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Categories: Shopping Centers, Specialty Food [Edit]
Neighborhood: EmbarcaderoMon-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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If you consider yourself a foodie, you are obliged to spend an entire day here at the ferry building.
It's basically our version of Mecca.
Here, you'll find everything from:
gourmet chocolate
outdoor farmer's market
gelato stand
bread, wine, and cheese
seafood
cookies and pastries
In addition to the merchandise and shops, there are various restaurants and eateries here, but unfortunately, I did not have a chance to try them.
So go on a pilgrimage to the Ferry Building!
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Next time you are touring the SF Bay Area, there is a fine bit of food court madness in the SF Ferry Building right on the bay, with a magnificent view.
Within the Ferry Building complex are a whole slew of gourmet eateries from artisan breads at Acme Bread (famous SF Sourdough loaves), artisan cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery, locally dark-roasted Peet's Coffee and Teas plus Blue Bottle gourmet coffee, caviar, taste a wine or champagne flight from the wine merchant, the Slanted Door (Charles Pham's famous upscale Vietnamese cuisine), Scharfenberger fine chocolates-Foodie Heaven!
Just bring your checkbook or cash-cause it can do a dent on your wallet, but it's all good. Some days they also have a Farmer's Market out in front so you can pick you produce, plus a sprinkling of street artists, jewelers, etc.
There is also a Ferry service that departs nearby called "Hornblower Yachts" that serves a fun brunch on the Bay that takes you past Alcatraz and then under the Golden Gate Bridge for a champagne and lunch brunch.
Keep walking along the Embarcadero promenade and the waterfront piers (or catch a turn of the century trolley) and you will hit Pier 39 for all your tourist trap souvenirs (don't forget to get your "SF" - embroidered flannel jacket or vest while freezing in your short pants) and see the annoying sea lions before you meander over to Fisherman's Wharf.
All day fun when you are tourist-ing in San Francisco!
Saturday morning...a day at the farmer's market and having good food with good company. *sigh* I wished everyday was like this!!
So many good eateries, little specialty stores and great dessert places...all in one location along the SF Pier!! A great hang out with friends and family. This place definitely gets crowded during the weekends!! You must go if you are in the area.
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Tasty yumness! Nice to have so many good things in one place. Grabbed some coffee, cheese, bread and chocolate for a quick lunch outside by the ferries before moving on to the next thing on the list.
I didn't realize how much I love this place until I sailed past it today and wasn't able to stop by. I yearned for it's oysters, cookies, sandwiches, caviar, gelato, wine bar, mushrooms, bread etc etc. The ferry building mocked me with its delicious treasures as I floated by in hunger.
Desire.
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Complete tourist trap. I am a bay area native, and the only time I enter this place is to take the ferry.
The food of course is always high quality, but you are getting shaken down on price.
You can find the same quality of produce elsewhere in the city for 1/2 the price.
It's expensive, it's crowded, it's a sea of SF pullover fleeces, and it's hard to imagine the regulars driving anything other than a Prius if they drove there at all. But, I love it. I love the posters at the mushroom store that describe all the different types of mushrooms (whether it's of the edible, poisonous, or dancing rainbow variety), I love the free samples at the olive oil store, I love getting sandwiches from either Boccalone or Mastrelli's, and the building itself is gorgeous. That's just the few places I'm thinking of off the top of my head - there's plenty of goodness to be had here.
Whether I'm indulging my inner smug-filled wannabe San Franciscan or my inner elitist snob (more so than I already do, *cough* elite badge *cough*), the Ferry Building pretty much covers all bases.
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An adult playground where penetration is strictly oral.
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I can't believe I haven't yelped this place yet. This is one of my must stop places whenever I'm in the City. It's my one stop shop where I can grab a pain epi from Acme Bread, garlic infused olive oil from Stonehouse, Manchego cheese from Cowgirl, a few items from Sur La Table, desserts from Miette, gelato from Ciao Bella, oysters from Hog Island, papaya salad and spring rolls from Out the Door, Ginger Limeade cocktails from Slanted Door, caviar from Tsai Nicoulai, coffee from Blue Bottle, clam chowder from SF Fish Company, and even take advantage of their Tuesday - Thursdays - Saturdays' famers market and food vendors during the lunch hour.
You can't go wrong especially if you're a foodie, like me. It's not your "average, run of the mill shopping mall" as some people call it.
Take your time at each merchant, you will not be disappointed!
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A magnificent way to spend a weekend morning. Simply and utterly magnificent. Choose a nice, light bottle of white to drink on the back of the pier while enjoying the view of the ocean and people watch, perhaps. The wine shop doles out complimentary plastic cups just for this endeavor.The zestfully clean air invades your nostrils and you cannot be mad at life. You seriously cannot. Bask in the sun, compliment that stranger, what have you. With bookstores, SO many different specialty shops- it's amazing. You'll soak up the reverie of what is San Francisco, in a few heartbeats. I'm sure of it!
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Fifteen minutes in this place was enough for me to get the jist of it: A shopping mall for people who don't want to think they're in a shopping mall, complete with contrived atmosphere, average food and drink at inflated prices, apparently to convince the sheep that they're not in an average place.
For those lacking imagination, by all means the ferry building market must seem spectacular, but there's NOTHING here that can't be got better and less expensively elsewhere.
And the gelato is a joke.
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They have a good selection of interesting shops and fresh food markets. If you are a new arrival to SF or a tourist visiting our beautiful city, this is definitely the place to check out. You can do your grocery shopping and have lunch, a few drinks, etc etc. A couple of restaurants are a standout - Hog Island Oyster Company (try the grilled salmon and a glass of rose wine), a mushroom stand (expensive but fresh mushroom, including amazing truffle popcorn), and the supermarket (excellent, although somewhat small selection of farm fresh vegetables).
Why 3 stars, then? The PARKING - very hard to find it. I end up parking either at the paid parking lot further up Embarcadero, or at the San Francisco Tennis and Swim Club (shhh...don't tell anyone - I think this parking lot is for members only)
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No matter how many times I've been here, I always want to visit the Ferry Building when I'm in San Francisco. Usually I stop in several times over a long weekend. It should definitely be at the top of any tourist's list of things to do, and it's great for residents, too. Amazing restaurants and shopping in a beautiful location, it's not to be missed.
When I ran the first half of the San Francisco Marathon, my brother and I picked up a friend of a friend on the way to the race. When we approached the start of the race on the Embarcadero, the friend pointed to the Ferry Building and asked, "what's that?" *Gasp!* What a bad tour guide he had!
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Perfect combination of all my loves.. Fine wines, pungent rare cheeses, desserts, flowers... All on a beautiful pier of SF Bay. I'm in heaven... An expensive little culinary heaven..
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I work downtown and am lucky enough to live in SF. I LOVE the Ferry Building. I've found it's a great way to escape the daily work grind and get out. I love to check out the Tuesday Farmer's Market or the Thursday market place (during the summer months), or just grab a coffee, pastry, or sandwich. Definitely an escapist's venue. It's a beautiful building with something for everyone. I'm so glad that I can head down there for a quick get-a-way. On Tuesday's, if I can't get out for lunch and I see others coming back with fresh, local greens or flowers, I feel like I've missed out. Go - enjoy.
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Good way to spend a rainy Saturday morning in San Francisco. A lot of good little eateries and a cool farmer's market but things are on the expensive side here. Not quite up to the level of food plazas in other cities (see Seattle, Portland, Baltimore, and Washington DC) because of the high prices and snooty clientele. Not even as fun as eating in the Emeryville Market!
It's freaking Labor Day so why am I working?
Oh, because I have to pay my mortgage, buy food and pay for utilities both for here and my condo. Here is the "office" which is complicated but yes, I have to pay for stuff around here.
Ok, so I slept for 11 hours and came into the office a little later than I planned and now I realize it's a national holiday and nothing will be open. No, Whats up Dog is not an option.
The Ferry Building isn't far and they have cheese and meat products. Our wine frig here in the office is fully stocked, so what would you do? You got it, I took the short walk and picked up picnic type stuff and brought it back and ate my desk while I watch the Florida St/Miami game.
Thank you for feeding me on Labor Day.
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Fun place to go! Nice views...lots of food to choose from...from Blue Bottle to Scharffenberger Chocolate to Hog Island. Unfortunately, it was super duper crowded when I came today so I didn't get to take my friend to Blue Bottle as I had planned, because we didn't want to wait like 30 min in line. We went to Peet's instead and had a heck of a time trying to find somewhere to sit down. I'm not sure if this place is ever less crowded; even going to the restroom took forever!
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Tip for an enhanced experience to the Ferry Building...
~ Wondering why so many available spaces on the street? Parking is now a whooping $3.50 per hour! OUCH...Who carries that many quarters anyway? Park at the Embarcadero lot at the end of Clay Street. On the *weekends*, you can enjoy 4 hrs of FREE parking with a $5 purchase inside the Embarcadero (with validation). SWEET deal!
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I LOVE LOVE LOVE going to the Ferry Building Marketplace. There is something for everyone...and you… Read more »
Tons of fun stuff to look at and buy...but very expensive.
I love the wine market. The prices are not bad either. If I hadn't gone to Napa the day before, I would have picked some up for dinner that night.
The cheese mart has tons of stuff and they let you test them too.
The bookstores and craft are cute. I saw rice bags that had Vietnamese words and sayings on it selling for $30 bucks. That's insane. I'm appalled that it may even get past $5 but that's tourism for you!
The hat store is super fun. I didn't buy any but I did take some fun pics while trying them on!
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Chocolate, coffee, salumi, books, restaurants, wine....what more does a person need?
You can go walk outside and nibble, guzzle, noodle...to your heart's content. It's got it all!
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Fine once or twice to experience it but $ 3.79 a pound for peaches, plums, etc? Hey if it is "organic" it should cost less since they are not spending any money on pesticides. What do I know? Unless you absolutely enjoy the "ambiance" do yourself a favor and buy the .79 per pound peaches and plums in Chinatown.
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There were some amazingly good looking eats and all but unfortunately most of it was way too pricey for my pockets. I think its a place to check out if you've never been but don't count on finding too many deals. Its a yuppie's wet dream. I'm more of a grittier farmer's market/ street vendor type of gal when it comes to this kind of shopping.
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Whenever we visit San Francisco we make sure we visit the Saturday morning farm market at the Ferry Building early. First stop is Blue Bottle Coffee for a drip coffee. Second stop, we split a salmon lox sand back toward the rear of the farm market. Third stop, get loaves of bread from the Della Fattoria booth to smuggle back on the flight back to heavily conservative Laguna Hills. Last stop, the take out window at the Slanted Door either for their chicken bun or their won-ton soup. We definitely have a food problem, -- but you walk more in San Fran than in Southern Cal. South OC has the waves but San Fran has the food.
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Ohh la la! Beautiful and interesting design! also the lighting inside the building on a Summer evening makes it an interesting photo opportunity! I got a nice photo of a friend with light glowing around her!
I came at a bad time because most of the shops were already closed or closing. But I saw how nice it was in there makes me want to go there the 1st ting when I visit San Francisco!
I wanted t knock a point off for closing so early but I realized it was about 7p when I entered the building and most (if not all) of the shops are "ma & pa like shops", and those stores usually closes early, so I forgive them, just because they're "ma & pa like..."
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We LOVE this place! This place is so cool and so fun to go to! We went on a Saturday afternoon and there were tons of outside vendors, a concert in the park and then we went inside......
Amazing!
There are tons of vendors to check out and lots of samples to try and lots of money to be spent!
Highlights: Acme Bread, delicious
Cowgirl Creamery, delicious
Boccalone Salumeria, delicous
Scharffen Berger Chocolate, delicious
Mastrelli's Delicatessen, delicous
This place was fun, it's a great date place, exciting to walk around, it is crowded but it's not even an issue because it's fun to be a part of it all! We can't wait to go back and spend more money here...and you will...spend lots of money here... be prepared! It's too delicious to not buy food and drinks here!
What can I say that hasn't been said already? Nice bay views, great specialty shops, good food selection. I dunno. It's the Ferry Building, it practically sells itself. You following me, ShamWow guy?
The Farmer's Market is a SF institution in and of itself. Always worth a visit on a Saturday morning.
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My partner and I decided to take a long walk to the Ferry Building from Castro. It was so much fun and when we finally got to the Ferry Building I was so pleasantly surprised! What fun!!! I can't believe that I have not been there since it first opened. There are all kind of specialty shops and restaurants. We had lunch by the water, cruised around the Farmer's Market and just had a great time. This is a fun thing to do on a Saturday when you just kind of want to leisurely stroll around and have a nice day.
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It's the food lover's paradise inside, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays when you also have the Farmer's Market going on outside. I've been to SF enough times to avoid all the usual touristy destinations, but the Ferry Building is one place where I'll happily return. Unless you have a bottomless stomach and wallet, you can always buy and eat something new every visit.
Admittedly, I hate crowds and waiting in long lines. But I make an exception here if there's good food waiting for me in the end. In the process, you may have to shove a few SLR-toting, non-English speaking tourists out of your way to get your food. Hey I'm not mean, just a hungry Yelper.
You do sense a bit of pretentiousness with all the wine, cheese, and gourmet items being offered for their usual high prices. But perhaps the best part is taking your food to eat outside along the pier with a great view of the water and bridge. Just beware of those low-flying pigeons. It's not uncommon to see people ducking and swerving to avoid being smacked in the grill. Those rats with wings will do anything for food.
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This place is amazing. It is all around beautiful, from the shops to the views. You can find just about all your grocery needs here and much more. It is a bunch of specialty shops that are the best at what they do/sell.
I came here on a Sunday afternoon and the crowd was not as heavy as it would have been on a Saturday. The place is expensive though so be prepared to whip out that credit card. (-1 star)
Regardless of the high prices, it is a great place to visit if you're from out of town ... even if you're not there to purchase anything. The place is quite nice. =)
Lastly, after reading nobu's comment about the rent going up & management. It really bothered me. I really hope that they knock the rent down for the loyal local stores that have been around for so long.(-1 star)
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Ever since I was small, I alway go to Fisher wharf to get my seafood but after discovering this place a few years ago. I don't even step close to fisherman Wharf because that how good Ferry building marketplace is. They have everything that you would want and more. Last time I try the cavier place w/champagne and after that I want across the building to get my fix on raw oyster and the best clam chowder I tasted so far even better then New England. They are fresh bakery in there plus stall that sell fresh fruit and vegetables. There also a wine store plus tastering area and of course I had to try that. There slanted door restaurant in the building and last time my friend brought me a black truffle. There a tea store where you can have a sample from all different types of tea's. I just love the environment of this place and there a farmer market on weekend that I haven't try yet but I will next time when i am going up to visit S.F.
Anyway who enjoy food and drinks must come here and don't go to the tourist fisherman wharf!!!!
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This place is AWESOME and I can hardly believe it took me this many years to visit. Now that I know, I won't be afraid!
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Love Love LOve this place...great during the weekend and weekday...Many food shops, nice picnic area on the grasss nearby, If it's cold, you can bundle up and sit on the benches and watch the boats pass by or enjoy a cool walk with a nice view...The Ferry building has lots of Artisan Food, fresh and organic food, wine bar, caviar bar, Authentic Italian noshing bar and many restaurants...The Farmers Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are the bomb as well...You can get $20 bag of cheese at Cow Girl Creamery, a bottle of wine and have a picnic across the street on the embarcadero....I love SF!
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Despite the myriad reviews, I think a lot of out-of-towners, like myself, could easily overlook this place. I've been to SF on various occasions over the last few years and have passed the Ferry Building each time but never actually ventured inside until recently on the advice of our hotel's concierge. It was the day of our flight home and lacking sufficient time to hang out at Fisherman's Wharf or stroll through Chinatown, our concierge suggested the Ferry Building. I told the very kind concierge manager THANK YOU, THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA but on the inside, my initial reaction was something along the lines of GEE, THAT SOUNDS PRETTY LAME. IS THAT THE BEST YOU CAN COME UP WITH? I'd thought this was just a building with a giant clock tower and maybe a few over-hyped restaurants on the splurgey side but thankfully I couldn't have been more wrong.
Inside, this building houses one of the best farmers markets on this side of the country! There are vendors that could satisfy any appetite, bakeries (including the famed Miette), neat coffee shops and cafes, grocers, delis, gelato, flowers, even a shop that sold nothing but mushrooms. This place reminds me a lot of Pike's Place in Seattle sans the Piano Man.
All the vendors, restaurants, and markets are stationed on the first floor but there is a second floor that consists mostly of office buildlings. There is also an outdoor harbor area where you can stroll along, enjoy the bay views, and catch a ferry. I highly recommend eating al fresco at one of the many outdoor cafes to soak it all in.
I will definitely be including this place on my next SF Itinerary. ;)
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*My Opinion*
So I went here with my cousins one time, and I must say it is a very impressive building. I really liked the different market that were inside, and the gelato was very nice as well. The atmosphere was very nice and friendly. I've noticed that about the area. One thing that kind of irked me was when my cousins and I were enjoying our delicious gelato, a lady walked into the building, took 2 steps in and........BOOM!!!!! One of the lights over head fell!!!!!!!!! Had she only taken one step in, it would have hit her!!!!!!!!!!! One step!!!!!!!!!!! She was a little shaken up, but not as much as I think I was. That was pretty freaky. But all in all, this is a nice place to take a stroll through when you're in the area.
I LOVE IT HERE I LOVE IT HERE I LOVE IT HERE. Dessert, food, nice people. great view, near the ocean. =)
Review limited to design and thought on the post-earthquake remodel:
A good as any a spot to begin the weekend's business, but don't plan on going to the bathroom. There are bathrooms only at the far ends of this very long building, and they were mobbed. I pitty the women. At least the men's room line moves. The women's bathroom line was out of control.
Piss poor planning!
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Born and raised in Nor Cal and I never knew this place existed.
After a fatty fat lunch at Espetus, hubby took me here to walk off the meat. I didn't know where we were going or what the place was. It turned out to be the perfect place for foodies. It reminded me of Pike's Place in Seattle, but less crowded and a lot cleaner.
They had a store that only sold shrooms (not the good kind though), and another that only sold cheese. The cheese place was dope. You take a number, and then when they call your number, they'll let you sample all kinds of cheese. YUMMY!! Lucky hubby was prepared with a camelpak of wine to go with the cheese. **burp**. Even with the full belly of meat, we were still able to eat pluots, cheese, bread, and more. :)
I would recommend this to foodies and friends! :)
NICE!!!!! I like this place!!!! Gelato and views are where its at! AAAND the above people walkway seating, I love.................. watch the birds poop on people and go bat-crazy - check. Chill and don't get caught up in people's phone calls, crying kids or attitude probs - check. Drink your smoothie and eat your bento in peace - CHECK!!!!!!!! :) I love this place :)
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Like Navy Pier for sophisticated grownups. Lots of upscale eateries, restaurants and delicious food stalls.
Where the stars drop off is . . . none of these places have bathrooms?! What, are we all too fabulous to pee here in San Francisco? I thought this was tremendously weird that there are not adequate bathroom facilities here. There is one, but it was overcrowded.
I'm not getting old, but people. Come on! After a couple of glasses of champagne, who doesn't have to tinkle?
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FREE Brownie Giveway
Neighborhood: Hollywood
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Neighborhood: Portola
Neighborhood: Embarcadero
Category: Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
Category: Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Embarcadero
Category: Cheese Shops
Neighborhood: Union Square
Category: Shopping Centers
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
Category: Fruits & Veggies
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