Delightfully tucked away just behind City Hall, Hayes Valley is a cute and colorful neighborhood that exudes charm, innovation, and opulence. This small but sophisticated area is not only filled with the most luxurious retail and dining, but also with creative art that truly brings its idyllic community together, and we have the in-depth guide to all of it.
See also: The Ultimate Guide To SF's Dogpatch Neighborhood
Where To Eat
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199 Gough St / (415) 355-9085 / Website
With a prestigious name like that, you know you're in for some of the most delectable meals! This eatery truly lives up to its name, with a menu that constantly changes to stay ahead of the culinary zeitgeist. This is a sophisticated choice to receive irresistibly exclusive items from sardine chips to handrolls, and more.
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401 Gough St / (415) 355-9067 / Website
Chez Maman is a corner landmark in Hayes Valley, identifiable by its authentic French decor that truly transports you along with their amazingly skilled food. The steamed mussels are a can't-miss here, making it the perfect romantic date spot that's also classic, refined, and highly Instagrammable.
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406 Hayes St / (415) 940-2770 / Website
One of Hayes Valley's many best-kept hidden gems is this lowkey spot with the city's best fried chicken! If you want something less upscale with fast service and generous portions for your price, head to The Bird for a no-frills atmosphere with a piled-high fried chicken sandwich, which we recommend you pair with their cocktails!
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298 Gough St / (415) 503-1666 / Website
For authentic Chinese food in this area, Dumpling Home will absolutely invite you in and treat you like family. This is an award-winning and Michelin Guide-recognized community favorite that is cozy, comforting, and serves endless variations of dumplings.
Where To Stay
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417 Gough St / (415) 862-9051 / Website
This is a boutique bed and breakfast that feels straight out of a charming movie! Primely located near not only Hayes Valley, but also the Van Ness Avenue Metro station and the iconic Market Street cable-car, this elegant and cozy stay ensures you feel comfy and taken care of with their many accommodations, bay windows, country-style kitchen, afternoon sweets, and more.
Where To Relax
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50 Fell St / Website
Patricia's Green is the stretch of park that sits perfectly in the middle of the neighborhood and is the bucolic gathering spot for locals, families, pets, and more. You can lounge on the comfy benches, relax with some of the nearby ice cream and snack stalls, and even enjoy a movie on the big screen for the ideal relaxing outdoor activity.
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534 Laguna St / (415) 552-7200 / Website
Earthbody is San Francisco's only spa that is both organic and owned and operated by therapists, and is a fantastic choice to unwind and feel refreshed with. This is a brilliant refuge to escape to if you feel overwhelmed, as you will instantly feel serene and rejuvenated with their calm atmosphere and expansive apothecary.
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182 Gough St / (415) 255-9510 / Website
Hayes Valley Medical & Esthetics is the premier choice for safe and professional therapy and spa services, with the founder Linda Behla, R.N. having well over 20 years of clinical experience in skincare. This is a cutting-edge boutique clinic that not only utilizes the most effective treatments and innovative products, but also provides personalized service to ensure you are properly cared for with natural-looking results.
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489 Hayes St / (415) 437-2345 / Website
Hayes Valley simply wouldn't have its distinct skyline without Aether's brilliantly creative shop structure! Constructed out of shipping containers cleverly stacked together, this sleek and trendy apparel store goes above and beyond to provide a unique shopping experience (be sure to get a chance to try their large revolving clothes rack!).
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465 Hayes St / (888) 504-8118 / Website
For all things artisanal and curated, Epicurean Trader is a mercantile shop that is brimming with the most exclusive liquors, cheeses, and other boutique and locally-sourced goods. This is the place to pick out a small batch treat as a souvenir or parting gift, and make sure to try their coffee and deli goods to enjoy out on their patio too!
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540 Hayes St / (415) 565-0508 / Website
If you have children, they will absolutely love the vibrant patterns and comfortable material Fiddlesticks has just for them. This is one of the best children's clothing stores in the city, especially for back to school fashion, and once you step into their wonderfully colorful and playful shop you'll immediately see why.
For Pre-Dinner Drinks
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458 Grove St / (415) 549-7612 / Website
Birba is one of the city's best wine bars, due to their sleek and illuminated back patio, their relaxed atmosphere, and naturally, their top-shelf wine offerings. This is the perfect date or nightcap spot that's both radiantly impressive, and intimately casual for those wanting something just off of the bustle of the main Hayes Valley strip.
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398 Hayes St / (415) 551-1590 / Website
Absinthe elegantly and stunningly lives up to its name. This remarkable cornerstone is a spacious brasserie that upholds both the traditional approach to serving absinthe, as well as authentic French cooking. Indulge in a classic and Instagrammable drink of the green fairy while admiring the swanky decor in this sultry lounge.
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424 Octavia St / (628) 276-3203 / Website
Biergarten is a fantastic outdoor patio to invite friends to for a casual hangout with exceptional beer. The string lights and traditional communal seating all pull together this gathering space right next to Patricia's Green for a jubilant time that's easy, affordable, and charming.
Where To Hit The Town
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482 Hayes St / Website
Anina is an essential visit for all those wanting a lively night in Hayes Valley. This is a fun and trendy jungle oasis that excels at tropical cocktails with extremely inventive flavor combinations. We also recommend sitting out on their cozy back patio for a paradisal getaway with electrifying music, playful libations, and an all-around enjoyable vibe.
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650 Gough St / (415) 869-1900 / Website
Smuggler's Cove is the tiki bar-lover's wonderland. This is an award-winning bar that fully devotes its decor, rum drinks, and experience to the island tiki theme, immediately immersing you into a hidden pirate's lair with eclectic decor and committed bartenders. You will undoubtedly impress friends or a date if they're wondering where there is a fun themed escape around Hayes Valley.
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370 Grove St / Website
For those who want something more lowkey and chill, but still elevated and trendy, Phonobar's intimate DJ lounge is the supreme choice. This is a cocktail bar for audiophiles, meaning they excel at providing the perfect auditory sensation to enhance your libations with. Check out their calendar for the right live music or theme for you, as no other place creates a magical musical ambience perfectly curated to their refreshing cocktail experience.
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501 Hayes St / (415) 678-5156 / Website
Hazie's is the newest addition to the Hayes Valley family, but they have already received an overwhelmingly warm welcome! This is a retro-themed rock 'n' roll bar that has fun themed cocktails, plenty of spacious seating, and an overall modernly groovy vibe. You will definitely want front row to their honeydew-infused Uh Huh Honey or their daring Love Your Neighbor with Thai Basil, all of which perfectly pair with their delectable tapa dishes.
Cultural Experience
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201 Van Ness Ave / (415) 864-6000 / Website
The SF Symphony was first founded in 1911, and since then it has been a trusted institution for the San Francisco arts. Plan an elegant night to see any of their award-winning live performances, which are extraordinarily awe-inspiring, impressive, and heartwarming.
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301 Van Ness Ave / (415) 621-6600 / Website
Similarly, the Opera just adjacent has been a powerhouse for the most jaw-dropping acts since 1932. Feel inspired by the talented artistry of their opera singers on a show that appeals to you. 2022 is also the Opera's Centennial, which is sure to host some spectacular and once-in-a-lifetime events.
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554 Fillmore St / (415) 752-1967 / Website
Three blocks away from Hayes Valley is another can't-miss local city institution- a former church converted and revived as a vibrantly upbeat roller skating rink! Whether you go alone, with a date, or with a group of friends, no matter what your skating experience is, you are sure to have a riveting and enjoyable time in this neon club that bumps the best groovy music to skate along to. There is even a middle section where you can see the most talented skaters performing tricks or teaching lessons, and maybe you'll even join in yourself!
Hidden Gem
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449 Octavia St / (415) 626-6221 / Website
Just off to the side of Patricia's Green is this cute Wes Anderson-like candy shop that you will certainly regret not visiting. Walk into this pastel playland of the most enticingly adorable confections, baked goods, and curated treats and feel like a kid again, because you will definitely want everything. Treat yourself to a sweet moment by bringing it out to enjoy on Patricia's Green for the perfect solo date.
There are so many more wonderful shops, high-class restaurants, and artistic secrets Hayes Valley holds, which you will just have to visit to discover!
See also: The Ultimate Guide For A Perfect Day At The Seaside Embarcadero
Photography by: Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
