The South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood covers everything well, south of central Market Street, meaning that it technically encompasses Yerba Buena, Mission Bay, South Park, and more. While it might get a bad rap depending on who you’re talking to, it's an area packed with art, culture, bomb food, and nightlife, so let’s dive in!
Eat
Via Tropisueño
75 Yerba Buena Ln.
Can't make it to the Mission for your Mexican food fix? Say less, because Tropisueño serves as a taqueria by day and full-service restaurant by night to cater to all your cravings. As an added bonus, the patio is a tropical oasis in the heart of downtown.
500 Brannan St.
Whether you're grabbing lunch with coworkers, dinner with the fam, or some hearty grub before the Giants game, this is the spot to be. The Little Gem Salad, Brown Butter Brussel Sprouts, and classic Marlowe burger will all have you coming back for more.
Via The Cavalier
360 Jessie St.
The Cavalier might be London-inspired, but the food is a heck of a lot better than your run of the mill fish and chips. Enjoy dishes like Spiced Butter Roasted Cauliflower Steak and Herb Marinated Pork Chop in a space that feels like an upscale hunting lodge.
826 Folsom St.
When you order from Zero Zero, you can choose between flash-frozen pizzas ready for your oven at home, or freshly cooked pastas and pizzas fit for a hungry bunch. While you really can’t go wrong with pizza, we suggest the Geary, a creation all its own.
Via Mourad
Michelin Star Restaurants
All Over
Ultra-fine dining may not be what springs to mind when you think of SoMa, but there are in fact five Michelin star restaurants spread out across the neighborhood. For some of the best (and most expensive) food around, check out Benu, Birdsong, Californios, Mourad, Omakase, or Saison.
100 6th St.
For those that don’t mind braving the sidewalks of 6th Street, you’ll be rewarded with top-tier authentic Vietnamese fare at this hole in the wall. Their Bun Bo Hue is sure to warm you up on a foggy day, and their vermicelli noodle bowls hit just right every time.
Via Square Pie Guys
1077 Mission St.
If you’ve followed us for a minute, you may have noticed that Square Pie Guys is one of our faves. Freshly baked deep-dish pizzas that are fully customizable and perfectly sized so you don’t have to worry about sharing? They’re the best. *Chef’s kiss*
1058 Folsom St.
With a slogan like, “You can’t beat our meat,” you know they’re not messing around. Don’t let the steep price tags deter you from some of, if not the best sandwiches in the City. They’re only open for lunch, making them the perfect mid-workday pit stop.
Drink
Via Sightglass Coffee
270 7th St.
Among all the coffee shops in the area, Sightglass takes the (coffee) cake with their flagship store. Smell the freshly roasted beans, watch the baristas craft the perfect cup, and catch up with friends in the spacious cafe.
1415 Folsom St.
Founder Kinani Ahmed grew up in Ethiopia, so it’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about coffee. Their beans come from sustainable farms in Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil, and are roasted in house before they’re brewed into your a.m. drink of choice.
Via 25 Lusk
25 Lusk St.
We love a good rooftop bar, and Rooftop 25 is one of the best around. Kick back on a cool San Francisco evening and take in the view with a stiff drink in one hand and some wood-fired pizza in the other. It doesn’t get much better than that!
142 Minna St.
With an unusual take on the bottomless mimosa (we’re talking 14 different juice options) and a nightclub-for-brunch atmosphere, Pink Elephant Alibi Room is a one-of-a-kind experience. It stays busy, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Via Kona’s Street Market
32 3rd St.
Named after one of the cutest pooches around, Kona’s Street Market serves up creative cocktails inspired by night markets around the world. It’s a cozy space decked out with a multicolored marquee, plenty of cafe lights, and of course, top-tier refreshments.
1150 Howard St.
Cellarmaker’s SoMa taproom isn’t particularly spacious, but they make up for it by offering a variety of beers that change with the seasons. You’ll mostly find things like pale ales and IPAs, but they get more experimental at times, with options like hard seltzers and beer/wine hybrids.
Via The View
780 Mission St.
Ride straight to the top of the Marriott Marquis Hotel for stunning views of downtown (unless Karl has other ideas), craft cocktails, and small bites. Stop by after work and sip on a Fog City Collins, or bring your friends when they’re in town so you can show off the city.
431 Natoma St.
The drinks are cheap and the food game is strong. What more could you ask for from one of the city’s oldest dive bars? Roll up around 5 pm, and find yourself among a crowd of regulars waiting for their post-work boilermakers.
Do
Via District Six
428 11th St.
A large outdoor multi-use event space, there's something for everyone at this District Six. Check their site and follow them on social media for all kinds of events from Warriors watch parties to holiday festivals and more!
750 Howard St.
Trade the hustle and bustle of downtown for some peace in nature by laying in the grass, taking a walk underneath the waterfall, or sitting on the upper terrace to admire the city skyline. Take the kids across the street for some playground fun, carousel rides, bowling, and ice skating!
Via Barbary Coast
952 Mission St.
Catch a high at this luxe dispensary featuring a comfy smoke lounge and Dab Bar, which has a variety of lab-tested products and expert budtenders to answer all your questions about medical and recreational cannabis.
1015 Folsom St.
1015 is one of SF's most iconic nightclubs and music venues. Catch any sort of show here from EDM to hip hop, or stop by on Saturdays for your Latin music needs at Pura. With five rooms of music, there's plenty of space for everyone to dance.
Via SPIN
690 Folsom St. #100
Creative cocktails, delicious eats, and plenty of ping pong make for a fun time any day of the week. You can pop in for happy hour, celebrate your birthday, or join in on some friendly competition. Don't forget to snap a photo in their Instagram-worthy bathtub of balls.
1000 Howard St.
As their name suggests, this gallery focuses on freedom of speech through urban art and art education. If that sounds like something you could get behind, come through to check out their current exhibitions and support local and international talent.
Via MoAD
685 Mission St.
Celebrate Black culture through contemporary art while learning about the African Diaspora through the expressions of Origin, Movement, Adaptation, and Transformation. Also, check out the Contemporary Jewish Museum for more cultural art and history.
151 3rd St.
Take a stroll through the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art for creative inspiration, a day date, or an educational trip with the family. You’ll see classics from the likes of Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol, in addition to changing exhibitions.
Support
Via Clarion Alley Mural Project
Various Locations
The South of Market is also home to SoMa Pilipinas, SF's very own Filipino cultural district. Check out the full map of Filipino restaurants, community landmarks & organizations, and cultural events open to all here to learn more about the rich history and heritage in the area.
1038 Howard St.
Dedicated to violence prevention and youth development, UP provides after-school programs, crisis response services, workforce training, and case management. Get involved by donating or attending one of their events such as peace walks, gun buy-backs, and community carnivals.
Written by Kristine Dizon and Katherine Andrews
Keep exploring the City and check out our Guide to The Mission!
