As the oldest, and arguably largest, Chinatown in America, every corner of this storied neighborhood, from street lamp to sidewalk, is a piece of living history. First established by an influx of Chinese immigrants during the 1850's Gold Rush Era, the northeastern quadrant of San Francisco on Grant and Stockton Streets quickly became a densely thriving community that is still highly sought-after today for tourism, comforting food, and stunning architecture.
We couldn't imagine San Francisco without Chinatown, and so here is our essential guide to all of the picturesque sights, cultural shopping, and authentic cuisine to experience in these storied blocks.
See also: Our Ultimate Day Guide For SF's Eclectic North Beach Neighborhood
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655 Jackson St / (415) 981-8988 / Website
If you're up for the heat, award-winning Z&Y's authentic Szechuan is ready waiting for you! Consistently visted by several prestigious dignitaries, Z&Y's palatial interior makes for the perfect setting to enjoy vibrantly flavorful vegetarian and vegan cuisine in refined, creative, and even mouth-numbing, ways.
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838 Grant Ave / (415) 757-0728 / Website
It truly does not get anymore elevated than with Empress by Boon, as taking the unassuming elevator up reveals an absolutely elegant and luxurious restaurant complete with an authentic pagoda, handmade murals, and a sweeping wide view over the skyline. These award-winning aspects, along with the refined cuisine and playful cocktails, make for a dinner that's impressive, swanky, and effortlessly perfect.
See also: Empress by Boon is Chinatown's Lavish Cantonese Dining Experience With A View
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919 Kearny St / (415) 421-1429 / Website
For over three decades, House of Nanking has been a trusted landmark for the most scrumptious classic cooking. Run by a truly talented and unbeatable family, Chef Peter has garnered status as a local superstar for winning Chopped Champion twice on the Fodd Network. The highlights here are definitely the exclusive specials that aren't on the menu.
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1039 Stockton St / (415) 397-2688 / Website
You simply cannot set foot in Chinatown without also picking up some portable and bite-sized dim sum! Good Mong Kok Bakery is a tiny but mighty shop with unbeatable deals at an average of $2-5 that make for the most delightful lunch meal or afternoon pick-me-up. Definitely try their BBQ Bun or their Shrimp Dumplings.
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750 Kearny St / (415) 433-6600 / Website
The Hilton Financial District is the optimal place to stay right near Chinatown. This location is at the walkable epicenter of it all- Chinatown, Union Square, the Ferry Building, Little Italy, and more! The Bay View rooms also offer impeccable skyline views and chic modern amenities.
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600 Stockton St / (415) 296-7465 / Website
Another fantastic option is the Ritz-Carlton, which is renowned for its fashionably grand Club Lounge, luxury suites, and convenient cable-car stop right outside of it. This is an alluringly posh stay that's in many ways, ritzy.
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745 Kearny St / Website
Portsmouth Square is the most serene, lush, and heartwarming park right in the middle of the historic neighborhood which has also been adored as the "Heart of Chinatown." Take a peaceful break here and admire the placid, calming, and traditional beauty of this radiant oasis. Fun fact: this park is whre the American flag was first raised in San Francisco in 1846.
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56 Ross Alley / (415) 806-8243 / Website
For a sweet and jaw-dropping look into one of America's most-beloved after-dinner snack with a lucky prize, head to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, tucked away in Ross Alley. Here at this bustling tourist site, the tasty treats are still all meticulously made by hand since its origin in 1962, and now come in several fun flavors. Take an entire bag home, or even write your own fortune!
See also: 10 Surprising Fun Facts About San Francisco
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1044 Grant Ave / (415) 981-2388 / Website
Tea is an essential component of Chinese tradition, history, and vitality, and with a name like Vital Tea Leaf, you know you're in for only the best qualities of such. Choose from over a hundred varieties in their cute Wes Anderson-esque parlor, where the proprietor Uncle Gee stocks them by physically traveling through China every year and consciously sourcing them. However you take your cup, Uncle Gee is there to caringly help guide you to your new favorite kind.
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616 Grant Ave / (415) 362-5750 / Website
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644 Broadway / (415) 788-8188 / Website
For a more modern marketplace, come peruse the shelves of the magnificently expansive China Live, which will also invite you in for a classic tea, inventive libations, and an irresistibly luscious meal. This is a cutting-edge take on the food and shopping experience, incorporating their inventory all throughout while also featuring restored authentic decor, and that's not even mentioning their ultra-luxurious rooms above where Michelle Yeoh has dined.
See also: China Live Is An Elegant Multi-Level Foodie Wonderland
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672 Jackson St / (415) 956-4490 / Website
Red's Place is a cozy, no-frills local hangout that's kind, affordable, and stands as the "Oldest Bar in Chinatown," established in 1937.
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155 Columbus Ave / (415) 617-0071 / Website
Just a quick trip off of Chinatown on the border with North Beach is Comstock Saloon, a chill and vintage-chic Prohibition-era speakeasy that features live jazz, classic cocktails, and a charmingly relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for a pre-dinner social or an elegant, yet low-pressure evening nightcap.
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28 Waverly Pl / (415) 857-9688 / Website
The Moongate Lounge is a trendy celestial experience, as the entire interior of this "lunar-inspired listening lounge" feels dreamy with calm futuristic neon. The combinations of familiar Asian flavors for their cocktails are also out of this world, such as the Frost Descent with green walnut and sesame foam.
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916 Grant Ave / (415) 982-0072 / Website
Li-Po Lounge is the place for a lively night in Chinatown, as the locals will hail their famously thirst-quenching Mai Tais. Follow the dazzling neon sign and sweeping architecture to find a dive that exudes vintage noir vibes, especially with their elusive basement hangout!
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901 Grant Ave / (415) 362-1792 / Website
Similarly, the fluorescent Buddha Lounge is one of the remaining vestiges that offers an immersion into a true vintage Chinatown dive. Expect cheap drinks and a trendy atmosphere all embraced by a feeling of tradition and conviviality.
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1 Pagoda Pl / (415) 982-5686 / Website
Having a meal at Hang Ah Tea Room signifies sitting in literal legacy, as this lowkey dim sum spot is the oldest and first of its kind ever established in America. Over a century old, the restaurant is still consistently popular, especially their photo-worthy outdoor sign that displays their enduring reputation.
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965 Clay St / (415) 391-1188 / Website
Founded in 1963, The Chinese Historical Society of America is devoted to preserving and illuminating the diverse history of Chinese in America through offering a research center, scholarships, and vibrant rotating exhibitions and public programs. Step into their museum and gift shop to help support the enduring culture, solidarity, and powerful perseverance the Chinese and greater AAPI community have upheld throughout history.
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125 Waverly Pl / (415) 986-2520 / Website
The Tin How Temple is our pick for a hidden gem, because while you may not catch on a normal walk, it quietly sits as the oldest extant Taoist temple in San Francisco, and one of the oldest still-operating temples in America. Admission is free, and you can visit the temple and feel a sense of serene enlightenment away from all of the city bustle between 10am and 3pm. Though no photography is allowed inside the temple, their upper decks do make for a fashionably unique skyline shot!
Chinatown is a bastion for true history and culture, and thanks to the committed community who help flourish the businesses and tourism, this storied neighborhood remains as an integral part of both the San Francisco Bay Area's and the nation's cultural identity.
See also: Meet Chef Boon, The Mastermind Behind Chinatown's Swanky Empress By Boon
Photography by: peeterv/Getty Images
