Room after room of new and used books built in an old two-story house, Green Apple Books is one of my favorite places to get lost for an afternoon. While they have a second store located south of the Golden Gate Park on 9th Ave, their Clement street store is the original home base.
Great local bookstores are an endangered species, and to survive, they need to be the best of the breed, and that is Green Apple. Their staff recos are legendary, with hundreds of review cards all throughout the store to help find what you didn't know you wanted. Because they sell both new and used books, they maintain a critically quirky inventory which delivers what I most need in a bookstore: discovery.
I can go in looking for a cookbook by Marcella Hazan and emerge 3 hours later with a said Italian cookery tome, plus a biography of Cardinal Richelieu, which has been out of print for 20 years, a remaindered copy of a Michael Ondaatje novel I missed, a guide to Julia Morgan homes in the Bay Area, and some note cards which I always need. Match that level of discovery Amazon - I dare you.
Find your way with 157 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The Crepevine is a family-owned crêpery in the Inner Sunset that is just what the doctor ordered. Grab a great breakfast at a reasonable price & hang out.
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"Foggy Notion" in San Francisco is a small woman-owned shop that's a calming oasis. Find your favorite ceramics, eco-friendly home goods, candles & more!
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Right in the shadow of the TransAmerica Pyramid, Maison Nico is a must stop for me when I am downtown and need either a perfect pastry or want to bring something home that is special.
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The name of the business, for once, is no lie, it is pretty dang fine. A personal favorite is the Pig in the Woods: pancetta, enoki, garlic, fresh mozzarella, and truffle.
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"Pier Market" in San Francisco's Pier 39 specializes in mesquite-grilled seafood. You should try the Mixed Grill and the lobster with drawn butter...
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"Blazing Saddles" is the most extensive bike rental establishment in San Francisco. Are YOU ready to bike the bridge? If so, you should come here...
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"Hole in the Wall Coffee" in San Francisco is in the beautiful neighborhood of Telegraph Hill/North Beach. Its name says it all, really...
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"Sightglass Coffee" was one of the first coffee shops I visited in SF and remains one of my favorites. It's a neighborhood spot for friends to connect...
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"Fog Harbor" Fish House in San Francisco's Pier 39 is a total winner: the food is incredible, the people are friendly and it won't break your wallet!
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Whatever your favorite restaurant in San Francisco might be, it's about to become your second-favorite after Senegalese restaurant "Little Baobab"...
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157 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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