Sacred Grounds is aptly named. Not only has it been an established cafe for decades, it boasts the longest running open-mic night, with the tradition starting back in 1972. The place really is funky. Proudly featuring the most mismatched decor, the whole cafe itself is a dark, almost underground room adding to the whole poetic mystique that has come to surround this place.
As for the food, it's all quite good and the couple running the place are very friendly and open to conversation. They offer everything from pastries to full breakfasts to deli sandwiches with plenty of eclectic options in between.
The real draw to this place though, and the feature which puts it on the map, is its weekly poetry nights. I've only stopped in for a handful, but it's an admirable tradition that they've maintained for so long. Anyone is welcome to watch or participate; it's a friendly space and everyone watching is supportive and respectful.
I've pretty much grown up on Sacred Grounds, having lived my entire life right down the street. While the neighborhood has undergone substantial change in just about every way, Sacred Grounds Coffee has remained as a constant and shows no signs of changing anytime soon.
Hayes Street 2095
Sandwich:
US$
10
4153873859
Find your way with 158 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
When I can hear the sound of spare coins jingling, I get an itch for a real pinball fix and head to the Haight and Free Gold Watch in San Francisco...
by
When I want to know if the fog is coming in under the GG bridge in SF, I walk over to the public deck at UCSF's Helen Diller Medical Center...
by
When I am in Golden Gate Park in SF, I almost always stop for a few minutes at the 6th avenue skate park to watch the skaters dance to the music...
by
I love coming to the Golden Gate Parks Golf Course in SF in the morning, where it's almost 100% guaranteed to be foggy...
by
The SF Columbarium is one of the only cemeteries within San Francisco city limits. Pair a diorama with a dash of biography & you have me hooked...
by
"Green Apple Books" in San Francisco is one of my favorite places to get lost for an afternoon. Unmatched levels of discovery await...
by
"Zazie" in SF is my perfect local French bistro, whether I'm up at 8 am, peckish at lunch or in the mood for the greatest pork chop in town...
by
"The Turrell Skyspace" in San Francisco is a hidden oculus buried underground that provides a moment of either meditation or social overload...
by
"Ushi Taro" is a tiny ramen house that specializes in beef ramen. A personal favorite is their spicy tomato beef ramen that never fails to warm my core...
by
"Ferry Plaza Wine" in the San Francisco Ferry building is, perhaps surprisingly, one of the best wine bars in the Bay Area...
by
The "Corbin Steps" represent everything delightful & quirky about San Francisco. It's an art project composed of fantasy creatures built of found objects!
by
158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 158 Insider Tips