San Francisco is a city that rewards exploring.
Please ask us if you need a recommendation.
Coffee & Bakeries
Akshay loves his coffee, and Jenny loves a pastry. Here are some coffee shops and bakeries worth a visit!
St. Frank
Jenny prefers their almond macadamia nut milk above all else. You can find Akshay at the Polk Street location almost everyday.
Equator Coffee
During Jenny’s marathon training, Akshay provided support from his perch at the Ft. Mason location. Two words: veggie frittata.
Cafe Réveille
A shutdown staple. Their parklet on Polk was a meeting point for Akshay getting a morning coffee and Jenny on her morning run.
Jane the Bakery
With several locations, take home a loaf of sourdough, but sit and enjoy the avocado mash.
Golden Gate Bakery
A Chinatown staple, Golden Gate Bakery is worth the line if you love egg custard tarts. Hours can be unpredictable, but worth it.
The Coffee Movement
If you are wandering Chinatown, checkout this coffee shop known for its seasonal drinks and delicious coffee. Try a unicorn latte.
Tartine Bakery
Whether you go to the manufactory or the bakery, this is a critically-acclaimed favorite. Don’t let the line deter you - it moves quickly!
Bob’s Donuts
24-hour donut hole-in-the-wall. Grab a sprinkle and an old fashioned donut as Akshay and Jenny would do.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Now nationwide, this Oakland original can be found across San Francisco. There are two locations in the Ferry Building itself!
Sift Cupcakes
Voted best cupcake in SF by Janice and Jenny.
They did the work so you don’t have to.
Restaurants
SF is a city for foodies. These are just the tip of the iceberg.
Reservations are recommended.
Swan Oyster Depot
A San Francisco institution that doesn’t even have a website. Swan is worth the wait. Come early, bring cash, you won’t be sorry.
Radhaus
A German Beer Hall that’s all California. Come for the pretzels, stay for everything else. We love this place.
Hook Fish
Live out your California surfer dreams at this “shack” just off the Pacific. Order ahead or enjoy the salt air and a beverage while waiting for your food.
Bandit
The breakfast sandwich perfected.
Get one - and tater tots - to go and enjoy it down in Union Square.
Wildseed
The newest vegan hot spot in SF.
Wildseed is inventive and tasty - and the people watching is top-notch.
True Laurel
The crispy hen of the woods mushrooms are worth the trip. And you can explore the hip Potrero neighborhood!
Dancing Yak
Akshay will inevitably tell you about his time in Nepal.
Dancing Yak brings a piece of that to SF with a modern twist.
Fiorella
Our friendly neighborhood red sauce Italian place. And another great parklet for people watching!
Tacolicious
One of Mr. Ratzel’s favorite places, Tacolicious is known for their array of tacos ranging from traditional to cheeseburger.
Besharam
Gujarati classics & modern Indian dishes, Beshram is an opportunity to try tradition Gujurati food with a modern twist.
Another North Beach staple. It boasts a delicious example of SF’s own seafood creation: Cioppino. Dive in.
House of Prime Rib
The name says it all. This 70-year old Nob Hill classic is a trip back in time. The only choices here are cut, temperature, and sides.
Gott’s Roadside
On the North corner of the Ferry Building. Grab a burger and garlic fries and enjoy some fresh air on the Embarcadero.
Yank Sing
If you are visiting San Francisco, Dim Sum is a must. Yank Sing hits all the bases for a classic Dim Sum Experience.
Cocktails
Toast to your trip to the City by the Bay!
These places are just a taste of what the city has to offer.
Hi-Lo Club
The bar that started it all for Akshay moving to SF. Sitting across from his first apartment. It’s dark, refined, and has a killer vesper.
The Buena Vista
Birthplace of the Irish coffee, and available to go. The Buena Vista in Aquatic Park was our favorite spot during the COVID shutdown.
Last Rites
Jenny and Akshay struck up conversation over how they think Amelia Earhart lived out her last days - Last Rites is Jenny’s answer.
Rickhouse
Another great local watering hole. It features a large whiskey library and is well-located to our wedding hotels just above the FiDi.
The Snug
Site of Akshay & Jenny's first date on a rainy night back in February 2019! Order the sesame naan and shiitake hummus.
The House of Shields
All hail. One of Akshay’s favorites and the center of a 20th century mystery regarding the death of President Harding.
Mikkeller Bar
Of international renown, Mikkeller SF was one of their first locations outside of Copenhagen. Stop in and try them all. You can’t go wrong.
Top of the Mark
Located at the top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel.
This iconic bar has 360-degree views of the city.
Peacekeeper
One of Akshay’s favorite spots to stop by after work. Peacekeeper is a bright and lively bar, with delicious cocktails.
Harper & Rye
Literally at the bottom of “our” hill. Sister to Peacekeeper, Harper & Rye is another Polk Streeter that’s a no brainer.
Charmaine’s
A rarity in SF, Charmaine’s rooftop bar sits atop the Proper Hotel. Good drinks but a tough neighborhood so call an Uber.
Anina
Pre-COVID, there was a 25% chance you could find Akshay here. A cornerstone to use as a jumping off point to explore Hayes Valley.
The Tonga Room
A true San Francisco classic, and one of Jenny’s favorites. Visit for the tiki cocktails, stay for the thunderstorm.
Amélie
The first wine bar to make this list. Amelie is a French wine bar with a large selection of wines from around the world.
Devil’s Acre
A great cocktail bar in historic North Beach. Enjoy a drink before digging into some delicious Italian food.
Quintessential California surfer cocktail vibes near Ocean Beach.