1815 Polk) and Belle Cose (2036 Polk), while Picnic (1808 Polk) serves an eclectic array of knickknacks and gifts. When it’s time to eat, the chef’s tasting menu at La Folie (2316 Polk) might be one of San Francisco’s most celebrated, but the 24-hour Bob’s Donuts (1621 Polk) routinely rates as the best night-owl spot in the city. If you crave something spicy (or vegetarian-friendly), grab a table at Thai Spice Restaurant (1730 Polk). Farther north, fine dining has arrived at Ghirardelli Square in the form of Waxman’s (900 North Point St.), a recent addition from celebrity chef Jonathan Waxman. For happy hour or a nightcap, spots like the age-old saloon Shanghai Kelly’s (2064 Polk), cider-focused gastropub Upcider (1160 Polk), and contemporary cocktail lounge Jackalope (1092 Post) offer something for every taste. Grant Avenue Chinatown and North Beach Picking up at the edge of Union Square’s retail district, the Gateway Arch (or Dragon Gate) at Grant Avenue and Bush Street lets visitors know that the (fairly) steep climb leads to Chinatown. This neighborhood artery is filled with unique sights and flavors. The eight blocks between Bush and Broadway contain multitudes: knickknack shops, seniors doing tai chi, Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, the marvelous Chinatown Kite Shop (717 Grant) and dive bars like Li Po Cocktail Lounge (916 Grant). And there’s plenty to nosh on, like the moon cakes at the Eastern Bakery (720 Grant), or traditional platters from the Far East Café (631 Grant), which has been around since 1920. But by far, the best thing in Chinatown is the alleys. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory (56 Ross) and the crispy scarlet turnip cakes at the stunning Mister Jiu’s (28 Waverly) are both located on side streets just off Grant. If you’re headed north, Chinatown ends at Broadway in a neon-emblazoned strip of nightlife before transforming into North Beach.
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