San Francisco - Potrero Hill Guest Apartment

Welcome to Potrero Hill

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Potrero Hill is a friendly neighborhood community in San Francisco. Even though it might not seem like there's much going on, you'll be surprised to find some very popular cafes, bars, and restaurants located on Potrero Hill. Close to downtown with easy transit connections to the airport, peninsula and silicon valley.

TRANSIT

Caltrain - 22nd Street station: Just one block away this train travels from downtown San Francisco to downtown San Jose. It stops at towns along the peninsula and is a major form of commuter transportation for Silicon Valley. Caltrain website

Interstate 280: Interstate 280, or at least the segment between Cupertino and Daly City, has been called the "World's Most Beautiful Freeway" and there is a sign stating this in Daly City. Drivers along this portion of Interstate 280 are treated to scenic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and San Francisco Bay to the east, and are isolated by hills from the cities to the east. Through much of this segment, the freeway is actually running just inside the eastern rim of the canyon of the San Andreas Fault. A particularly attractive six mile (ten kilometer) stretch of the freeway from Hillsborough to Belmont provides a beautiful look at Crystal Springs Reservoir, formed by water piped hundreds of miles from Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park, filling the bottom of the fault canyon.

Highway 101: running north-south through the state it is also known as El Camino Real (The Royal Road), where its route along the southern and central California coast approximates the old trail which linked the Spanish missions, pueblos and presidios. It merges at some points with State Route 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway.

The T-Third tram line: San Francisco's brand new tram line, service began in April 2007, is just blocks from the apartment. This tram will take you to SOMA, Downtown and elsewhere. The T-Third runs from the Castro, down Market to the Ferry Building, along the Embarcadero past AT&T Park along 3rd Street, through the Potrero Hill area and past Monster Park to Sunnydale Avenue. SF MTA website

DINING

Eliza's: This Chinese restauraunt, accented with Matisse-ish paintings and stained wood, serves yummy california influenced hunan and schezuan dishes. 1457 18th St. (between Connecticut and Missouri streets), (415) 648-9999.

Farley's: Ground zero for Potrero Hill socializing, Farley's has served potent coffee and pastries for the last 20 years. They have an extensive magazine rack, or sit at a table and play a board game or browse one of the many sketchbooks left by various artists. Poetry readings and live music are sometimes showcased in the evenings. 1315 18th St. (between Missouri and Texas streets), (415) 648-1545.

Ganim's Market and Deli: This tiny café has served burgers and fish-and-chips to Potrero Hill denizens since 1975. 1135 18th St. (at Mississippi Street), (415) 282-9289.

Goat Hill Pizza: Monday night is "neighborhood night" at this pizza joint. For only $8.95 you get all the pizza and salad you can eat. Happy locals crowd in and watch the sun set over fabulous city views. Patient servers stream out of the kitchen carrying trays of thinly sliced pizza with sourdough crusts and a variety of toppings. (Web site) 300 Connecticut St. (at 18th Street), (415) 641-1440.

Just for You Cafe: A neighborhood favorite, Just for You is beloved for its big breakfasts, egg dishes, and fantastic breads. In fact, they make all the baked goods on the premesis, including the huge beignets, fried to order and served with a simple dusting of powdered sugar & They are especially devoted to their pancakes here, offering buckwheat, oatmeal, cornmeal, and buttermilk. The portions are generous and the prices good. (Web site) 732 22nd St., (415) 647-3033.

Moshi Moshi Sushi & Grill: Located on the same corner for more than 20 years, this low-key joint stands out for its reasonable prices, consistently fresh fish and friendly vibe. Regulars head to the no-frills dining room peppered with local artists' work to munch rolls with names like Geisha and Hip-Hop and chat over noodle soups, donburi, teriyaki dishes and platters of lightly breaded seafood. Ample parking makes this an easy takeout option as well. 2092 Third St. (at 18th Street), (415) 861-8285.

Thinker's Cafe: In addition to the typical coffee/pastry offerings they have a full menu of breakfast and lunch offerings...a soup of the day, hummus plates, 8 different salads, a half dozen different sandwiches, wraps, breakfast croissants, oatmeal, etc. Each afternoon they have "Thinkin' Hour" from 3 til close: half price Fat Tire & Sangria and Scrabble boards set up. Fun way to spend a summer afternoon.1631 20th St, (between Arkansas St & Connecticut St)
(415) 285-8294, Hours:Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Sat-Sun 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Lingba Restaurant & Lounge: Located at the top of Potrero Hill, this groovy restaurant and lounge feels like a tropical oasis in the city. Executive Chef Ann Thephakay blends the freshest local ingredients with traditional spices to create delicious, contemporary Thai cuisine. Lingba also features unique tropical cocktails and nightly DJs, to a backdrop of palm trees and hanging plants. 1469 18th St. (at Connecticut Street), (415) 826-3611. (Web site)

Aperto: Aperto is a small neighborhood Italian restaurant in the heart of Potrero Hill in San Francisco, dedicated to serving the best seasonal, local and organic products available. Serves lunch weekdays, dinner seven days, brunch weekends. 1434 18th St. (at Connecticut Street), (415) 252-1625. (Menu)

Baraka: A switch to large plates has proved successful for this Moroccan-Spanish restaurant, named a Chronicle Top 100 in 2003. Grilled prawns, foie gras "au torchon" and lamb tartare are unforgettable, and the grilled steak is one of the best around. If the main restaurant is full or if you want to host a private party, the 20-seat lounge (with a separate entrance around the corner on 18th Street) is done in Baraka's same Moroccan-inspired colors and features the full restaurant menu, yet has a speakeasy charm. 288 Connecticut St. (at 18th Street), (415) 255-0370. (Review)

Chez Maman: Chez Maman is renowned for its hamburgers and crepes, the menu is so diverse that as a wannabe regular, I wouldn't be able to choose a "usual." The food is rustic and fresh--like mom's cooking (if your mom were a classically stylish French phenom who also happened to whip up tasty meals). 1453 18th St., San Francisco, CA 94107 415-824-7166

Chez Papa: This small, lightly industrial space packs 38 diners, a few bar patrons, and about a dozen al fresco foodies for lunch and dinner every day. Hip to Chez Papa's buzz, citoyens travel citywide for French Provencal cuisine like lamb daube, beef tartar, and tart Tatin. 1404 18th St., San Francisco, CA 94107 415-824-8210

Anchor Steam Brewery: OK, so its not a restarant and you can't eat there but you can take a free tour on Fridays (book ahead) and try what I think is the best beer in the West. Anchor Brewing website

Bistro 350: The California Culinary Academy's newest student-run restaurant, Bistro 350 has a seasonal menu of French bistro fare. Entrees include seafood and pasta specials that change daily, and desserts change daily. The large, contemporary space holds upward of 175 patrons. (-SF Chronicle/SF Gate) 350 Rhode Island (at 16th Street), (415) 216-4329.

Chatz Coffee: This shop has great rich smoothies (lots of coconut and banana) and wonderful coffee. 301 Arkansas St. (at 18th Street), (415) 206-0300.

Cup of Blues: This pleasant java joint, which also serves scones, muffins, bagels, coffee and chai, is conveniently close to the 22nd Street Caltrain station. 900 22nd St. (at Minnesota Street), (415) 826-7045.

Dos Piñas: Although Dos Piñas looks like just another wrap/juice joint -- and though it does make both -- it's known for excellent tacos and burritos. Also, breakfast is served until 10:30 am. 251 Rhode Island St. (at 16th Street), (415) 252-8220.

Hazel's Kitchen: There's no room to sit here, but it's worth standing for the sandwiches. Besides, you can take them to Farley's to eat. Honest. 1331 18th St. (betweeb Missouri and Texas streets), (415) 647-7941.

The Ramp: The place for indoor and outdoor dining and drinking on the waterfront, with sweeping views of the Bay. 855 China Basin St. (between Mariposa and Illinois streets), (415) 621-2378.

Parkside: Tiki is the theme of an indoor-outdoor live music space in the back, complete with pingpong. Sidle up to a picnic table and enjoy grub like a carnitas platter, burgers (both veggie and meat) and garlic fries. (SF Chronicle/SF Gate) 1600 17th St. (at Wisconsin), (415) 503-0393.

Sally's: Some of the hardest-working line cooks make some of the City's fluffiest omelettes in this packed breakfast joint. Good luck getting an outside table on weekends. 300 De Haro St. (at 16th Street), (415) 626-6006.

San Francisco Thai Barbeque: Here's some good, cheap Thai barbecue -- with, since this is San Francisco, a wine list. 1328 18th St. (between Texas and Missouri streets), (415) 431-8956.

SHOPPING

The Good Life Grocery: Good Life Grocery is the hill's gourmet grocery, with great bread, cheeses, meats and organic produce. Not only does it serve the locals but caters well to visitors and is just four blocks from the guest apartment. 1524 20th Street

Arch: This graphic-design and drafting-supplies mothership also carries a variety of gifts, papers and envelopes. 99 Missouri St. (at 17th Street), (415) 433-2724. (Web site)

Christopher's Books: In keeping with Potrero Hill's family friendliness, proprietor Tee Minot stocks a large kids' section and all your favorite grown-up books, too. 1400 18th St. (at Missouri Street), (415) 255-8802.

Collage: This shop carries locally produced art and artistically unique fixtures for the home. 1345 18th St. (between Missouri and Texas streets), (415) 282-4401.

Delirious: Proprietor Amy Boe wants to make your feet look good, so come to Potrero Hill's newest (and only) shoe shop. 317 Connecticut St. (at 18th Street), (415) 641-4086. (Web site)

Potrero Hill Healing Arts: Chiropractor Ann Brinkley and a host of holistic therapists work out patients' kinks through chiropractic, massage and other techniques. 1317 18th St. (between Missouri and Texas streets), (415) 282-2574.

Potrero Mail 'N More: This is the place for one-stop shopping for packing, shipping, office supplies and gifts. 1459 18th St. (between Connecticut and Missouri streets), (415) 826-8757.

Pinkies Nail Salon:This is the place for skin care, plus manicures, pedicures and facials. 1447 & 1501 20th Street San Francisco, CA 94107 415.401.6264 (Web site)

The Total You: This is another place for skin care, plus manicures, pedicures and facials. 1419 18th St. (between Connecticut and Missouri streets), (415) 641-1251.

NIGHTLIFE

Bloom's Saloon: You'll find excellent views of downtown in a roomy, pleasantly threadbare bar where the patrons take their Giants baseball and their 49ers football seriously. 1318 18th St. (between Missouri and Texas streets), (415) 861-9467.

Bottom of the Hill: Chosen by Rolling Stone magazine (RS 813) as "the best place to hear live music in San Francisco," the Bottom of the Hill presents some of the finest original artists, seven nights a week. Featuring up and coming acts from around the globe as well as in our own backyard, the music spans the spectrum from alternative, rock-a-billy, punk, and hard rock, to folk and funk and pop. 1233 17th St. (between Texas and Missouri streets), (415) 621-4455.
Show calendar

Metronome Ballroom: The Metronome hosts up to 50 group dance lessons a week, plus dance classes Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Salsa, ballroom, Latin -- you can learn 'em all, or even learn to teach them to others. 1830 17th St. (at De Haro Street), (415) 252-9000. (Web site)

Cafe Cocomo: This club features varied dance nights with both DJs and live music in a cavernous tropical setting, and there's a full bar. 650 Indiana St. (between Mariposa and 18th streets), (415) 824-6910.

Connecticut Yankee: This comfy, sports-themed bar has indoor and outdoor seating, food that's a couple steps above pub grub and plenty of beers on tap. The Yankee -- headquarters for expatriate Red Sox fans -- is equally well suited to cold winter nights and sunny afternoons. 100 Connecticut St. (at 17th Street), (415) 552-4440.

Dogpatch Saloon: This old school bar has good beers on tap and live jazz jam sessions are featured weekly. 2496 Third St. (at 22nd Street), (415) 643-8952.