Haight Street in San Francisco- iconic and well known, primarily for Haight-Ashbury, both the backdrop and star of the Summer of Love in the 1960’s. Drifters, hippies, runaways and hipsters alike gravitating towards the neighborhood ever since, for nostalgia sake, the crowd, the unique shops… the overall scene.

At the other end of Haight Street, closer to the City Center, a lesser known, more chill, yet equally cool vibe awaits. 

Lower Haight is one of my favorite parts of San Francisco. It’s a real neighborhood, complete with neighbors chatting on the street, sidewalk cafes, colorful Victorians and bright murals. 

I grew up here, spending time at my aunt’s house.  Playing outside, walking to the Safeway at Church and Market, riding the bus downtown with Tia and eating frozen yogurt at the Embarcadero. Lower Haight feels like the true heart of the City. 

Walking is a great way to get to know a neighborhood.  Wandering from one block to the next, in and out of shops, grabbing snacks (and maybe a cocktail) along the way- moving at your own pace and indulging in spontaneous moments. The beautiful, tree-lined streets of Lower Haight are perfect for an afternoon stroll. Take your time and enjoy wandering!

If you’re in town, I invite you to take a slow stroll through and introduce yourself to Lower Haight. I have no doubt you’ll find some gems along the way. Here are some of my favorites to get you started!

Perfect Bites

Breakfast at Kate’s Kitchen

With seasonal treats like pumpkin French toast and a cozy vibe, Kate’s Kitchen is a great option for breakfast or brunch on Haight Street.

Lunch at Two Jacks

Two Jacks has been a neighborhood institution my entire life. When I was a kid, I liked the cartoon fish that was painted on the exterior of the building. Stop in for some fried catfish or snapper as you get to know Haight Street.

Happy Hour at Uva Enoteca

Grab a glass of wine and Margherita pizza at Uva Enoteca. This cozy Italian wine bar has a great happy hour menu- and it’s even available on weekends!

Dinner & Drinks at Maven

Maven is a good option for a cute date or meeting friends for drinks. The Maven burger is one of my favorite perfect bites in the neighborhood.

Eclectic Finds

Groove Merchant Records

A DJ friend of mine makes regular trips to Lower Haight from Oakland, just to go to Groove Merchant Records. Whether you are a DJ or not, this is a fun stop on your tour of the neighborhood. Travel back in time. Flip through the crates, appreciate the vintage moment that is vinyl and reminisce. Or discover records for the first time, if your first musical memories were of CDs… or iPods.

Upper Playground

If you love a good graphic tee (like I do), or you want some Cali-centric souvenirs, Upper Playground delivers. From local Bay Area artists to international pieces from Japan, this shop is as colorful as the neighborhood it calls home.

People (and dog) Watching

Cafe Du Soleil

On a sunny day, Cafe Du Soleil is a neighborhood gathering place; the sidewalk cafe bustling with activity. Grab a table outside and enjoy a fresh croissant with your coffee.

Duboce Park

Stretched across a rolling hill, often blanketed with sunshine- Duboce Park is a popular neighborhood spot. If you like dogs, you’ll meet all the locals here. If you aren’t a fan of dogs (or are scared of them), you may want to skip this stop!

A Moment of Zen

Zen Day Spa

Stop by and visit Tracy and her team at Zen Day Spa for some pampering while you’re in the neighborhood. Whether you’re in need of a mani/pedi or a massage, Zen is a great spot to relax and rejuvenate.

Love & Haight

As I take walks around what was my aunt’s neighborhood and is now my own, I don’t take for granted what a special place it was then, and continues to be now.  In a time when housing prices soar and many San Francisco neighborhoods feel the squeeze of gentrification, I hang onto Lower Haight- my home, steeped in culture. The attitude- funky and original. The real San Francisco. 

People come and many have gone but taking a slow walk through this neighborhood, I can still feel the familiar, effortlessly cool vibe of the place I grew up. 

I hope you find inspiration in the most recent installment of the One Day in San Francisco series. Haight Street awaits you, get out and explore!