Flora Tsapovsky
Stretching from the Marina all the way to downtown, Filmore street is the backbone of San Francisco. From posh Marina Cow Hollow to urban Japantown, this street is a mix of old and new, trendy and classic, plus some of the best shopping in town.
Union Street Coffee Roastery
Strong coffee and delicious pastries are long-time favorites among the local crowd, who comes here to grab a cup of coffee before another productive day. Order a muffin and a cappuccino and storm the street - everyone's on the go in this neighborhood.
Juicy news
A heaven for magazine lover, this long-time San Francisco staple is a great cultural stop for browsing and shopping. The owners, a brother and a sister, are knowledgeable and helpful, and the magazine selection is the best in town - Juicy has everything from Australian Frankie to rare and new Cherry Bombe and Cereal.
The Kooples
Not quite 'local', but very fitting for San Francisco's weather, this French brand's store is something like a museum - orderly rows of chic, minimalistic clothes for 'him' and 'her, big monochrome posters and that magical 'boutique' smell. Browse the silky dresses and the expensive sweaters and pretend you're a Google employee. The 'sale' rack sometimes has great finds at 70% off.
Alice & Olivia
Alice and Olivia is a fashion label by Stacey Bendet, a lady who understands feminine chic and Californian style. The store, the only one in San Francisco, is straight out of Alice in Wonderland - butterflies, colorful drapes and dreamy fabrics are all around and the dresses might be pricey but will make for an amazing Instagram selfie.
Sundance Kabuki Theater
You can catch a more affordable matinee show pretty much at any San Francisco theater, but the Kabuki Sundance, the local branch of the nation-wide mini-franchise, is especially sophisticated and won't make you feel like a poor teenager. Overlooking the Kabuki Hotel, the serene building is like something out a movie itself. No advertising before the movie and an environmental design complete the experience
State Bird Provisions
It didn't take this place long to become a local favorite and reach near-cult status. Priding itself on farm-to-table principles and fresh ingredients, this small place serves creative toast, roasted bone marrow, halibut tartare and bite-sized pickles and oysters. Everything is prepared with creativity and flair, and the prices are more than decent. The luscious desserts are also worth the calories.
1300 on Filmore
Step into the 'supper club' of old - the chairs and the old photographs, portraying Jazz heroes and 50s socialites are perfect for a sexy, groovy night out. The food is great, but the ambiance of this lounge-club-restaurant is its main draw. Live music evenings are worth checking out, and so is the generous happy hour.