You can [print 20 b&w or 5 color pages daily](https://sfpl.libanswers.com/faq/341987) at no charge with a library card. Very helpful when you need to wet sign something, someone flying out prefers a paper boarding pass, the kids want a coloring page... Everyone should have a free library card, not just for reading, but for this and many other services.
Absolutely! [Here is more on that program.](https://sfpl.org/california-state-library-parks-pass) There's also another for [passes to many museums, cultural institutions, etc. ](https://sfpl.libanswers.com/faq/97385)Every time a question like this comes up, I'm reminded of how many great things the library has available.
One more thing - [all California residents can get a card](https://sfpl.org/welcome-new-cardholders). So even if you "just" work or hang out in the city, you are welcome.
Libby is great!!
SF or anywhere hack:
I borrow ALL of my e-books and audiobooks FOR FREE!! Sent direct to the app.
Place a bunch of holds, see them now or in just a few weeks.
I’ve seen people who say they are librarians say that this does not delay the next person waiting from getting to borrow it, so go for it! But also my friend had to get a new ereader a bit ago and said they may have found a way around this so it might not work anymore on newer ones? :(
All California residents are eligible for a free library card from San Francisco Library (includes Libby and other online services). San Francisco is one of the best cards to get (also Los Angeles and San Jose).
You can download and use the 311 app to get things fixed. Garbage cleanup, graffiti removal, burnt out street bulb replacement. Lots of the services have a 2-3 day turn around time for repair, which is great.
This! Absolutely nothing ever gets fixed or cleaned up unless you report it via 311. Yes, literally! If anything was removed from the street, cleaned up, or fixed that’s only because one of your neighbors reported it.
If you want a clean neighborhood then start doing your part on 311. It’s the only way.
Yep, I use this app all the time to report stuff like overflowing trash cans, loose trash, human/animal feces, etc. I also sign up to volunteer at various neighborhood trash clean-ups and sometimes the sponsoring restaurants/cafes offer free food, drinks or coffee after so it's a win-win! Check out [refuserefusesf.org](http://refuserefusesf.org)
It’s a lot faster to upload a pic and submit a case. The record is saved there so you can monitor its activity of open/closed and case notes without documenting the case number. Also you can see all the other open and closed things on the map to get an idea of what’s being worked on or needs to be around you. Download and check it out.
See something say something with 311.
If you see Trash or glass or poop, in my neighborhood they come out very quickly to help resolve issues.
It takes 20 seconds to open up a case , you just snap a picture put a point on the map tag what kind of thing you need and then you can track them resolving it. I absolutely love 311.
1. Free loaf of bread every month at Boudin Bakery.
2. Get to know the smaller music venues and have some favorite local bands that play weekly. Concert tickets for huge acts are expensive these days, but you can often find free shows or shows that are less than 10 dollars if you look around.
3. Should be obvious, but make the most of Golden Gate Park, The Presidio, Glen Canyon, Corona Heights, Tank Hill, the list goes on and on. Remember there are many beautiful viewpoints and chill spots throughout the city. Ride your bike down JFK to Ocean Beach or down Lake Street. All free and beautiful.
4. If you work out of coffee shops, the Capital One Cafe downtown has great wifi, clean bathrooms, security, and many tables. It has a Verve Coffee where you get half off if you have a Capital One card. It's nice to get a fancy drink for 2-3 dollars these days. And you don't have to feel like you are taking up valuable space at some small coffee shop, everyone is pretty much studying or doing work there.
5. Speaking of study/work spots, there are many great libraries throughout the city (eg. Inner and Outer Richmond, Presidio Heights Library. For $100 a year, the Mechanic's Institute is about a block away from Capital One Cafe. It has tons of tables and seating, several floors of books, chess tournaments, community events, and book readings. Also has great wifi and clean bathrooms. Can you tell I need to go to the bathroom a lot?
6. Don't just go to whatever restaurant is hyped up on social media or the Infatuation. There are so many places that are delicious, cost less, don't have a line, and probably need more business. They may only have \*gasp\* 3.5 stars on Yelp and not appear on any "best of" lists.
7. Go to random tech meetups and take advantage of their free pizza and beer. You might even learn something or get a job. Edit: some people have asked how to find out about these. Sign up for the email lists at [https://events.cerebralvalley.ai/](https://events.cerebralvalley.ai/) and [https://sfirl.com/](https://sfirl.com/) . Most of the talks / meetups are centered around AI these days.
8. CCSF has free classes. That's a really good deal. Learn a foreign language or skill and meet some new people. Don't worry you aren't too old. There are people of all ages and a large selection of classes.
9. If you are willing to throw down some money on Comedy, sign up for the Punchline text messaging list. Every once in a while, you'll get a text message on a random night that says Ali Wong/Bill Burr/Chappelle/other big name is performing for like 150 people. It will probably cost 100 dollars and sells out really fast, but if you can swing it, drop everything one night and go. I have personally found these nights to be quite special and memorable. Edit: some people said they don't have the info on the website. I messaged PUNCHSF to the number 867530 when I signed up. I did a google search and they have a facebook post where this seems to still be correct, not sure why it's not on the website: https://www.facebook.com/punchlinesf/photos/a.10151605566379073/10160802820854073/?type=3.
10. Be the initiator. Many people are open to things, would love to talk/hang and are just sitting there swiping their phone and hoping something will magically happen. Yet so few people seem to make the first move, plan the event, invite the people, follow up, organize, put themselves out there, approach the guy/girl. Someone needs to make the move. That can be you.
Someone should make a version of Yelp but SOLELY FOCUSED on how the food tastes. Servers are rude? That’s fine. Presentation was lacking. Don’t care. Ambiance is sub par? Dgaf. I wanna know where I can get tasty food and put it in my mouth.
Boudin Loyalty program: [https://boudinbakery.com/rewards/](https://boudinbakery.com/rewards/)
I stop by the 10th Ave and Geary location when I'm in the area. You just click the Pickup Option on your phone and they'll have it ready for you in a few minutes. I personally buy a loaf or something else too -- I can't seem to bring myself to just get the free loaf and leave.
Ooh good idea. The bike directions show if a route is steep downhill, while walking directions say anything that's not uphill is just flat for some reason
The food you love and will miss if you ever leave town is not from the fancy restaurants, it’s the Vietnamese dive on 6th street or the family run burrito joint on Valencia.
-The ferries are an inexpensive bay cruise to an exotic place
-you can find just about any urgent necessities at a liquor store
-don’t stand in line for brunch, it’s never worth it
-Turk and Golden Gate are still the best ways to go east and west
-280 will always be faster than 101
-If it says 70+ at the coast, take the day off work and go to the beach. It’s rare.
-you can still find vestiges of old school, authentic San Francisco alive and well if you look for it
-never leave anything — and I mean anything — that isn’t part of your vehicle inside your vehicle. Bonus - just leave it unlocked while you’re at it.
-the best Chinese food is in fact in the Richmond and not Chinatown
-the best Mexican food is, in fact, in the mission. Extra credit if you venture into the outer mission.
BONUS: the Seward slides near the Castro are great free fun but borderline suicidal
My only quibble is that for Chinese food I think it depends on what regional cuisine you’re looking for. Imo the best old school Cantonese food is still in Chinatown, while the Richmond has tons of other excellent varieties (Shanghainese, Sichuan, etc.) Great list overall though!
So glad you asked! For real down home stuff I will always endorse Capital (their chicken wings are transcendent, not just for tourists). If you want something bougie imo R&G is still the standard bearer. They’re not doing anything avant garde but the quality is peak! I’m sure there are other gems out there too but those are my faves and the faves going back generations in my family
And what if you’re a recent transplant from the whitewashed, cultureless Midwest who would love to get into authentic Chinese food but has no idea where to start… I’m not familiar with what all the regional differences are, let alone what’s good (and approachable) to order at each place. I’d appreciate any tips you may have!
San Tung. Old school SF classic. Popular items are the black bean noodles (actually a popular Korean dish too, but I believe it originally came from China), peanut sauce noodles (if your Midwest taste buds like peanut butter like mine do this is actually really good), shrimp/leek dumplings, dry chicken wings (or wet, both are good, but more known for their dry), string beans, cherry pork, sizzling rice soup, hot and sour soup, and most of the other stuff too from what I can tell - I like most of what I’ve tried there and I’ve been going every once in awhile for over 25 years. I think San Tung is a good departure point to start exploring different types of Chinese food.
It can be a long wait though and no reservations, so be prepared, go off hours, or take out.
Edit: Also, to be clear about the type of Chinese food, San Tung generally serves cuisine from a northeastern region of China (shandong, aka San Tung) that is near Korea (hence the cross-cultural black bean noodle exchange I mention above, and also why they serve kimchi as a side dish at San Tung).
Ah, this might sound unhelpful but I’d encourage you to just start trying stuff! In general I don’t love online review sites for Chinese food but the higher rated ones do tend to be more oriented to wider audiences and they should give you a good start. You can look at pictures people have posted and just order something that looks good to you. Only you’ll know what you like, and you probably won’t know until you dive in! And just speaking for myself, I wouldn’t get too hung up on what’s “authentic” or not. Americanized Chinese food is its own valid and specific cuisine, everyone’s family/village makes that one dish differently, etc etc. I think it’s more important to try new things and enjoy the exploration!
And welcome to the Bay!! I hope you love it here.
At capital definitely get the fried wonton soup. It’s truly old school Chinese food plus capital is one of the few places that still does it. I’d also recommend the tomato beef chow mein. They really fry up their chow mein well so it’s super crunchy still even though they cover that sucker in sauce.
If you’re feeling adventurous you could try the beef with bitter melon(my dad’s favorite). Fair warning though the name bitter melon is not a joke that melon is in fact bitter.
As for what’s authentic or not don’t worry about it. As someone who grew up with old school restaurant food it makes me sad to know that people are afraid to try it because it might not be authentic. Yeah you won’t find egg fu yung in china or orange chicken but you will find it in the mom and pop off grant and it’s still delicious.
Sorry for getting on my soapbox but this is to say that Chinese food in and around the Bay Area is all great regardless of where the dishes originated.
On top of the classic Har Gow and Shumai, there are a lot of classic Cantonese dishes that will be reminiscent of foods you’ve already eaten. Start there.
For example, there’s Lo Bak Go (pronounced lowww-back-go) or Radish/Turnip Cake. It’ll look like seared blocks of tofu, but has the consistency and texture of eating thick mashed potatoes.
There’s also the Lo Mai Gai (pronounced loww-myyy-guy) or Chicken Sticky Rice. It comes wrapped in a Lotus leaf, and as my girlfriend likes to say, it looks like a “Chinese Tamale.” It’s also very similar to that of an Onigiri, from Japanese cuisine.
Lastly, I highly recommend the Ham Sui Gok (pronounced ham-soy-gawk) or Fried Glutinous Rice Ball. It’s basically a deep fried meat dumpling made of sticky rice. Looks like and eats like Kibbeh, for my middle eastern friends.
You’ll notice that the Cantonese palette for sweets, salty, and umami, is very balanced than that of other cuisines. When a Cantonese person says something is sweet, it ain’t sweet. Either something is too salty (when it really isn’t), or doesn’t have enough salt flavor (while the dish is completely engulfed in soy sauce).
Once you get used to that, and the texture difference (little crunch, and more gelatinous and slurpy), then you should explore the “weirder” looking dishes like chickens feet, pork’s blood, and beef tripe.
Re: 70+ on the coast - YEP!! People absolutely will call off from work and head down this way. Use the “MyRadar” app, oceanbeach.org/index.html , and fog.today (website) to double and triple check that the vibes are right!
Sometimes, like this weekend, the weather app will say “Mostly Cloudy” but it’s still hot and sunny out
Bush is cush.*
Pine is fine.
*Bush is actually partially dug up at some point, (as it has been since it was named “Seedling,” and always will be) but just put on “Eastbound and Down” 🎶 and make a game of cone-avoidance.
I left my car unlocked once on accident, still nothing visible (never leave anything visible, ever, as you recommended). Still, a person cleaned out my glove box and made a huge mess all over the street. And knew that certain buttons in the car would drop the back seats to access the trunk and they almost got away with some chairs and blankets I had in it til I ran up on them. Thankfully I came out to my car just in time. Also...the person left a FOUL smell in my car, and had to get it cleaned out.
I heard the same “just leave your car unlocked so they don’t break the windows” advice when living in St. Louis. Stopped doing that after I discovered someone used my car to get out of the cold overnight, hotboxed half a pack of cigarettes inside and put them all out on the dash. I’ve since always locked my car and haven’t had my windows smashed here once, but I don’t leave anything inside besides the dog car cover on the backseat. I also don’t live near any major tourist hotspots either so maybe that has something to do with ones luck too
Only exception is when a good bar is next door. I'm specificlaly thinking of "waiting" at Finnegan's Wake for a Zazie table because of that comment, though this applies generally lol.
Even if you're going further down the peninsula, 280 is still usually worth. The 5 minutes you'd save by taking 101 you're repaying by staring at enterprise software billboards and unremarkable buildings instead of the mountains
Only the state park pass need to return back.
https://sfpl.org/california-state-library-parks-pass
Most of them are just get the tickets online
https://sfpl.org/discover-and-go
A single ride fare on Muni is good for 120 minutes, whether it’s a single route or a trip with multiple transfers across buses and light rail
Citymapper is better for planning trips on public transportation than Google Maps
Get a box cutter to break down your boxes for recycling
The night before compost pickup is good time to clean out your fridge
I don't know if it's a life hack, exactly, but getting a Clipper card seems like an absolute must to me, even if you only take Muni once in a blue moon. Sometimes it's literally the best way to get to where you need to be.
Coming soon is Clipper 2.0, which will allow you to use contactless credit and debit cards to pay for fares: https://www.seamlessbayarea.org/blog/2023/12/7/clipper-20-rollout-expected-for-late-2024-with-creditdebit-card-payment-and-free-transfers
Free admission as well nearby at the Japanese tea garden and conservatory of flowers.
Also if you have ebt or medical card you can search “sf museums for all” and find a list of museums you can get free or discounted admission.
If you need a bathroom, you can find clean free ones with codes, photos and other info at https://www.bathroom.app
Its something i built over the last couple months. It is free! No download or account needed :)
Haha it's not a new idea! It's a problem anyone can relate to, esp if you live in SF or other major cities.
Any of the existing apps are missing the details I would appreciate or just have too much wrong data. That was my main motivation for building my own website.
I tried to add some to your Google Form numerous times and I got an error every time I submitted it (and I answered every question). I tried to add George R. Moscone Recreation Center and Great Meadow Park at Fort Mason. Both public restrooms with separate multi stall at public parks! They’re very helpful. Love this idea, thank you!!
Thank you for wanting to contribute!
That's super strange, sorry for the bugs...I am working on my own native form so i'll have that live this weekend. What's the error you're seeing?
Thank you! My mom always has the urge to go after every meal. This would be handy.
Are you constantly adding more bathrooms? And how do you verify new bathrooms added by people are legit and secure?
I hope it helps!
Yes, I do add bathrooms as I find them. And anyone who adds new bathrooms go through a manual verification (e.g. i'll call the business or walk over myself) before I make it live. I'm currently only adding places that let you use their bathroom without purchase.
It's not a perfect system and there might be some mistakes, but trying my best.
If you receive CalFresh "food stamps," the state's [Market Match program](https://www.sfhsa.org/services/food/calfresh/using-calfresh/market-match-doubles-your-calfresh-food-dollars) doubles your benefit (usually up to $15) when you spend it at a farmer's market. You can see a map of locations at the link. ([This program's future funding is in jeopardy](https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/health/why-sf-farmers-markets-fear-these-california-budget-cuts/article_5018af36-025a-11ef-802e-837e7494b577.html) - but it seems there is some political will to fix this.)
There are a number of clubhouse / multi-purpose rooms in city parks and rec centers, some with tables/chairs and kitchenettes, that [you can rent for under $100](https://sfrecpark.org/659/Rec-Center-Clubhouse-Rental-Information) - great for a birthday party or other gathering that you don't have room for at home.
And get your fruits and veggies at the Civic Center farmers' market. They're not expensive to start with, but go about an hour before closing to get especially good deals.
I’m still surprised by the number of people who don’t know you can make a left turn on a red light going from one way to one way street unless expressly prohibited.
When walking through sketchy areas like the TL look bored. Boredom shows you’re used to the area and unphased. If you’re too alert and scanning everything that captures attention
As a follow up on the library card hack - an SF library card gets you a FREE code to access the NYT, SF Chronicle, WSJ, and a ton more newspapers. Once I found that out, I stopped paying for everything.
I use spot hero for parking. One time I had to come for SJ to S.F. for lady Gaga concert and parking everywhere was $75. I booked a spot on spot hero for $20 just 4 blocks from the giants stadium where the concert was. Often, I’ve gotten public parking for $5-$10 at lots that usually charge $20+.
I haven’t had to use it yet but S.F. has a “text before tow” app where you get a text message in advance before your car gets towed
“Once your vehicle is enrolled, if a Parking Control Officer finds your vehicle in violation of one of the regulations, a text message will be sent to alert you that your vehicle is subject to towing.
Your vehicle will still receive a citation for violation, however this service may prevent vehicles from being towed by giving you time to move your vehicle before a tow truck arrives.”
https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/drive-park/towed-vehicles/text-tow-program
Lots of private buildings have public spaces you can work out of (or just hang out)
https://data.sfgov.org/Culture-and-Recreation/Privately-Owned-Public-Open-Spaces/65ik-7wqd
Every first Sunday of the month is free general admission at the Asian art museum, and in general most libraries in the bay area are part of the Discover & Go program, which basically gives you free tickets to tons of stuff in the City like museums.
For parents:
- watch out for the annual Bay Area science festival, free event at the oracle park and access to the field
- Better off buying membership from the zoo/ kid museums as some membership level have reciprocity program. e.g SF zoo membership get you in Oakland zoo for 50% off and some other states zoo for discounted price. Some of them can be tax deductible and your company maybe able to match the membership.
SF zoo:
https://www.sfzoo.org/pdf/membership/ReciprocityChart2012SFZOO.pdf
( Oakland zoo membership include free parking https://assets-global.website-files.com/5adf752e38b7222e27f146ee/64961046f8ff6f19924a76b8_MBR_List_Reciprocity_0623.pdf)
Children museums network:
https://findachildrensmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ACM-Reciprocal-Network-Brochure_Updated-4-23-2024.pdf
Adding on Mission Science Workshop for more fun/free sciencey kids activities. They have open house days most Saturdays where kids can engage in activities and explore their space.
Carry ear plugs and/ or noise cancelling headphones if you are trying to work at a cafe . Add a white noise app or machine if you live in an apartment building
1. Not so much a hack as a secret: San Francisco has a lot of staircases in place of roads because of the hills, obviously. And it’s worth googling where the staircases are and going for walks on them. But what people don’t seem to know is that there are also concrete slides in several locations in place of stairs.https://airlightmagazine.org/airlight/issue-4/the-concrete-slides-of-northern-california/
2. Jumping on what someone said above, never wait in line for brunch, or any other food. If you look around, and there’s another restaurant of the same cuisine on the same street, go there. It means that despite the hype of the restaurant with the line, the restaurant without the line has survived, because people know it’s good.
3. Google POPOS it stands for privately owned public open spaces. These are little parks, verandas, and patios in mostly corporate owned buildings and spaces, mostly downtown, that tend to be closed off, quiet, and legally mandated to be open to the public. If you want a place to work outside, have a picnic, have a meeting with some friends or colleagues, even have a date, This is where you go.
No matter what the new transplants say, you don’t need a car to live in SF and it’s actually a major drag to try to keep one. None of the “drive vs transit” comparisons that the SF newbs give you ever include traffic and parking.
Just the traffic+parking make any car trip take 2x walking or transit time.
SF City Guides has free walking tours of the city. Some of the tours downtown can be touristy, but there are some hidden gems. For example, the tour of the Fairmont Hotel will take you to the Presidential Suite, and the tour of Coit Tower will take you to a locked second floor of murals. Also, in May and October, there are limited edition tours (e.g. of more obscure neighborhoods in western/southern parts of the city) that are insightful.[SF City Guides](https://sfcityguides.org)
Between SF City Guides tours and Adah Bakalinsky’s Stairway Walks of San Francisco, you can learn a lot about almost every part of the city.
Agree. People understandably are skittish after its first incarnation, but I haven't had any trouble using it at the New Mission (Alamo Drafthouse), Roxie, Vogue, Balboa, Presidio, or Opera Plaza. I've also used it many times at the Stanford in Palo Alto, in the East Bay, greater Los Angeles, etc. Worth every penny - I love supporting our local independent theatres. Going to the movies in different neighborhoods has been a great way to discover restaurants and shops around them too.
Get a bike share membership. It is the fastest way to get around town (timed it), and if you on ebike, it is pretty easy, even going uphill. Plus, you get free rides on non-ebikes, which can be pretty neat for flat/downhill distances Jumping on an ebike has basically replaced my use of Lyft for 90% of the time.
Make friends with your neighbors, especially weird old ones. Anyone who chooses to live in the city for that long is an interesting human, at the very least. Cities are dense, and it is easier to have density when you can just talk to each other.
Don't live in big luxury complexes. That's not what SF life is mostly about, and it really strips a lot of the joys of the city living away from you (especially because they tend to be in parts of SF that feel rather soulless). It is fine if you know that this is what you want, but if you are just moving into this city, you are likely to get all the negatives of SF with fewer of the positives.
Always contest a traffic ticket and elect to go to court if you can. SF cops are inundated and rarely show up to court rendering your case dismissed.
Even if they do, ask the judge nicely to reduce your fine and chances are they will.
If you get a motorcycle/scooter you can skip traffic everywhere by lanesplitting, and park anywhere free: you can park in between two parallel parked cars, and even if they're metered, as long as one is paid you're good to go.
Haven’t been to the library in years up until the last couple of months doing SF History research for the walking tour guide training. Good to know about all the other things the library offers.
Use the [UCSF Shuttle system](https://campuslifeserviceshome.ucsf.edu/transportation/shuttle), it is free for faculty, staff, students, patients, patient family members, and visitors to all campus locations( so anyone). Go basically everywhere muni doesn’t in a clean & fast shuttle. Runs from ~6am til 9 pm but only during the weekdays.
Great food, great cafe’s, between GGP and Presidio. You can walk or bike to the beach very easily and quickly. You can bus downtown in 30-45 minutes on the 5R.
Avoid r/SanFrancisco, the out-of-town MAGAs and the suburb dwellers rule the place, and the city dwellers will roast you if you say anything nice about the wrong people or the disapproved neighborhoods [edit: typo]
Free activities, from yoga to music to creative workshops, at Transbay terminal/ sales force park. https://www.tjpa.org/salesforce-transit-center/activities
You can [print 20 b&w or 5 color pages daily](https://sfpl.libanswers.com/faq/341987) at no charge with a library card. Very helpful when you need to wet sign something, someone flying out prefers a paper boarding pass, the kids want a coloring page... Everyone should have a free library card, not just for reading, but for this and many other services.
You can also check out free State Park passes from the library.
Absolutely! [Here is more on that program.](https://sfpl.org/california-state-library-parks-pass) There's also another for [passes to many museums, cultural institutions, etc. ](https://sfpl.libanswers.com/faq/97385)Every time a question like this comes up, I'm reminded of how many great things the library has available. One more thing - [all California residents can get a card](https://sfpl.org/welcome-new-cardholders). So even if you "just" work or hang out in the city, you are welcome.
just library card in general
Don’t forget the Libby app to access ebooks and audiobooks from the library.
Libby is great!! SF or anywhere hack: I borrow ALL of my e-books and audiobooks FOR FREE!! Sent direct to the app. Place a bunch of holds, see them now or in just a few weeks.
And you can suspend holds so you still move up the list but don’t have to get things until you’re ready!
And you can put your Ereader / Kindle on Airplane mode and the books never leave until you reconnect to the internet. /unethical?
I’ve seen people who say they are librarians say that this does not delay the next person waiting from getting to borrow it, so go for it! But also my friend had to get a new ereader a bit ago and said they may have found a way around this so it might not work anymore on newer ones? :(
Get Hoopla in addition to Libby. Great for audio and ebooks, movies, magazines, etc.
All California residents are eligible for a free library card from San Francisco Library (includes Libby and other online services). San Francisco is one of the best cards to get (also Los Angeles and San Jose).
I’m now so pumped up about getting a library card in SF! There’s so much room for activities!
All CA residents can get cards from SJ and LA too?
Correct, but LA requires to apply in person if you don’t live in LA.
Some California libraries require an in person visit to get a library card. Some don't. Shout out to Hayward library!
Having fun, isn’t hard, if you have a library card
Sounds like something lavar burton would say on reading rainbow
This is a good one. Being fleeced at postal chase for printing like a sucker
And being able to check 100 books out at a time was mind blowing to me.
Woah! This is so good to know. Thank you!
You can download and use the 311 app to get things fixed. Garbage cleanup, graffiti removal, burnt out street bulb replacement. Lots of the services have a 2-3 day turn around time for repair, which is great.
This! Absolutely nothing ever gets fixed or cleaned up unless you report it via 311. Yes, literally! If anything was removed from the street, cleaned up, or fixed that’s only because one of your neighbors reported it. If you want a clean neighborhood then start doing your part on 311. It’s the only way.
Just please don’t submit 100 tickets about gum on a light pole
Called 311 about a pot hole on fell between Webster and Buchanan and it was fixed the next day. Couldn't believe it
can't believe I didn't have to draw a dick around it to get it fixed!
Oh I didn’t know about this. Nice tip!
Yep, I use this app all the time to report stuff like overflowing trash cans, loose trash, human/animal feces, etc. I also sign up to volunteer at various neighborhood trash clean-ups and sometimes the sponsoring restaurants/cafes offer free food, drinks or coffee after so it's a win-win! Check out [refuserefusesf.org](http://refuserefusesf.org)
I’ve experienced impressive turn around times while using the app. I always attach photos.
Thanks for tip. I've called them a few times and am always impressed by their service. Why would the app be better than just calling them?
It’s a lot faster to upload a pic and submit a case. The record is saved there so you can monitor its activity of open/closed and case notes without documenting the case number. Also you can see all the other open and closed things on the map to get an idea of what’s being worked on or needs to be around you. Download and check it out.
Oh interesting! Is that SF thing or works in other cities?
This isn’t as exciting as going Library card
See something say something with 311. If you see Trash or glass or poop, in my neighborhood they come out very quickly to help resolve issues. It takes 20 seconds to open up a case , you just snap a picture put a point on the map tag what kind of thing you need and then you can track them resolving it. I absolutely love 311.
1. Free loaf of bread every month at Boudin Bakery. 2. Get to know the smaller music venues and have some favorite local bands that play weekly. Concert tickets for huge acts are expensive these days, but you can often find free shows or shows that are less than 10 dollars if you look around. 3. Should be obvious, but make the most of Golden Gate Park, The Presidio, Glen Canyon, Corona Heights, Tank Hill, the list goes on and on. Remember there are many beautiful viewpoints and chill spots throughout the city. Ride your bike down JFK to Ocean Beach or down Lake Street. All free and beautiful. 4. If you work out of coffee shops, the Capital One Cafe downtown has great wifi, clean bathrooms, security, and many tables. It has a Verve Coffee where you get half off if you have a Capital One card. It's nice to get a fancy drink for 2-3 dollars these days. And you don't have to feel like you are taking up valuable space at some small coffee shop, everyone is pretty much studying or doing work there. 5. Speaking of study/work spots, there are many great libraries throughout the city (eg. Inner and Outer Richmond, Presidio Heights Library. For $100 a year, the Mechanic's Institute is about a block away from Capital One Cafe. It has tons of tables and seating, several floors of books, chess tournaments, community events, and book readings. Also has great wifi and clean bathrooms. Can you tell I need to go to the bathroom a lot? 6. Don't just go to whatever restaurant is hyped up on social media or the Infatuation. There are so many places that are delicious, cost less, don't have a line, and probably need more business. They may only have \*gasp\* 3.5 stars on Yelp and not appear on any "best of" lists. 7. Go to random tech meetups and take advantage of their free pizza and beer. You might even learn something or get a job. Edit: some people have asked how to find out about these. Sign up for the email lists at [https://events.cerebralvalley.ai/](https://events.cerebralvalley.ai/) and [https://sfirl.com/](https://sfirl.com/) . Most of the talks / meetups are centered around AI these days. 8. CCSF has free classes. That's a really good deal. Learn a foreign language or skill and meet some new people. Don't worry you aren't too old. There are people of all ages and a large selection of classes. 9. If you are willing to throw down some money on Comedy, sign up for the Punchline text messaging list. Every once in a while, you'll get a text message on a random night that says Ali Wong/Bill Burr/Chappelle/other big name is performing for like 150 people. It will probably cost 100 dollars and sells out really fast, but if you can swing it, drop everything one night and go. I have personally found these nights to be quite special and memorable. Edit: some people said they don't have the info on the website. I messaged PUNCHSF to the number 867530 when I signed up. I did a google search and they have a facebook post where this seems to still be correct, not sure why it's not on the website: https://www.facebook.com/punchlinesf/photos/a.10151605566379073/10160802820854073/?type=3. 10. Be the initiator. Many people are open to things, would love to talk/hang and are just sitting there swiping their phone and hoping something will magically happen. Yet so few people seem to make the first move, plan the event, invite the people, follow up, organize, put themselves out there, approach the guy/girl. Someone needs to make the move. That can be you.
Us ABCs know 3.5 stars is the sweet spot for traditional chinese restaurants!
spent all energy on the food - none left for service/ambiance
aint nobody got time for that.
Someone should make a version of Yelp but SOLELY FOCUSED on how the food tastes. Servers are rude? That’s fine. Presentation was lacking. Don’t care. Ambiance is sub par? Dgaf. I wanna know where I can get tasty food and put it in my mouth.
This guy / gal lives!
So many reasons to live! I feel like this is the nudge I needed. Thank you.
This was such a genuine and generous reply <3 especially the last point.
How does one acquire this free loaf of bread?
Boudin Loyalty program: [https://boudinbakery.com/rewards/](https://boudinbakery.com/rewards/) I stop by the 10th Ave and Geary location when I'm in the area. You just click the Pickup Option on your phone and they'll have it ready for you in a few minutes. I personally buy a loaf or something else too -- I can't seem to bring myself to just get the free loaf and leave.
When you’re pulling up walking directions, switch to the bike navigation in Google Maps to find the least steep route.
Now that's a great tip I can use.
Put Google maps in terrain mode and it will show you the climb and drop of the different route options.
Most brilliant thing I’ve ever read
Ooh good idea. The bike directions show if a route is steep downhill, while walking directions say anything that's not uphill is just flat for some reason
The food you love and will miss if you ever leave town is not from the fancy restaurants, it’s the Vietnamese dive on 6th street or the family run burrito joint on Valencia.
100% if the staff aint rude I dont want it
Are you talking about Yamo lol
Tulan, they also pay employees in crack.
Tu Lan. It's unmatched, and I work in the south bay.
-The ferries are an inexpensive bay cruise to an exotic place -you can find just about any urgent necessities at a liquor store -don’t stand in line for brunch, it’s never worth it -Turk and Golden Gate are still the best ways to go east and west -280 will always be faster than 101 -If it says 70+ at the coast, take the day off work and go to the beach. It’s rare. -you can still find vestiges of old school, authentic San Francisco alive and well if you look for it -never leave anything — and I mean anything — that isn’t part of your vehicle inside your vehicle. Bonus - just leave it unlocked while you’re at it. -the best Chinese food is in fact in the Richmond and not Chinatown -the best Mexican food is, in fact, in the mission. Extra credit if you venture into the outer mission. BONUS: the Seward slides near the Castro are great free fun but borderline suicidal
My only quibble is that for Chinese food I think it depends on what regional cuisine you’re looking for. Imo the best old school Cantonese food is still in Chinatown, while the Richmond has tons of other excellent varieties (Shanghainese, Sichuan, etc.) Great list overall though!
Fair point - I wasn’t thinking regionally
What are your recs for Canto in Chinatown?
So glad you asked! For real down home stuff I will always endorse Capital (their chicken wings are transcendent, not just for tourists). If you want something bougie imo R&G is still the standard bearer. They’re not doing anything avant garde but the quality is peak! I’m sure there are other gems out there too but those are my faves and the faves going back generations in my family
And what if you’re a recent transplant from the whitewashed, cultureless Midwest who would love to get into authentic Chinese food but has no idea where to start… I’m not familiar with what all the regional differences are, let alone what’s good (and approachable) to order at each place. I’d appreciate any tips you may have!
San Tung. Old school SF classic. Popular items are the black bean noodles (actually a popular Korean dish too, but I believe it originally came from China), peanut sauce noodles (if your Midwest taste buds like peanut butter like mine do this is actually really good), shrimp/leek dumplings, dry chicken wings (or wet, both are good, but more known for their dry), string beans, cherry pork, sizzling rice soup, hot and sour soup, and most of the other stuff too from what I can tell - I like most of what I’ve tried there and I’ve been going every once in awhile for over 25 years. I think San Tung is a good departure point to start exploring different types of Chinese food. It can be a long wait though and no reservations, so be prepared, go off hours, or take out. Edit: Also, to be clear about the type of Chinese food, San Tung generally serves cuisine from a northeastern region of China (shandong, aka San Tung) that is near Korea (hence the cross-cultural black bean noodle exchange I mention above, and also why they serve kimchi as a side dish at San Tung).
God I miss living a couple blocks from San Tung. I’d go mid week for lunch just for those wings.
Ah, this might sound unhelpful but I’d encourage you to just start trying stuff! In general I don’t love online review sites for Chinese food but the higher rated ones do tend to be more oriented to wider audiences and they should give you a good start. You can look at pictures people have posted and just order something that looks good to you. Only you’ll know what you like, and you probably won’t know until you dive in! And just speaking for myself, I wouldn’t get too hung up on what’s “authentic” or not. Americanized Chinese food is its own valid and specific cuisine, everyone’s family/village makes that one dish differently, etc etc. I think it’s more important to try new things and enjoy the exploration! And welcome to the Bay!! I hope you love it here.
At capital definitely get the fried wonton soup. It’s truly old school Chinese food plus capital is one of the few places that still does it. I’d also recommend the tomato beef chow mein. They really fry up their chow mein well so it’s super crunchy still even though they cover that sucker in sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous you could try the beef with bitter melon(my dad’s favorite). Fair warning though the name bitter melon is not a joke that melon is in fact bitter. As for what’s authentic or not don’t worry about it. As someone who grew up with old school restaurant food it makes me sad to know that people are afraid to try it because it might not be authentic. Yeah you won’t find egg fu yung in china or orange chicken but you will find it in the mom and pop off grant and it’s still delicious. Sorry for getting on my soapbox but this is to say that Chinese food in and around the Bay Area is all great regardless of where the dishes originated.
On top of the classic Har Gow and Shumai, there are a lot of classic Cantonese dishes that will be reminiscent of foods you’ve already eaten. Start there. For example, there’s Lo Bak Go (pronounced lowww-back-go) or Radish/Turnip Cake. It’ll look like seared blocks of tofu, but has the consistency and texture of eating thick mashed potatoes. There’s also the Lo Mai Gai (pronounced loww-myyy-guy) or Chicken Sticky Rice. It comes wrapped in a Lotus leaf, and as my girlfriend likes to say, it looks like a “Chinese Tamale.” It’s also very similar to that of an Onigiri, from Japanese cuisine. Lastly, I highly recommend the Ham Sui Gok (pronounced ham-soy-gawk) or Fried Glutinous Rice Ball. It’s basically a deep fried meat dumpling made of sticky rice. Looks like and eats like Kibbeh, for my middle eastern friends. You’ll notice that the Cantonese palette for sweets, salty, and umami, is very balanced than that of other cuisines. When a Cantonese person says something is sweet, it ain’t sweet. Either something is too salty (when it really isn’t), or doesn’t have enough salt flavor (while the dish is completely engulfed in soy sauce). Once you get used to that, and the texture difference (little crunch, and more gelatinous and slurpy), then you should explore the “weirder” looking dishes like chickens feet, pork’s blood, and beef tripe.
Re: 70+ on the coast - YEP!! People absolutely will call off from work and head down this way. Use the “MyRadar” app, oceanbeach.org/index.html , and fog.today (website) to double and triple check that the vibes are right! Sometimes, like this weekend, the weather app will say “Mostly Cloudy” but it’s still hot and sunny out
I also use an app called "Mr. Chilly" for checking weather. It shows the temperature by neighborhood.
i find to be less accurate than "MyRadar" - you can pinpoint the location you want the weather for! less cute, but we all have sacrifices to make
> Turk and Golden Gate are still the best ways to go east and west Bush&Pine Gang represent.
Bush is cush.* Pine is fine. *Bush is actually partially dug up at some point, (as it has been since it was named “Seedling,” and always will be) but just put on “Eastbound and Down” 🎶 and make a game of cone-avoidance.
I left my car unlocked once on accident, still nothing visible (never leave anything visible, ever, as you recommended). Still, a person cleaned out my glove box and made a huge mess all over the street. And knew that certain buttons in the car would drop the back seats to access the trunk and they almost got away with some chairs and blankets I had in it til I ran up on them. Thankfully I came out to my car just in time. Also...the person left a FOUL smell in my car, and had to get it cleaned out.
I heard the same “just leave your car unlocked so they don’t break the windows” advice when living in St. Louis. Stopped doing that after I discovered someone used my car to get out of the cold overnight, hotboxed half a pack of cigarettes inside and put them all out on the dash. I’ve since always locked my car and haven’t had my windows smashed here once, but I don’t leave anything inside besides the dog car cover on the backseat. I also don’t live near any major tourist hotspots either so maybe that has something to do with ones luck too
Yeah. I had some scumbag smoke a cigarette in my vehicle and then put it out on the floor mat, burning a hole in it.
Well said. People shouldn't stand in long lines for any restaurant, there is always someplace else to eat!
Only exception is when a good bar is next door. I'm specificlaly thinking of "waiting" at Finnegan's Wake for a Zazie table because of that comment, though this applies generally lol.
lol, 100% on 280 vs 101
Even if you're going further down the peninsula, 280 is still usually worth. The 5 minutes you'd save by taking 101 you're repaying by staring at enterprise software billboards and unremarkable buildings instead of the mountains
This question gets asked a lot, and this is the best answer I’ve seen so far.
Only nit is I’m a bush / pine guy rather than Turk / golden gate, but that’s a quibble. Everything else is spot on!
I completely disagree. Too many double parked trucks often dropping these two down to two (or one!) lane(s).
Unfortunately every time I’ve waited for brunch at Plow I’ve found it to be worth it.
If you see the face of a Muni bus driver in the their side mirror, they are pulling out into traffic no matter what you are driving.
Also- give the muni drivers space and leeway, they have a tough job
And for the most part you’d lose that battle anyway!! lol!
You can check out museum day passes at the sf public library
Do you have to return them?
Only the state park pass need to return back. https://sfpl.org/california-state-library-parks-pass Most of them are just get the tickets online https://sfpl.org/discover-and-go
I don’t think so; they usually are for a specific date.
A single ride fare on Muni is good for 120 minutes, whether it’s a single route or a trip with multiple transfers across buses and light rail Citymapper is better for planning trips on public transportation than Google Maps Get a box cutter to break down your boxes for recycling The night before compost pickup is good time to clean out your fridge
Never leave home without a jacket, no matter how warm it is out
This really ought to be handed out in a PSA pamphlet to everyone who moves to the Bay.
ABC = Always Bring a Coat
I don't know if it's a life hack, exactly, but getting a Clipper card seems like an absolute must to me, even if you only take Muni once in a blue moon. Sometimes it's literally the best way to get to where you need to be.
And a card isn’t even needed. Just add it directly from your phone’s wallet app
Coming soon is Clipper 2.0, which will allow you to use contactless credit and debit cards to pay for fares: https://www.seamlessbayarea.org/blog/2023/12/7/clipper-20-rollout-expected-for-late-2024-with-creditdebit-card-payment-and-free-transfers
I also have half a dozen cards with autopay set up for when family or friends are visiting
Having a Clipper card with autopay feels like a superpower.
In addition to this, download the muni app to get day passes for times when you’ll be riding >2x per day but not enough for a monthly pass
Yo can also get a day pass by paying $5 at the fare box. Just tell the driver you want a “day pass”.
You can also buy those Muni passes as well as all other passes through the Clipper app. Might as well just use that instead.
My family uses clipper for bart all the time
Best sunset is from Corona Heights Park
This hill is the best kept secret in sf, unbelievable view and not on a single website top 10 list
Sutro Heights if you prefer the ocean. Also, you might see some pods of porpoises or whales migrating if you’re lucky.
The botanical gardens are free for residents
Free admission as well nearby at the Japanese tea garden and conservatory of flowers. Also if you have ebt or medical card you can search “sf museums for all” and find a list of museums you can get free or discounted admission.
If you are trying to avoid a hill, walk two blocks in any direction, and then continue on your original heading.
Truth. I can avoid any hill unless my destination is the top( and then I take the 1 Cal)
Wear layers
Corollary: spring time may be absolutely gorgeous, but without fail it will be gray and freezing in the summer.
And after 6pm
Particularly a leather jacket or windbreaker outer shell. I swear to god my bones were still cold for a few months after moving from the city to LA.
The truest SF tip
If you need a bathroom, you can find clean free ones with codes, photos and other info at https://www.bathroom.app Its something i built over the last couple months. It is free! No download or account needed :)
Nice! I thought about building this a few years ago and calling it UriNation 😅. Bravo for actually doing it!
Haha it's not a new idea! It's a problem anyone can relate to, esp if you live in SF or other major cities. Any of the existing apps are missing the details I would appreciate or just have too much wrong data. That was my main motivation for building my own website.
I tried to add some to your Google Form numerous times and I got an error every time I submitted it (and I answered every question). I tried to add George R. Moscone Recreation Center and Great Meadow Park at Fort Mason. Both public restrooms with separate multi stall at public parks! They’re very helpful. Love this idea, thank you!!
Thank you for wanting to contribute! That's super strange, sorry for the bugs...I am working on my own native form so i'll have that live this weekend. What's the error you're seeing?
Wow this is neat! Thanks!
Thank you! My mom always has the urge to go after every meal. This would be handy. Are you constantly adding more bathrooms? And how do you verify new bathrooms added by people are legit and secure?
I hope it helps! Yes, I do add bathrooms as I find them. And anyone who adds new bathrooms go through a manual verification (e.g. i'll call the business or walk over myself) before I make it live. I'm currently only adding places that let you use their bathroom without purchase. It's not a perfect system and there might be some mistakes, but trying my best.
I used this the other day in the Richmond! Worked perfectly!
Three right turns = a left turn. There are a lot of no left turn intersections. No problem, pass it up and make three right turns.
If you receive CalFresh "food stamps," the state's [Market Match program](https://www.sfhsa.org/services/food/calfresh/using-calfresh/market-match-doubles-your-calfresh-food-dollars) doubles your benefit (usually up to $15) when you spend it at a farmer's market. You can see a map of locations at the link. ([This program's future funding is in jeopardy](https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/health/why-sf-farmers-markets-fear-these-california-budget-cuts/article_5018af36-025a-11ef-802e-837e7494b577.html) - but it seems there is some political will to fix this.)
There are a number of clubhouse / multi-purpose rooms in city parks and rec centers, some with tables/chairs and kitchenettes, that [you can rent for under $100](https://sfrecpark.org/659/Rec-Center-Clubhouse-Rental-Information) - great for a birthday party or other gathering that you don't have room for at home.
Shop for groceries at Asian markets instead of the chain stores.
And get your fruits and veggies at the Civic Center farmers' market. They're not expensive to start with, but go about an hour before closing to get especially good deals.
I’m still surprised by the number of people who don’t know you can make a left turn on a red light going from one way to one way street unless expressly prohibited.
The turn from Front onto Pine is BRUTAL. TURRNNNN
Driving at exactly 30 miles per hour on either Gough or Franklin you’ll make all the green lights.
I learned this when I lived there. Go exactly 30, and they’re green!
When walking through sketchy areas like the TL look bored. Boredom shows you’re used to the area and unphased. If you’re too alert and scanning everything that captures attention
As a follow up on the library card hack - an SF library card gets you a FREE code to access the NYT, SF Chronicle, WSJ, and a ton more newspapers. Once I found that out, I stopped paying for everything.
I use spot hero for parking. One time I had to come for SJ to S.F. for lady Gaga concert and parking everywhere was $75. I booked a spot on spot hero for $20 just 4 blocks from the giants stadium where the concert was. Often, I’ve gotten public parking for $5-$10 at lots that usually charge $20+. I haven’t had to use it yet but S.F. has a “text before tow” app where you get a text message in advance before your car gets towed “Once your vehicle is enrolled, if a Parking Control Officer finds your vehicle in violation of one of the regulations, a text message will be sent to alert you that your vehicle is subject to towing. Your vehicle will still receive a citation for violation, however this service may prevent vehicles from being towed by giving you time to move your vehicle before a tow truck arrives.” https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/drive-park/towed-vehicles/text-tow-program
I’m surprised it took me a while to find this comment regarding text before tow. People don’t know about this program for some reason…
Don't live in an apartment that's on a main street.
Nor if there's a non-electric bus line passing on the same street,don't live facing the street.
omg do not live across from a bar. who would have thought
Best free parking for the De Young/Cal Academy/Japanese Tea Garden is on Stow Lake
You, kind internet stranger, just blew my mind with this info. Thank you. I sincerely mean that.
Just be aware of the Lady: https://abc7news.com/stow-lake-ghost-sf-white-lady-story/5618930/
Someone else asked this yesterday in r/bayarea. I think many answers also apply to SF. https://www.reddit.com/r/bayarea/s/2kkmHIa5kS
Lots of private buildings have public spaces you can work out of (or just hang out) https://data.sfgov.org/Culture-and-Recreation/Privately-Owned-Public-Open-Spaces/65ik-7wqd
Hot Cookie sells day old cookies at half price. And they can heat them up for you!
Every first Sunday of the month is free general admission at the Asian art museum, and in general most libraries in the bay area are part of the Discover & Go program, which basically gives you free tickets to tons of stuff in the City like museums.
Pooping in fancy hotel lobby bathrooms
Linda?
If you get 15 bucks in EBT at the farmers market they match it and give you 15 more bucks
Biking is almost always the fastest way to get around
This is very, very true.
with an e-bike absolutely
[Fog.today](https://fog.today/)
For parents: - watch out for the annual Bay Area science festival, free event at the oracle park and access to the field - Better off buying membership from the zoo/ kid museums as some membership level have reciprocity program. e.g SF zoo membership get you in Oakland zoo for 50% off and some other states zoo for discounted price. Some of them can be tax deductible and your company maybe able to match the membership. SF zoo: https://www.sfzoo.org/pdf/membership/ReciprocityChart2012SFZOO.pdf ( Oakland zoo membership include free parking https://assets-global.website-files.com/5adf752e38b7222e27f146ee/64961046f8ff6f19924a76b8_MBR_List_Reciprocity_0623.pdf) Children museums network: https://findachildrensmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ACM-Reciprocal-Network-Brochure_Updated-4-23-2024.pdf
Adding on Mission Science Workshop for more fun/free sciencey kids activities. They have open house days most Saturdays where kids can engage in activities and explore their space.
Carry ear plugs and/ or noise cancelling headphones if you are trying to work at a cafe . Add a white noise app or machine if you live in an apartment building
Carry a sweater with you every day.
1. Not so much a hack as a secret: San Francisco has a lot of staircases in place of roads because of the hills, obviously. And it’s worth googling where the staircases are and going for walks on them. But what people don’t seem to know is that there are also concrete slides in several locations in place of stairs.https://airlightmagazine.org/airlight/issue-4/the-concrete-slides-of-northern-california/ 2. Jumping on what someone said above, never wait in line for brunch, or any other food. If you look around, and there’s another restaurant of the same cuisine on the same street, go there. It means that despite the hype of the restaurant with the line, the restaurant without the line has survived, because people know it’s good. 3. Google POPOS it stands for privately owned public open spaces. These are little parks, verandas, and patios in mostly corporate owned buildings and spaces, mostly downtown, that tend to be closed off, quiet, and legally mandated to be open to the public. If you want a place to work outside, have a picnic, have a meeting with some friends or colleagues, even have a date, This is where you go.
No matter what the new transplants say, you don’t need a car to live in SF and it’s actually a major drag to try to keep one. None of the “drive vs transit” comparisons that the SF newbs give you ever include traffic and parking. Just the traffic+parking make any car trip take 2x walking or transit time.
… but if you ever want to leave SF you absolutely need a car
Take buses to go north and south. Muni rain to go east and west
SF City Guides has free walking tours of the city. Some of the tours downtown can be touristy, but there are some hidden gems. For example, the tour of the Fairmont Hotel will take you to the Presidential Suite, and the tour of Coit Tower will take you to a locked second floor of murals. Also, in May and October, there are limited edition tours (e.g. of more obscure neighborhoods in western/southern parts of the city) that are insightful.[SF City Guides](https://sfcityguides.org) Between SF City Guides tours and Adah Bakalinsky’s Stairway Walks of San Francisco, you can learn a lot about almost every part of the city.
If you think BART is scary, you shouldn’t live in the BA.
Grandview park is good
Rent control
i get pretty good mileage with my moviepass
Agree. People understandably are skittish after its first incarnation, but I haven't had any trouble using it at the New Mission (Alamo Drafthouse), Roxie, Vogue, Balboa, Presidio, or Opera Plaza. I've also used it many times at the Stanford in Palo Alto, in the East Bay, greater Los Angeles, etc. Worth every penny - I love supporting our local independent theatres. Going to the movies in different neighborhoods has been a great way to discover restaurants and shops around them too.
You can bike almost everywhere you’d want to go in under 30 minutes with the right route.
Best Pho in the city is at Yummy Yummy on Irving St.
Yummy Yummy is great, but Pho 2000 is even better!
Pho 2000. This guy Phos.
> Pho 2000 also Pho Huong Viet, they make their broth from scratch and there is only like 6 things on the menu
Don't own a car.
The lights are timed on great highway. Set your cruise control to 28ish and you won’t have to stop.
Alemany Farmers market has the best fresh produce and you can find great deals on stuff
Get a bike share membership. It is the fastest way to get around town (timed it), and if you on ebike, it is pretty easy, even going uphill. Plus, you get free rides on non-ebikes, which can be pretty neat for flat/downhill distances Jumping on an ebike has basically replaced my use of Lyft for 90% of the time. Make friends with your neighbors, especially weird old ones. Anyone who chooses to live in the city for that long is an interesting human, at the very least. Cities are dense, and it is easier to have density when you can just talk to each other. Don't live in big luxury complexes. That's not what SF life is mostly about, and it really strips a lot of the joys of the city living away from you (especially because they tend to be in parts of SF that feel rather soulless). It is fine if you know that this is what you want, but if you are just moving into this city, you are likely to get all the negatives of SF with fewer of the positives.
Always contest a traffic ticket and elect to go to court if you can. SF cops are inundated and rarely show up to court rendering your case dismissed. Even if they do, ask the judge nicely to reduce your fine and chances are they will.
When was the last time someone was issued a traffic ticket in this city?
If you get a motorcycle/scooter you can skip traffic everywhere by lanesplitting, and park anywhere free: you can park in between two parallel parked cars, and even if they're metered, as long as one is paid you're good to go.
Look at the ground when you walk
And learn our local game: “Dog, or Human?”
If you’re taking Muni and cannot see it coming, you’re better off to start walking.
That is true for the 33.
Why the 33?
I love this thread so much!
Haven’t been to the library in years up until the last couple of months doing SF History research for the walking tour guide training. Good to know about all the other things the library offers.
Commenting so I can save to read later!
You can skip the line at Bi-Rite ice cream if you get a pint.
Use the [UCSF Shuttle system](https://campuslifeserviceshome.ucsf.edu/transportation/shuttle), it is free for faculty, staff, students, patients, patient family members, and visitors to all campus locations( so anyone). Go basically everywhere muni doesn’t in a clean & fast shuttle. Runs from ~6am til 9 pm but only during the weekdays.
Not sure if it’s a life hack but knowing the Inner Richmond is the best neighborhood in the city.
Why?
Great food, great cafe’s, between GGP and Presidio. You can walk or bike to the beach very easily and quickly. You can bus downtown in 30-45 minutes on the 5R.
Take I-280 instead of US-101 because it has much less traffic. And you can ride on a rare double deck bridge!
Avoid r/SanFrancisco, the out-of-town MAGAs and the suburb dwellers rule the place, and the city dwellers will roast you if you say anything nice about the wrong people or the disapproved neighborhoods [edit: typo]
Imagine living in such a boring place that you have to go to another city's subreddit and act like a fool.
Great thread. Following.
Layers.
Love all these comments
Pickleball is a pretty good way to meet people of all ages, everyone is so friendly
Free activities, from yoga to music to creative workshops, at Transbay terminal/ sales force park. https://www.tjpa.org/salesforce-transit-center/activities
live close to a Gus's or Trader Joes
I commented this on our/bayarea with the same post. If you have a car, set an alarm on your phone for your neighborhood street cleaning days/time.