San Francisco - Russian Hill - All Types

1548 Polk St., San Francisco 94109
415-346-5699

Kozy Kar

An entire bar built on the theme of a customized Chevy Van - circa 1976 - featuring an actual van in the back with, ahem, a water bed. 70s Playboy centerfold spreads line the walls, CB radio system... read more

2420 Polk St., San Francisco 94109
415-563-2741

Favor

Everything in this quaint shop is made of resin. This unique jewelry is well priced, fun and has a cool edge design. Created in the back by local artist and owner, the line which is called Hotcakes... read more

1516 Broadway, San Francisco 94109
415-885-4477

Cossu

Paging Aladdin and Scheherazade. Over-the-top Disney set with every imaginable Arabian Nights cliche. Ornate wall murals, beanbag cushions, tapestries and carpets from Azerbaijan. Live music, waite... read more

1488 Vallejo St., San Francisco 94109
415-614-0100

Eco Citizen

This isn't a frumpy hippie store. Eco Citizen is as much design conscious as it is environmentally. Forget the hemp jewelry and tie-dye skirts this store gives you modern clothing designed by this ... read more

2418 Polk St., San Francisco 94109
415-447-2878

Anica

Hands down, Russian Hills most sweet and hip store. This pocket-size boutique boasts a winning combination of cutting-edge labels both feminine and edgy. Like a well-designed fashion editor’s... read more

2217 Polk St., San Francisco 94109
415-567-1555

Swallow Tail

Just when you thought SF was only home to the William Sonoma/Pottery Barn junkie you thankfully discover Swallow Tail. If good taste could be worshiped this store would be your temple. Stepping int... read more

2424 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco 94109
415-345-0072

Helmand Palace

A boulder through the back door (landslide!) forced a change of location, but the excellent Afghani cuisine served on white table clothes at bargain prices remains. Owner Mahmoud Karzai, brother of... read more

1919 Hyde St., San Francisco 94109
415-771-3100

Za Pizza

Gen X version of Big Chill. Hangout place stripped down to basics. Creedence and the Giants game, our favorite beers on tap. Friendly family hole in the wall with warm oven smells and monthly art e... read more

2237 Polk St., San Francisco 94109
415-474-4088

Yabbies Coastal Kitchen

Voted Best Seafood in 2006 by SF Weekly. Floor-to-ceiling chalkboard menu, raw bar covered with heaps o’ crab legs waiting to be cracked, bevy of oysters poised for shucking. Nightly regulars welco... read more

1999 Hyde St., San Francisco
415-775-6818

Swensen’s Ice Cream Parlor

Gee Mr. Swensen, your ice cream sure tastes swell. Original parlor on the same corner since 1948, and now 300 or so spread all over globe. Homemade caramel turtle fudge and sticky chewy chocolate, ... read more

1468 Hyde St., San Francisco
415-771-9774

U-Lee

Possibly the best pot stickers in the city: fat and full, pan-fried crispy, and the size of a croissant. Business-card testimonials from around the world to prove it’s not hyperbole. Surprisingly u... read more

2000 Hyde St., San Francisco 94109
415-346-0800

Zarzuela

Not quite like the late-night tapas experience we had in Seville, but it tries. Bread and olives as soon as you sit down, nice. Chef/owner from Madrid, and from the looks of things a fan of bullfig... read more

1723 Polk St., San Francisco
415-776-4162

Cinch Saloon

Pinball, pool tables and gay boys galore often leave this place SRO. Long, narrow Southwest-themed bar with bears, queens and everything in between. Weekend barbecues on the outdoor patio, $3 PBRs,... read more

1351 Polk St., San Francisco
415-885-4535

Kimo’s

Strange dichotomy afoot. Surfboards and fishing nets mix with chrome and mirrors, plus faded beefcake pinups and rock ’n’ blues jukebox. No matter, things tend to get blurry after a while. Blame th... read more

1500 Broadway St., San Francisco
415-346-7683

Rouge Nightclub

Bridge & Tunnel bordello on Broadway. Strip club meets Moulin Rouge décor. Red velvet booths, gilded mirrored walls, crystal chandeliers. Paris Hilton wannabes perpetually posing for group pix. Tam... read more

1695 Polk St., San Francisco
415-447-4730

Red Devil Lounge

Anne Rice ambiance from the red velvet curtains to the black iron staircase to the oversize chandelier. Oozes Gothic, but booking agent’s penchant for ’80s cover bands (or even the occasional real ... read more

2141 Polk St., San Francisco 94109
415-775-1055

Street

Will and Grace and their buddies talk current events at the corner window. Charming feel-good den feeds friends and neighbors. Sit at the bar, drink house-infused vodka (love the Apripolitan), and ... read more

2323 Polk St., San Francisco 94109
415-441-2244

Rex Cafe

High-ceilinged, saloon-styled spot with fading streams of sunlight, Cheer’s-like center bar, and lazy fans circling dreamily overhead. A bastion for bitter locals along the sadly yuppified stretch ... read more

1517 Polk St., San Francisco 94109
415-673-1101

Swan Oyster Depot

Tiny, no-nonsense, and bursting at the gills with the freshest seafood ever since 1912. Motley assortment of lunchers, from socialites to Hell’s Angels, lining up on sidewalk for one of 22 counter ... read more

1916 Hyde St., San Francisco
415-440-1905

Sushi Groove

Club royalty Martel & Nabiel’s original excursion. Petite, pricey and date-perfect. Warm, golden tones and quiveringly fresh fish make this the grooviest sushi indeed. Amberjack sashimi and sublime... read more