Travel Like a Local: San Francisco's Best Kept Secrets

TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL SAN FRANCISCO'S BEST-KEPT SECRETS San Francisco is arguably one of the best cities in California, but it's also home to much more than the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. So ditch the typical tourist traps and check out the hot spots locals love. THE BAY'S BEST BITES SLEEPLESS IN SAN FRAN San Francisco is a city defined by its culinary diversity. Whether you are in the mood for fish, Chinese, sushi, or Italian, San Francisco is blazing the trail in culinary style. Dubbed one of the best drinking towns in the United States by Anthony Bourdain, San Francisco is a city that comes alive after hours. TORONADO MAMA'S ON WASHINGTON SQUARE LOCATION: WASHIN LOCATION: LOWER HAIGHT YELP RATING: **** YELP RATING: Toronado has the best beer selection in SF, Start your day off at Mama's for a nice breakfast or brunch. Try the Monte Cristo-it's a classic. hands down. With over 45 beers on tap, it's a classic dive bar in every sense of the word. SWAN OYSTER DEPOT COMSTOCK SALOON LOCATION: LOCATION: COLUMBUS AVE YELP RATING: **** YELP RATING: Being by the bay means access to quality ish. Clam chowder, crab salad, and, of course, oysters are the This spot is more of a lounge than a bar, but its great atmosphere is Prohibition Era-inspired. A must-see on your trip to SF. favorite at this local spot. Great lunch stop. LI PO LOCATION: CHINATOWN YELP RATING:**** GARY DANKO LOCATION: This cash-only bar in the middle of Chinatown is famous for its more-than-generous Mai Tai pours. YELP RATING: One of the more formal and classy establishments in San Fran, Gary Danko may set you back a few bucks, but the quality of the food and service is second to none. BOURBON & BRANCH LOCATION: CIVIC CENTER BI-RITE CREAMERY & BAKESHOP YELP RATING: **** Known as one of the classiest bars in SF, the dimly lit Bourbon & Branch is known as a speakeasy, hearkening back to Prohibition. Make a reservation if you want a seat at the main bar, or just go to the "Library" and use the password "books" for a quick but classy libation. LOCATION: YELP RATING: Open late, Bi-Rite Creamery is one of the best ice cream stops you will ever hit, anywhere. SAN FRANCISCO GET WHERE YOU'RE GOING IN THE GOLDEN CITY THE TECH-FRIENDLY TRAVELER Public parking can be rather frustrating, so here are some alternatives that will help you navigate through the city. Here are 10 apps that will help you travel like a local, no matter what city you may be visiting. Foodict Gourmet Tourism Commis- sions and Breaus (various apps) Local Eats Food Dictionary Spotted by Locals HearPlanet: Audio Road Ninja Guide to the World TAXICABS BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT CABLE CAR Most frequently used by Known as BART by locals, it costs less than a cab and Cable cars are not just a tourist Currency World Customs & tourists, cabs can be pricier than other modes of transportation. provides access all over the bay, even into Oakland. activity, locals actually use it You can buy a pass for the whole day for just over $10. Cultures Traveler Wi-FI Finder SOURCES: YELP.COM|TRAVEL CHANNEL BLOG|BART.GOV|FORBES g Marriott