Dark Garden
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley

321 Linden Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

Poe .. writes: If I could make a purring sound in writing I would and I would say the word 'love" with a purr. So please imagine my use of the word love in the following sentence with a purr;

I love (purr) my new waist cincher!

I was going on a special trip and…

Larkins Bros Tire Company
Neighborhood: Mission

370 S Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94103

Poe .. writes: My truck needed 4 new tires, an odd size that I had searched for at a coupla other places and they didn't have them.

-Friday 3pm, I arrive at Lakrins Bros. and they ordered the tires for me and said it would likely be Mon. till they could get them.…

AT&T Park
Neighborhood: SOMA

24 Willie Mays Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94107

Bella W. writes: Pac Bell, SBC, AT&T- whatever you call it, this is a classic ballpark.

Tickets to the Giants/Yankee game: $40
Parking: $20
Brat and 2 waters: $14
Nachos and a pretzel: $8
Lemonade: $5.50
Watching the Giants spank the Yankees with the boy you're crushing…

Stinson Beach

1 Calle Del Sierra
Stinson Beach, CA 94970

Autumn K. writes: Have I mentioned lately that I'm the luckiest girl in the world? Well, I am. And because of my good fortune (and hot ass) I was treated to a lovely day at Stinson Beach this past weekend. My companion patiently listened to me babble incessantly all…

Muir Woods

Muir Woods Rd
Mill Valley, CA 94941

stephy s. writes: Well slap me on the ass and call me clueless! Because who knew hiking through a forest could be so dang fun!!!

Maybe most of you readers did, but I was born and raised in the concrete jungles of Studio City. Sure, we lived in the hills and my brother…

Sam Adato's Drum Shop
Neighborhood: SOMA

283 9th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Katrina D. writes: I saw Ben V.'s quality review and had to add my very own Sam Adato endorsement. Sam gets 10 stars for humoring drummer wannabes with advice as they attempt to assemble drum kits piece by painfully expensive piece. I am a total dilettante who plays…

Crissy Field

603 Mason St
San Francisco, CA 94129

Kristina R. writes: I LOVE CRISSY FIELD!  WOO!

It's a lovely place to walk, reflect, hold hands with your loved one, and eat a pb and j sammitch while watching the waves nip at the heels of kamikaze sea birds.

Crissy Field also gave me a spectacular case of Don King hair.…

Arch Drafting Supply
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill

99 Missouri St
San Francisco, CA 94107

X marks the spot .. writes: I almost hesitate to review this place, because I love it so! But what the heck...it's not really in the most convenient of locations, so I can rest assured, knowing that not many will venture out to this part of the 'hood. I came here on a friend's…

La Palma Mexicatessen
Neighborhood: Mission

2884 24th St
San Francisco, CA 94110

Josua P. writes: I love coming here. It's like a candy shop for me.

There are all manner of Mexican food stuffs both fresh and canned. The mexicatessen part sells burritos and tortas but honestly I've never bothered. It's mostly about the tortillas for me.  If you…

Mercury Fitness - High Performance Pilates Center
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

2904 Laguna Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

Berna .. writes: MUST...GET...SEXY...DANCE R..BODY...BACK.....these are the thoughts running through my head as I do my "hundreds".  You see, Pilates was once part of my daily routine in college (dance major here) and then my weekly routine (post college) and then my…

The Bar Method
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

3333 Fillmore St
San Francisco, CA 94123

Geoff K. writes: Yes, I'm a guy, and I'm reviewing the Bar Method.  Disclaimer:  There is no WAY I would have gone to a BM class, were it not for the fact that Noelle Q. bet me that the BM would be harder than I thought it would be.  I mean, Marina girls, Lululemon…

Lola of North Beach
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

1415 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133

Katelin H. writes: Lola and her tempting walls covered with cards - each one eliciting an emotional response greater than the card before. Funny dogs, heart-felt love poems, and simply stated words of celebration. That's the beauty in the business of correspondence:…

Angel Island State Park

Angel Island State Park
San Francisco, CA 94920

euge l. writes: angel island, the kind of place the make you glad youre living in sf and not fresno

angel island is a short ferry ride from sf but feels like youre riding that fucking boat from mortal combat. you arrive in a different world, a different time.

the…

Liguria Bakery
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

1700 Stockton St
San Francisco, CA 94133

Liz L. writes: When I saw the mammoth line sprawling for blocks for brunch outside mama's on Washington square- I decided there were many things I'd rather do on this particular Sunday morning then wait in line for breakfast food. I've done it too many times for…

Monterey Market
Neighborhood: North Berkeley

1550 Hopkins St
Berkeley, CA 94707

Farah S. writes: An excellent alternative to Berkeley Bowl. Definitely not as crowded and the produce can be loads cheaper! I bought nearly a bagful of fruits and veggies for a total of $4.94! If you don't mind a little funky atmosphere (this place is much older  and…

Tokyo Fish Market

1220 San Pablo Ave
Berkeley, CA 94706

Wakako U. writes: Top Sashimi Grade Fish.   Albany is just next to Berkeley.  I drive to Albany to buy fish.  Fish selection and freshness far surpass choices in SF.   They have atleast 40 different types of seafood:  mackarel, branzini, scallo, uni, hamachi, maguro,…

Alemany Farmers' Market
Neighborhood: Bernal Heights

100 Alemany Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94110

Adam W. writes: Been coming here for over a year and a half now. It is a great place to spend Saturday mornings, even if you aren't in need of fresh vegetables & fruit at great prices. Frankly, I don't know why people are so drawn to the Ferry Building market when…

The Magazine
Neighborhood: Nob Hill, Civic Center/Tenderloin

920 Larkin St
San Francisco, CA 94109

Nish N. writes: Holy smokes, I've been looking for Playboy and Penthouse issues from my birthdate for awhile now. Sure I could go to eBay, but that's no fun, I want to search the natural way, Google can suck an egg.

Well just last week, I stumbled upon The Magazine…

Golden Gate Park Carousel

Kezar Rd and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
San Francisco, CA 94101

Josua P. writes: It seems as though up until recently the carousel in Golden Gate Park was only open at seemingly random times and under some form of repair. For instance, on a recent visit a few months back, instead of hearing the familiar calliope music that…

Imperial Tea Court
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

1411 Powell St
San Francisco, CA 94133

aerin w. writes: tea buds unfurl in a little cute teapot  then you pour it into another pot and then to the tiniest cups youve ever seen. if the water gets cold there is a heater for it right next to the table. there are birds that sing and the space is all wooden…

Commonwealth Club of California

595 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94105

jessica t. writes: If you're not using your gym membership.

Not paying attention to your magazine subscriptions.

Getting tired of expensive hangovers.

Been buying way too many clothes which you don't even wear.

And getting tired of just reading snippets of stuff on blogs.…

Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay

1 Miramontes Point Rd
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Holly F. writes: We were blessed to enjoy a mini getaway - one night's stay - here. Got off work a little early to beat the commuter traffic on the 280 and 92.

It was sprinkling and grey outside on the way, lots of red brake lights in front of us. It was too cloudy…

Zinc Details
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

1905 Fillmore St
San Francisco, CA 94115

Keane L. writes: In Memoriam.

Softsoap dispenser with panda hanging inside.

While you certainly didn't get me laid, it was great having you around. When I think of antibacterial soap, I will forever think of pandas.

I love Zinc, and I love my new soap-lotion…

The Yoga Loft
Neighborhood: Lower Haight

321 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

D K. writes: Apparently "yoga" is a Hindi word, derived from Sanskrit, which means union or joining.  Appropriately, my friend Laura got married at the loft yesterday for New Years Eve.  All around me during the ceremony, dim candles filled the spacious and…

Trannyshack
Neighborhood: SOMA

399 9th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

David S. writes: Just go. I mean it. Now.

So much fun to be had at Trannyshack! I waited a long time before checking it out, in part because of the night that it's on (Tuesday), but if you can afford to be sleepy on Wednesday morning then you have got to go!

I got…

Paxton Gate
Neighborhood: Mission

824 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94110

Kristina R. writes: Oooh, dead things!  I love it!  And they are nice enough to put them in little display boxes, so you can decorate your home with them.  How thoughtful!

It's a mix between natural science oddities and gardening fixtures.  I really have no idea how this…

Paper Source
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

1925 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

Keane L. writes: This place is so adorable. I love their cute cards and stationary. And such friendly service... What better place is there to find a "Glad you finally came out of the closet" card to send to myself?

FABU.

Far West Fungi

1 Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94101

Fallopian Swim Team D. writes: All mushrooms, all the time. Not exactly cheap, but hard to match the selection. Informed and helpful staff. If you don't drop in and pick up some mushrooms, why not the book Mycelium Running? You will be glad you did.

Tip: They sell mushroom growing…

Legion of Honor
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond

El Camino Del Mar & Legion of Honor Dr
San Francisco, CA 94121

David D. writes: Dinner and a show.  We went to the Legion of Honor for the "Cinema Supper Club."  The concept was dinner at the art gallery, and then a movie about a famous artist, where the movie itself was a work of art.  

THE GALLERY

I love the Legion of Honor for…

Empire Plush Room
Neighborhood: Nob Hill

940 Sutter St
Inside York Hotel
San Francisco, CA 94109

Peter M. writes: People often think I'm gay.  I suppose its because I'm secure enough to go to gay bars or sing a tune or two at Martuni's from time to time but I like the ladies.  I'll often work the "I've never kissed a girl before angle" followed with "I've never…

Alameda Point Antiques and Collectables Faire

2100 Ferry Point
Alameda, CA 94501

Sammy S. writes: I had a dream where I was wearing flowy linen pants, a wide-rimmed straw sunhat and SFP 30 sunblock smeared across my face. In the dream I was rolling a miniature shopping cart behind me as I inspected a pencil sketching of two elated clowns. The…

La Boulange de Polk
Neighborhood: Russian Hill

2310 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109

patrick g. writes: Ok, everybody *knows* this is the best french bakery (sorry Tartine) and everybody *should* know that the Cannelle is to die for. Maybe even kill for. But what you *need* to know is the Nicoise tartine is worth every bit of US$9 and your left nut.

Top Dog
Neighborhood: Telegraph Ave, UC Campus Area

2534 Durant Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704

Ed to the M. writes: I fucking love Top Dog so much that I can't help myself everytime I go there and always over-order and end up with hot meat sausages stuck in every orifice of my body.

Chicken Apple in the left ear, Lemon Chicken in the right ear, Kielbasa shoved down…

Bombay Ice Creamery
Neighborhood: Mission

552 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Josua P. writes: If you know me at all then you know that my love of ice cream runs deep and true. With the flavor possibilities it's virtually impossible to run out of new combinations and innovative flavors. Bombay Ice Creamery is proof of that.

Coupled with old…

City Discount
Neighborhood: Nob Hill

1542 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109

ir o ro o. writes: Today I woke up and wanted cinnamon raisin toast, fast! But I didn't have a toaster oven, so I popped on down to City Discounts and picked up a stylish little brushed metal toaster for $22! Yeah!   *munch* This toast is really yummy! *munch*

It is…

Yasai Produce Market
Neighborhood: North Oakland, Rockridge

6301 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618

Wakako U. writes: yasai = vegetable

Past Perfect
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

2230 Union St
San Francisco, CA 94123

Lula Mae W. writes: I feel like an ass for having, before yesterday, never been here.  Some so-called furniture fiend I am.

Perhaps the best selection of vintage lighting I've seen anywhere in SF, and a good number of curiosities and overall variety to help keep you…

Salvatore Ferragamo
Neighborhood: Union Square, Civic Center/Tenderloin

233 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

Patrick P. writes: Superior service and products!  From the moment you enter the store you are greeted with a warm welcome.  The staff is very knowledgeable and make sure you leave happy!  I must say I have EVERY style of shoe they carry.  I have worn others like Gucci…

Cliff's Variety
Neighborhood: Castro

479 Castro Street
San Francisco, CA 94114

Peter M. writes: When pink toilets went on sale 47 years ago at Sears my ancient landlord must have bought as many as he could get his hands on.  I had one toilet "expire" a few months ago and anxiously awaited the new one in hopes of a white or a beige version ---…

Warehouse Cafe

5 Canyon Lake Dr
Port Costa, CA 94569

Andy M. writes: Mysterious, spooky, perhaps even altogether ooky. No other Bay Area joint matches the experience here. Come for lunch - just the effort of getting here and feeling semi-certain that you are in the right spot makes the trip worth it. The Bay Area…