Polk Street, San Francisco - A street in a city with tall buildings.
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Polk Street San Francisco

4.6
·491k reviews·San Francisco, United States

A vibrant San Francisco street brimming with acclaimed restaurants, unique bars, and eclectic vintage shops.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
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Polk Street, San Francisco - A street in a city with tall buildings.

Polk Street San Francisco

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant San Francisco street brimming with acclaimed restaurants, unique bars, and eclectic vintage shops.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Polk Street has some of the city's best food and lively cocktail lounges."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Dive Bar Hopping

Explore chill spots like Hi-Lo, Jackalope (BOGO happy hour!), and The Cinch for a local feel. :beer:

🍸 Craft Cocktail Quest

Sip on unique drinks at Trade Routes or enjoy wine at Amelie. :cocktail:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Swan Oyster Depot

Swan Oyster Depot

1717 Polk St

A legendary seafood institution serving the freshest oysters and crab. Expect a line, but it's worth the wait!

Vintage Shopping on Polk

Vintage Shopping on Polk

Various locations along Polk Street

Hunt for unique fashion finds at Moody Goose Vintage, ReLove, and Cris Consignment. A treasure trove for thrift lovers!

Aesthetic Brunch at Son and Garden

Aesthetic Brunch at Son and Garden

200 Polk St

Indulge in beautifully presented and delicious dishes in a floral-themed setting. Perfect for photos!

Craft Cocktails at Trade Routes

Craft Cocktails at Trade Routes

1080 Polk St

Experience expertly crafted cocktails in a unique, globally inspired bar. A must-visit for drink enthusiasts.

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Polk Street's Vibe

Polk Street offers a dynamic mix of dining, shopping, and nightlife. While lively, it can get crowded, especially on weekends. Consider visiting on weekdays for a more relaxed experience. Many spots are walkable, but be prepared for San Francisco's hills!

Discovering Polk Street's Gems

From vintage shops to acclaimed eateries and unique bars, Polk Street has something for everyone. Plan your visit around specific interests, whether it's finding a rare vintage piece or enjoying a craft cocktail. Check opening hours, as some places have specific service times.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, peak shopping
Crowd
High
When
Happy Hour (5-7 PM)
Why
Great deals at bars like Jackalope
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We LOVEEEE Nob Hill 🥰 Located @ 1224 Taylor St.📍 Open lighting and amazing accessibility to almost everything 🤩 🩷8 minutes to Polk St. 🩷2 blocks from Grace Cathedral 🩷Accessible MUNI hub 🚌 🩷4 blocks from CVS 🩷4 blocks from Trader Joe’s Details : 🛏️ 1 Bed ~ 🛁 1 Bath 💰 Rent $2,500 ~ 🗓️ Lease 12 months 🐕 Pets considered ~ 🚗 Street parking DM for inquiries 🫶 #seemarlenalease #sanfranciscobay #sfl...
@seemarlenalease
25.2K likes • 200.3K views

🎯 Dive Bar Hopping

Explore chill spots like Hi-Lo, Jackalope (BOGO happy hour!), and The Cinch for a local feel. :beer:

🍸 Craft Cocktail Quest

Sip on unique drinks at Trade Routes or enjoy wine at Amelie. :cocktail:

The Box SF will always be the truest San Francisco hidden gem to me 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼 this rare ephemera and vintage store is located in SoMa, and it’s styled like an 1850s mercantile. You can shop for posters, artwork, furniture, homeware and more and absolutely everything is for sale. I’m trying to support San Francisco small businesses to is holiday season, and you could find great gifts for your vintage...
@citygirlcreative
19.5K likes • 223.7K views
According to my marketing director Tara, this is the best salad in San Francisco 🥗 Blue Barn’s Polk Street location is walking distance from our Compass office, so she loves grabbing it and enjoying it in the office. Her personal favorite? The tostada! What’s yours? @bluebarnsf #worklunch #officelunch #bluebarn #sfeats #bayareaeats #salad
jasonhoffmansf
0 likes • 2.1K views

🛍️ Vintage Treasure Hunt

Discover unique fashion at Moody Goose, ReLove, and Cris Consignment. :handbag:

📸 Insta-Worthy Eats

Son and Garden offers stunning brunch, and Blue Barn serves delicious salads. :camerawithflash:

Polk Street has some of the city’s best food and lively cocktail lounges, here’s just a few of our favorites: @decodancesf Amelie SF @dunyabistro @commonsage.sf @swanoysterdepotsf . . . . . . #nobhill #nobhillsf #sanfrancisco #sf #sfneighborhood #apartmenthunting #apartmentdecor #yournewapartment #apartmentliving #sfrentals #sfapartmentsearch #rentsfnow #russianhill #marinasf #goldengatebridg...
rentsfnow
35 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Dive Bar Hopping

Explore chill spots like Hi-Lo, Jackalope (BOGO happy hour!), and The Cinch for a local feel. :beer:

🍸 Craft Cocktail Quest

Sip on unique drinks at Trade Routes or enjoy wine at Amelie. :cocktail:

🛍️ Vintage Treasure Hunt

Discover unique fashion at Moody Goose, ReLove, and Cris Consignment. :handbag:

📸 Insta-Worthy Eats

Son and Garden offers stunning brunch, and Blue Barn serves delicious salads. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Walkable & Hilly

Polk Street is great for walking, but be ready for San Francisco's inclines. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Polk Street is celebrated for its vibrant culinary scene, offering everything from legendary seafood to trendy brunch spots and innovative cocktail bars. Visitors love the diverse dining options and the lively atmosphere, especially for nightlife and shopping. However, some find parking challenging and the street can get quite crowded on weekends.

What People Like

Diverse dining options
Lively nightlife
Unique vintage shops

What People Dislike

Difficult parking
Weekend crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Polk Street is accessible via several Muni bus lines, including the 1, 19, 21, 27, 31, 38, and 49. It's also a short walk from the California Street cable car line.TikTok Parking can be challenging, so public transport or ride-sharing is often recommended.

Yes, Polk Street is very walkable and is a great way to explore its many shops and restaurants. Be prepared for some of San Francisco's famous hills, though! :athletic_shoe:

Polk Street runs through Nob Hill and Russian Hill, offering easy access to these vibrant San Francisco neighborhoods.Instagram

Street parking is available but can be difficult to find and is often metered. There are also several parking garages in the vicinity, though they can be pricey.

Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and a convenient way to reach Polk Street, especially if you're coming from further out.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Polk Street itself is a public thoroughfare, so no tickets are required to walk around. However, individual establishments like bars, restaurants, and some shops may have their own entry requirements or cover charges, especially for evening events.Instagram

Hours vary greatly by establishment. Restaurants generally open for lunch and dinner, while bars often stay open late. Many shops operate from late morning to early evening. It's best to check the specific hours for any place you plan to visit.

Cover charges are typically associated with bars and clubs, especially for live music or DJ events on weekend nights.Instagram Many restaurants and cafes do not have cover charges.

For popular restaurants like Swan Oyster Depot, reservations are not accepted, and walk-ins are the norm (expect a wait!). For others, like Fiorella or Sorrella, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner or weekend brunch.TikTok

Window shopping, people-watching, and exploring the diverse street art are all free activities. Many bars also offer happy hour specials that can be a budget-friendly way to experience the nightlife.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Swan Oyster Depot is a legendary seafood spot.Instagram For Italian, try Fiorella or Sorrella.TikTok Blue Barn is known for its salads,Instagram and Son and Garden offers a beautiful brunch experience.Instagram

Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, and some are increasingly catering to vegan diets. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask your server about specific vegan choices.

Polk Street boasts a diverse culinary scene, including Italian, seafood, Thai (Ben Thai Cafe), American, and more. You'll find everything from casual cafes to upscale dining.

Saint Frank Coffee is a popular choice for coffee lovers, offering a great spot for a casual date or a morning pick-me-up.TikTok

For cocktails, check out Trade Routes Bar Instagram or Harper and Rye.TikTok Amelie Wine Bar is great for wine enthusiasts,TikTokReddit and dive bar fans can explore Jackalope or The Cinch.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The iconic California Street cable car offers a classic San Francisco photo opportunity.TikTok The floral decor at Son and Garden is also incredibly photogenic.Instagram

Head to the intersection of California Street with Powell or Stockton. Be patient, as cable cars run about every 14 minutes. Stand in the center of the right lane for the best angle.TikTok

The Crunch Fitness gym, located in an old movie theater, offers a unique backdrop for photos, especially if you're interested in fitness or retro aesthetics.Instagram

Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for street photography. Mid-day can be bright, but also good for capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the shops and cafes.

Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking extensive photos inside private establishments, especially if it might disrupt other patrons.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Polk Street is more known for its dining and nightlife, families can find enjoyable experiences. Son and Garden offers a visually stimulating and kid-friendly brunch environment with its whimsical decor.Instagram For a unique treat, consider exploring some of the bakeries or ice cream shops in the area. The novelty of riding a cable car nearby can also be a hit with children.TikTok Keep in mind that some of the bars and late-night venues might not be suitable for younger visitors.

💰 Budget Travelers

Polk Street offers several ways to enjoy San Francisco on a budget. Look for happy hour deals at bars like Jackalope, which offers BOGO on liquor.Reddit Exploring the vintage clothing stores like Moody Goose Vintage or Cris Consignment can yield unique finds at affordable prices.Instagram For dining, consider casual eateries like Toast or grabbing a delicious and reasonably priced salad from Blue Barn.Instagram Public transportation is also a cost-effective way to get around the city.

🥂 Couples and Date Nights

Polk Street is a fantastic destination for date nights. Sorrella and Fiorella offer romantic Italian dining experiences,TikTok while Amelie Wine Bar provides a cozy ambiance for wine lovers.TikTokReddit For craft cocktail enthusiasts, Trade Routes Bar is a must-visit.Instagram Consider a picturesque brunch at Son and Garden Instagram or a relaxed coffee date at Saint Frank Coffee.TikTok The variety of bars, from chic lounges to charming dive bars, ensures a perfect spot for any couple.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Polk Street's Culinary Scene

Polk Street is a foodie paradise, renowned for its diverse and high-quality dining options. From the legendary Swan Oyster Depot, a no-frills institution serving the freshest seafood imaginable, to the vibrant Italian eateries like Fiorella and Sorrella, there's a taste for every palate.TikTok For a visually stunning and delicious brunch, Son and Garden offers an 'aesthetic' experience with its floral decor and creative dishes.Instagram Don't miss Blue Barn for their highly-rated salads, a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying lunch.Instagram

Beyond the well-known spots, Polk Street is dotted with hidden gems. Explore authentic Thai cuisine at Ben Thai Cafe or enjoy a casual meal at Toast.TikTok The street also caters to those seeking unique bar experiences. Trade Routes Bar is celebrated for its inventive cocktails,Instagram while Amelie Wine Bar provides a cozy atmosphere for wine lovers.Reddit For a more laid-back vibe, dive bars like Jackalope and The Cinch offer local charm and happy hour deals.Reddit

Shopping and Nightlife on Polk Street

Polk Street is a fantastic destination for shoppers, particularly those with an eye for vintage and unique finds. Stores like Moody Goose Vintage, ReLove, and Cris Consignment offer a curated selection of pre-loved clothing and accessories, making it a prime spot for thrift shopping.Instagram This makes Polk Street a go-to for sustainable fashion enthusiasts looking for one-of-a-kind pieces.

As the sun sets, Polk Street transforms into a lively hub for nightlife. The street is known for its array of bars and lounges, catering to various tastes. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated cocktail at Trade Routes Instagram or a casual beer at a dive bar like Jackalope,Reddit there's an option for everyone. For those seeking a more energetic evening, venues like Providence host Hip-Hop & R&B nights, offering a taste of San Francisco's club scene.Instagram The area also features unique spots like Decodance, a bar with a retro vibe.Instagram

Capturing San Francisco's Charm on Polk Street

Polk Street offers several iconic photographic opportunities that capture the essence of San Francisco. The most famous is undoubtedly the California Street cable car. For the perfect shot, head to the intersection of California Street with Powell or Stockton. Be patient, as the cable cars run approximately every 14 minutes. Standing in the center of the right lane can yield a dramatic photo, but always be mindful of traffic and safety.TikTok

Beyond the cable cars, the street itself provides a vibrant backdrop. The floral-themed interior of Son and Garden is a visual delight, perfect for capturing the 'aesthetic' side of San Francisco dining.Instagram Even everyday spots can offer unique perspectives; Crunch Fitness, housed in an old movie theater, presents an unusual and photogenic setting.Instagram For those interested in street photography, the diverse architecture, bustling shops, and lively people-watching make Polk Street a dynamic canvas.

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