How to have fun Downtown
Don’t believe everything you see on the news—downtown San Francisco still has plenty of verve. It’s still the artistic, financial, and food center of the city, full of galleries, theaters, restaurants, and shopping centers, plus a handful of the city’s best dispensaries. From downtown, SF Weed Week patrons can also access a number of schedules events all week long in neighboring districts SoMa, North Beach, Nob Hill, and Mid-Market.
Eats:
Zuni Cafe—This European-inspired bistro has served some of the best roast chicken in the city for 45 years. It’s got ambiance to spare, and a hefty wine list that pairs with everything, from its Italian small plates to salads and steaks.
Burma Love—One of the only restaurants where the most-loved dish is a salad. The award-winning Tea Leaf Salad is a must-order, but there are plenty more options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Tropisueño—This Mexican restaurant sits just off Yerba Buena Gardens has great margs and far more options than just quesadillas and tacos.
Charley’s Cheesesteaks—Bring the Northeast to the West Coast with cheesesteaks, wings, and treats.
Drinks:
Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar and Lounge—At the top of the Proper Hotel lies a lavish cocktail bar with panoramic city views and tasty plates.
Novela—This is not a bookstore, but it loves readers. Their cocktails all bear the names of famous literary characters and writers. They even have multiple flavors of in-house punch on tap.
Local Edition—Extra, extra! This bar, located in the basement of the historic Hearst building has headlines and cocktails in abundance. They also host multiple music nights every week, from jazz to blues to swing.
The Irish Bank—If you want a pint and authentic Irish food (or maybe not), The Irish Bank feels like you stepped off an Air Lingus flight. This pub has a cozy cottage facade, an interior full of antiques, and its own little alley full of outdoor seating.
Shopping:
Barbary Coast SF—This dispensary, just a stone’s throw from the Powell BART station, has one of the oldest smoking lounges in the city, decked out like an 19th century speakeasy.
Crocker Galleria—One Montgomery Tower also hosts a 3-story mall that feels like an atrium under a dome of glass.
San Francisco Centre—Formerly the Westfield Mall, this 9-story mall has fashion, footwear, home goods, and a sprawling food court.
Sights:
Mirus Gallery and Get to the Bag exhibit—For over a decade, the Mirus gallery has showcased artists from around the world, and will now add cannabis brands to its walls with the ‘Get to the Bag’ exhibit of over 200 mylar bags from more than 50 brands and artists. As part of 420 Fest on April 20, High Times editor-in-chief Ellen Holland will host a meet and greet at the gallery at 2p.m. Her new book, “Weed: Smoke It, Eat It, Grow It, Love It” offers both new and seasoned consumers innovative ways to engage with cannabis, including incorporating it into food and drinks, cannabis-focused events, wellness rituals, and the science behind it all.
Union Square—This reprieve from downtown’s skyscrapers is also where visitors can catch one of many walking and bus tours.
Embarcadero—If you follow Market Street to the end, downtown opens into a waterfront spotted with statues, piers, monuments, and a skate park. The Embarcadero also has an indoor market full of foods and knick-knacks, and wide streets for taking in the East Bay.
Dragon Gate—Walking north from downtown, you’ll know you’ve reached Chinatown, the nation’s first, with the looming, ornate Dragon Gate.
Getting to and from there:
MUNI:
The J K M train lines take you all through downtown to the Embarcadero waterfront. For buses, the 8, 9, 12, 27, and 31 can all get you from other parts of the city into the heart of the action.
BART:
Getting downtown BART depends on where you want to start; you can get off at Civic Center, Powell, Montgomery, or Embarcadero stations.
Car/Taxi/Rideshare:
Everything’s great when you’re downtown, unless you’re in a car. Parking (without hefty fees) is nonexistent, and ordering a car can get you caught in traffic, so plan accordingly.