Hayes St, Alamo Square

Hayes Street is one of the funnest places I went while in San Francisco. On the top of the famous Hayes Valley shopping district, Hayes Street has some of the best food in the area. While I visited there was one place I particularly liked. The first place was called Absinthe Brasserie & Bar at 388 Hayes Street. This French style restaurant had some delicious food and a great bar. The atmosphere was great, the food amazing, and the price relatively inexpensive ($15-30). This street was full of fun stuff to do/explore and would make a great stop on a visit to San Francisco.

Hayes Street is just North of the Panhandle (North of Fell Street). Hayes Street begins at Stanyon Street and ends at the crossing of Larkin and Market Street. Hayes Street is quiet, yet at times you will hear a bus driving by as Hayes Street is one of the main roads for the 21 Muni bus. As you approach Market Street, Hayes Street tends to be a bit noisier as Market Street is a very busy street. On Hayes Street you will come by Saint Mary’s Hospital, Ida B. Wells High School, various shops, and Freewheels Bike Shop. I have biked down this street before, and it was a very peaceful ride as there was not much traffic. Hayes Street will also take you to Golden Gate Park as you head West, and to Hayes Valley and Market Street to the East.

I lived on Hayes between Masonic and Central for 3 years - for you old timers, we moved in before they tore down the old Petrini's market. Not a bad spot at all, for City livin'. What I dont miss - the 21 Hayes bus - with 2 stops on either end of my block, the roar of Masonic and Oak/Fell and crack houses on Central. What I do miss - being a block from the Panhandle and a few more to Golden Gate park proper. Back in the day, local food choices were minimal - but that has probably changed.

Way way back in the day, I lived in Hayes Vally. That was so long ago the Central Freeway was still there. Needless to say, that stretch of the street has changed. But some things - like Hayes Street Grill - have not.

I still get down to Hayes Valley (Bulo baby!) every month or so, but NOPA is just not on the radar right now.

Hayes Valley, particularly Hayes Street, has improved a lot. There are now many good restaurants and, my favorite, a chocolate store on the corner of Hayes and Gough called Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates. It has very unique chocolates that are delicious but a bit expensive. I recommend just a visit to see the crazy flavors and I highly recommend the five spice hot chocolate. Hayes Street also now has many cute boutiques with unique clothes. My favorite is called Ethans which is on Hayes near Octavia. They have unique clothes for a reasonable price. Overall, the vibe of this neighborhood is fresh and unique with all the different food places, clothing stores, and galleries. I spent a good day there just walking around with my friends.

You wouldn't expect it but right in the middle of Downtown San Francisco is a lively little strip of shops that remind you of shops you find in europe. More specifically, Hayes St. between Laguna and Franklin is just filled with cute shops offering a Plethora of quality merchandise. Take a stroll down this street you'll find a French Cafe, a German Resturant, a Brasserie and the city's best seafood resturant. You also find high end shops offering pottery, folk art, clothing and antiques. A three block area just full of life.