San Francisco Public Library
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

jessica t. writes: I am only slightly embarassed to admit that my first and only time venturing inside this library (as of date)

was to use the bathroom during love-fest, with my friend.

But I was nevertheless moved.

The library  - architecturally is quite beautiful  - …

Kenneth Akizuki, MD
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

3000 California St
San Francisco, CA 94115

Liz G. writes: I hate going to the doctor.

When I'm going to the doctor I always vascillate between one of two irrational fears. Either

1. I will find out I'm dying, or pregnant, or both.

2. I will find out I'm a huge wuss because nothing is actually wrong with me.…

Brioche Bakery
Neighborhood: Nob Hill

210 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133

Suzanne A. writes: this cute little bakery and coffee stop is en route to my office, so i often get off the 9BX, yogi in bag, and hop right into Brioche Bakery for a fresh almond croissant (THE BEST) or a cinnamon morning bun or brioche, and either some free…

Garibaldi's On College
Neighborhood: North Oakland

5356 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618

Peter M. writes: Last night for the first time in 10 months Mrs. M and went out to dinner by ourselves with no diet restrictions, no liquor restraints, and with baby M safely in the care of Grandma M it was time to get our drink/drank/drunk on.  But first the food.

It…

Doggie Styles

401 Miller Ave Ste E
Mill Valley, CA 94941

Hannah Q. writes: I'll admit it... I can be a prude, especially a linguistic one.

I know, I know. I've been on a roll with my reviews lately, covering terrain that's ordinarily covered by men at night, in dark alleyways of SF (ie, cruising parks). For someone who is a…

The Metro Bar and Restaurant
Neighborhood: Castro

3600 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114

maria d. writes: I came here last week when I didn't feel like going home (and I had walked over to Bi-Rite Creamery and saw that they were CLOSED on a Wednesday and this was the perfect halfway point between that place and my house) and was slightly peeved when I…

Harry's Hair Studio
Neighborhood: Nob Hill

2059 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109

Michael K. writes: What can I say about my Jen-ay? One day I was just hangin out wit my pals and they said to me, "Forrest.. err... Michael, you need to get you a haircut". I said "alright", and so I did. I called up Jen-ay and said "Hi Jen-ay, this is Michael, what…

Dopo
Neighborhood: North Oakland, Piedmont Ave

4293 Piedmont Ave
Oakland, CA 94611

Susan S. writes: It's never fun sounding like a *real * Party Pooper over a simple restaurant experience.  But in the words of Homer Simpson: DOH!  (PO) just didn't end up being that great of a lunch experience the other day. My usual lunch dining-partner-in-crime…

Musical Offering Cafe
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area, Telegraph Ave

2430 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA 94704

Marzan W. writes: Nice cafe with soothing/relaxing classical music.  I recall the sandwiches were quite good which were served with a small side salad and they got agua fresca :)  I love agua fresca! Would like to try their dessert next time. Music for the ears &…

Jump'n Java
Neighborhood: Rockridge

6606 Shattuck Ave
Oakland, CA 94609

Leme L. writes: I was driving down Shattuck in the late afternoon and I saw this guy playing guitar at a table outside this coffee house.  The setting sun silhoutted him in gold and I thought, I have to go there because it looks so irie.  So this afternoon I stopped…

Razor Sharp Cutlery
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin

634 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94102

phil h. writes: My knives were tired.  Tired and dull.  What's the use of having kick ass knives if you don't take care of them?  So I brought them down to Razor Sharp for some TLC.  A few short days later I got my babies back, sharper than the day I bought them and…

Black Oak Books
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset

630 Irving St
San Francisco, CA 94122

David D. writes: Miss your old college bookstore?  Here it is!  

Euclid.  Physics, by Asimov.  Lewis Carroll.  A children's book on "Wizardology."  Applied Abstract Analysis.  1,001 Arabian Nights in 10 volumes.  Medieval Literature.  Why Display Art.  Sci Fi and…

Ruby Wine
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill

1419 18th St
San Francisco, CA 94107

james s. writes: Great little wine shop, interesting hand picked selection. You can find a great bottle here for under $20 or splurge on a RR Pinot Noir....me I go for the under $20 most of the time. They have a great Gruner Veltliner here for $16!

Victoria Theatre
Neighborhood: Mission

2961 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Bucky K. writes: I've driven by this theater numerous times while cutting across town. I always thought it was closed and awaiting demolition then replacement by an aging center. (This was the fate of the Coronet!!!). My misconception of it's operating status was due…

Alameda / Oakland Ferry Service

San Francisco, CA 94101

mnypny b. writes: A couple of months ago, I started a new job in Oakland. And I've learned a couple of things about the commute. Mainly that BART is gonna have issues from time to time (OK, way too often) and that a backup plan for returning to the city is required.…

Iron Gate Restaurant

1360 El Camino Real
Belmont, CA 94002

Kevin S. writes: Imagine a slightly gin-and-tonic'd up Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Robinson.  She's not afraid to slip you some tongue and try to light your fire if you give her half a chance.  And if you're brave, you will let  her have her way, because this old lady…

StarDate

KCBS 740 AM and KQED 88.5 FM
All Day
San Francisco, CA 94102

lisa g. writes: Stardate is my favorite little slice of radio too!
(I got that charming idiom from the review written by Kevin S.  If you want to read a good review of Stardate, read his.  I don't actually have anything to add to his stellar review but as soon as I…

The Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club

Mclaren Anglers lodge and fly casting pools
Across the street from the buffalo paddock
San Francisco, CA 94117

Katie I. writes: I first came here in summer camp when we were playing large games of hide and seek all over the park. The fact that many people don't even know this place exists, certainly helped when hiding.

However, I was a little disappointed when I went there…

Vine Street Salon
Neighborhood: Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley

2118 Vine Street
Suite D
Berkeley, CA 94709

Liz G. writes: Pro:  I was 15 minutes late to my haircut and it didn't matter.
Con: Because the stylist was AN HOUR late to my haircut.

Pro: I killed time by getting coffee at the *original* Peets next door
Con: My old salon used to have baked goods. There weren't any…

The Wash Quarters
Neighborhood: Mission

985 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

laura b. writes: Dry Cleaning is fucking foul and disgusting.  And it causes cancer and this shit is confirmed by scientists and stuff*.  And it's not even really dry.  LIARS!!!  Although no water is involved in the process, liquid solvents are, and the main one,…

Goldleaf Chocolatier
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

2250 Union Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

Amanda H. writes: How a woman can gain 5 pounds from a 1 lb. box of chocolates is still one of the greatest phenomena that exists in the world today.

But at least you can try these wonderful concoctions over a great cabernet with your girlfriend and not ever regret…

Cotton Sheep
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley

572 Hayes St
San Francisco, CA 94102

A J. writes: You don't even know...and neither did I before stepping in and started *feeling* the clothing.  

Yes, the place has a wonderful selection of women's and children's clothing...but, since it was a Thursday (I only try on women's clothing on Tuesdays,…

Dragonfly Restaurant
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset

420 Judah St
San Francisco, CA 94122

euge l. writes: holy crap. grace is right. the garbage can in the bathroom alone should be six stars. holy crap. i swear the garbage can was gonna go all beeebuupbaapbupbebup and some FABULOUS human cyborg relations fucker was gonna come chasing me out the bathroom.…

mixedUSE Vintage
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

463 Union St
San Francisco, CA 94133

Diane S. writes: Great place to find neat treasures- got my current favorite wallet there that doubles as an evening clutch since it can even expand to fit my celly...love THAT! Vintage wallet that fits a CELL PHONE?! Yes, please.

Also...downstairs is always like a…

Jong Ga House

372 Grand Ave
Oakland, CA 94610

Derrick V. writes: I had lunch here the other day, craving for the cold spicy kimchi soup they give you as a starter.  After I ordered my Dol Sot Bi Bim Bap, the server brings us a seaweed soup and salad.  So I ask my friend to ask about the kimchi soup in Korean.  The…

Canyon Beachwear
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

1728 Union St
San Francisco, CA 94123

Kristina R. writes: Every now and then, I glance down at my chest and think, "Hmm...I oughta show these bad-boys off..."

So I went to Canyon Beachwear to find the most perfect, boob bursting suit I could find.  The sales people were very friendly, and tried to fit me…

Ecco

322 Lorton Ave
Burlingame, CA 94010

Arick R. writes: This place is my favorite restaurant outside of San Francisco. It has everything you can ask for in a dining experience. The service staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They aren't overly attentive and in your face. The setting is nice and the decor…

Masters Autobody Repair

7031 Mission St
Daly City, CA 94014

jeff c. writes: Here's a little secret:  I love to drive and my cars pay the price of my love.  That said, I've spent more than my fair share with auto body repair shops.  

This place is the shizz.

Eric Steeg owns and operates Master's Autobody in Daly City and…

KNGY Energy 92.7 FM
Neighborhood: SOMA

400 2nd St
Ste 300
San Francisco, CA 94107

Darin I. writes: Since my oh-so-fragile sense of self-worth is COMPLETELY caught up in a singular socially constructed role which creates an identity politics that errs on the side of conformity and occasionally bleeds into myopic blindness at best and hatred of…

Grocery Outlet

2001 4th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710

Bob D. writes: the courtney love of grocery stores.

trashy, close to expiration and somehow compelling.

my office is near the Grocery Outlet, so I have made the occasional foray over there for random items.

they do sometimes curiously carry good wine and almost always…

Roccapulco
Neighborhood: Bernal Heights

3140 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110

Skunky G. writes: Sleazy. What's the Spanish word for sleazy? I forget.

My Puerto Rican father would KILL me (literally... lengthwise across the throat) if he could witness my blasphemy here but unfortunately I'm not all that into salsa.

Every single boyfriend I've had…

Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe

619 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94105

Kristina R. writes: The turkey sandwich was ok, but nothing to write home about...and the tomato soup was thicker than the political tension in Washington.  I could actually stand up my spoon in it.  

That's neither here nor there, but I guess the question I asked myself…

Silver Dragon Restaurant
Neighborhood: Oakland Chinatown

835 Webster St
Oakland, CA 94607

MiRIAM w. writes: To kick off the coming of the year of the rat (GUNG HAY FAT CHOY!), my colleagues and I came to Silver Dragon for dinner. We were lead to an upstairs banquet room and most folks went straight for the bar. Our friendly bartender was quite efficient…

Swedenborgian Church
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights

2107 Lyon Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

Joe C. writes: I've been to two weddings here, and I have to say, though not particularly a fan of weddings in the abstract, I am a fan of the venue.

It's a beautiful 19th Century Scandinavian style building (oh, and there's a huge Maybeck right across the street,…

Global Yoga
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

2425 Chestnut St
San Francisco, CA 94123

Sara M. writes: This Bikram Yoga studio is great. That being said, it is the only one I have ever been to. Having only a vague notion of what Bikram Yoga entailed (i.e. 105 degree heat, profuse sweating,  yoga poses etc.) I thought I would put my curiosity to rest.…

Chava's Restaurant
Neighborhood: Mission

2839 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Mercy B. writes: Ooohhhhh - YUM!

I didn't want a big lunch - so I had a chicken enchilada (home made tortilla and shredded chicken breast), refried beans, Spanish rice and salad. It was sooo good, I ate the whole thing and nearly licked the plate clean.

Oh yes, I was…

Jang Soo BBQ
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond

6314 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94121

Gabriel R. writes: I went in here tonight with the famous Steph P, psychology genius. We had a pretty straight-forward time picking out what we wanted from their easy-to-follow and tasty menu. We picked out 2 dishes to share and before we could spill out more than 3…

Superior Automotive
Neighborhood: Mission

3150 16th St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Mick F. writes: I dont know why tthis is listed under carwashes; Cuz its an autobody repair shop. Eh well. I got sideswiped in LA by a tractor trailer and two weeks, a few phonecalls and a few devlish grins got my car fixed in FOUR days. They were very cool with…

Caesar's Italian Restaurant
Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf

2299 Powell St
San Francisco, CA 94102

David D. writes: Old North Beach still lives!  

After an evening under sail cruising the tall ships on the Adventure Cat, playing pirate games with the Adventure Cat II, we decided to try the famous Friday Night Cioppino at Caesar's.  By the way, it's not just on…

Alive!
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

1972 Lombard Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

Kristina R. writes: The name is reminiscent of a fabulously bad 70's airplane-crash-in-the-sno wy-mountains movie of the week.  ALIVE!

But lo and behold, the food at ALIVE! would tempt even the most desperate survivor away from gnawing on the leg of a stewardess!  It was…