Ah, the Marina: a land where crosswalks seem like mere suggestions, and an abundance of athleisure-clad mommies who juice-lunch between Pilates and shopping and puffer-vest-wearing bros sharing investment tips over beers come together in pure yuppie bliss.
Historically, it is indeed the neighborhood that much of SF loves to hate. If this were high school, the Marina would be the meanest, prettiest girl in school that nobody wants to admit they wish they were best friends with. Because honestly? She's beautiful, fun, and has a lot going on.
Stars of the district include the (sometimes-sun soaked) Marina Green—the expansive lawn with a waterfront view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz—hands down the city’s best spot for running, biking, and playing with the pups. Plus, there's something to be said for a 'hood where day drinking is encouraged and brunch is basically a sport.
The Marina just feels, well, good.
Where to Eat in the Marina
Causwell's burger is a neighborhood favorite.
(Hardy Wilson)
Anchoring the Chestnut street culinary scene is Little Original Joe’s (2301 Chestnut St.). Home of the ever popular prosciutto spicy vodka parmesan, zucchini fries tower, and chicken caesar wrap, this clean, classy spot is a neighborhood favorite. // A16 (2355 Chestnut St.) is a neighborhood mainstay, dishing regional Italian fare like blistered Neapolitan pies, squid ink tonnarelli, and eggplant caponata. Fun fact: A16 is named after the highway that connects Naples and Canosa, Puglia in Italy. // For the quintessential Marina experience, line up at Delarosa (2175 Chestnut St.) to share a table full of antipasti and pizza carbonara plus brunch dishes on weekends. // Causwells (2346 Chestnut St.) is beloved for its burger, but we bet you knew that already. Also don’t sleep on their creative cocktails. // Norcina (3251 Pierce St.) plates Italian favorites like pizzas, housemade pastas, and a ton of bites intended for sharing—chicken liver toast, burrata, and meatballs. // Blue Barn (3344 Steiner St.) has an amazing salad menu, offering combinations of locally sourced ingredients that you could never come up with on your own. // Serving Greek sandwiches and salads starring spit-fired meats and vegan "lamb" in a comfy-casual space, Souvla (2272 Chestnut St.) is ideal for lunch on the go or a friendly catch-up with a glass of rosé. Order it "Greek-style" to get it stuffed with fries, and do not miss the fro-yo with an olive oil drizzle. // If you are looking for a Greek moment that’s a bit more formal, check out Milos Meze (3348 Steiner St.), which serves traditional favorites like moussakka and avgolemono soup.// Build your own sandwich or order the #1 Italian combo at Lucca Delicatessen (2120 Chestnut St.), a charming neighborhood staple since 1929. Take home prepared salads, cheeses, and bottles of wine. // Fuel up for a night out in the Marina with a quality, budget-friendly burger at Super Duper (2201 Chestnut St.) don't sleep on their milkshakes often offering monthly flavors. // Cracked and Battered (2240 Chestnut St.) serves fluffy pancakes, crispy chicken sandwiches, and spicy shakshuka. // In the mood for dumplings? Who isn't. Get your fix of Sichuan wontons, Grandma's pork potstickers, and xiao long bao at United Dumplings (2015 Chestnut St.) // Small but mighty Popi’s Oysterette (2095 Chestnut St.) serves up simple seafood staples, with a rotating oyster bar in addition to other raw seafood options and a smattering of seafood sandwiches.// Tacolicious (2250 Chestnut St.) has found a home on Chestnut for familiar favorites like beer braised chicken, crispy shrimp and Coca-Cola braised carnitas. They also offer a great lunch special and happy hour options. // If your motto is the more Mexican food the better, make sure you check out Bonita Taqueria Y Rotisserie (2257 Chestnut St.). They serve birria tacos, bowls, burritos, quesadillas, and delicious tortilla soup in a bright, sunny atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re south of the border. // Morella (2001 Chestnut St.) is an iconic spot on the corner of Chestnut and Fillmore that’s had many faces over the years. It is currently serving up the best food of two countries—Italy and Argentina—in a beautiful atmosphere. // After a renovation, the ever iconic Izzy’s Steaks and Chops (3345 Steiner St.) has come back sleek and modern with the same traditional steak house fare and the cozy wooden booths for a touch of classic nostalgia.// La Fromagarie (2260 Chestnut St.) is, as the French might say, c’est bon. Part cheese shop, part sandwich shop, it’s every charcuterie board's dream come true. // Step into a little corner of Japan at Hinodeya Ramen (3340 Steiner St.) where you’ll be welcomed by the comforting sound of a gong and the perfect bowl of ramen—the ideal meal for those foggy Marina moments.// For classic Chinese food, look no further than Dragon Well (2142 Chestnut St.) This spot has delicious Hong Kong style noodles and chicken jook. If you love or are looking to learn to play Mahjong, stop by on Tuesday nights for the Mahjong Lair. // Blackwood (2150 Chestnut St.) is the spot for American Thai Fusion, with options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. // For Thai street food check out Phat Thai (2380 Lombard St.). // One of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in the country, Greens (2 Marina Blvd., Bldg A) proved to meat eaters that plant-based doesn’t have to be boring. Executive chef Katie Reicher’s global menu with a California touch rotates seasonally, with farmers-market-fresh produce starring in dishes like summer melon salad, black Mission fig pizza, and pozole verde. The views are pretty great, too.
Snacks + Sweets
Looking to indulge a little? Your sweet tooth will thank you for a trip to Susie Cakes (2109 Chestnut St.), which has shelves upon shelves of cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. // The much anticipated, Lil Sweet Treat (2209 Chestnut St.) is your hub for globally-sourced candy, with signature mixes and the option to customize your own chewy sweet dream come true.// There's always room left for a donut from Dynamo (110 Yacht Rd.). The original kiosk at the Yacht Harbor remains our favorite pit-stops after a long walk at Crissy Field or Presidio Tunnel Tops. Will it be maple bacon apple or chocolate rose or passion fruit? // For some healthier options look to Muse Juice Bar (2220 Chestnut St.), the latest and greatest in juice and acai bowls for the athleisure loving set.
Where to Drink in the Marina
The Interval at Long Now in Fort Mason
(Courtesy of The Interval at Long Now)
Whether the Marina makes you need a drink or just want one, you’ve got to admit the bar scene here is fun and honestly has something for everyone. While the days of The Tipsy Pig have recently sobered, Lobalita (2231 Chestnut St.) is a good substitute with elevated cocktails in a cantina-like atmosphere. // Bar Darling, (2263 Chestnut St.) has truly become a neighborhood darling. With an outdoor patio, cozy vibes and thoughtfully crafted cocktails it is a scene worth seeing. // Grab your best boots and two-step on over to Westwood (2036 Lombard St.) for line dancing lessons. After a couple of cocktails, see how long you can stay on the mechanical bull. // If you are looking to dance, look to Jaxon (231 Fillmore St.). Whatever your jam is, you’ll have a fun time on their dance floor. // If dive bars are where you like to wet your whistle then head to the Horseshoe Tavern (2024 Chestnut St.) for a no frills, dog friendly, cozy option or Sully’s Marina Lounge, (2138 Chestnut St.) for cash-only low key vibes with good cocktails and loyal customers. // Everyone needs a good karaoke bar and Silver Cloud is this neighborhood’s version. // For a little aprés action without the ski head to Radhaus (2 Marina Blvd. Bldg. A) in Fort Mason for alpine vibes with bay views. // // In the same Fort Mason barracks is The Interval at Long Now (2 Marina Blvd., Bldg A). Coffee shop by day, bar by night, this hub for nonprofit Long Now Foundation pairs creatively crafted cocktails with exhibitions and lectures that will have you contemplating time and our place in the universe. // Howells (2373 Chestnut St. ) is a sophisticated but lively wine bar with outdoor seating. // Wine bar California Wine Merchant (2113 Chestnut St.) has been a Chestnut Street staple for 53 years, and they too have aged like fine wine.
What to Do in the Marina
Fort Mason is an anchor of the neighborhood with public green spaces, restaurants and bars, art galleries and installations, and popular events.
Fitness + Outdoors
A grassy destination for residents from neighborhoods all over the city, Marina Green is the place for running, biking, picnicking, flying kites, and throwing the ball for the dogs at the edge of San Francisco Bay. This is a good jumping off point to check out the Wave Organ (1 Yacht Rd.), a sculptural installation of underground pipes that creates musical sound when water runs on top of them. Go at high tide to get the full experience. // Moscone Dog Park (1800 Chestnut St.) is popular among pets who love to sniff out stray tennis balls from the nearby courts. // Athleisure is the neighborhood uniform, and for good reason—how else do you work off all those boozy brunches? Sprint your way through a 50-minute run-meets-strength class at Barry's Bootcamp (2246 Lombard St.). It might feel like the worst hour of your life, but you can reward yourself with a smoothie from the Fuel Bar. // Feel the burn with a Sculpt reformer class at BodyRok (2128 Lombard St.)—you'll leave the high intensity workout feeling like a rock star. // For a Megaformer class with a twist, try the Ramped class at Core40 (1902 Lombard St.)—the machines move up and down throughout the session for an added challenge. // Hot8Yoga (332 Fillmore St.) is great for a steamy session on the mat. // Body Temp Yoga (2425 Chestnut St.) is another longtime Chestnut Street favorite with a variety of yoga options.
Arts + Culture
Built for the World Expo in 1915, the Beaux-Arts-style Palace of Fine Arts (3301 Lyon St.) is a romantic landmark, especially popular with brides looking for photo ops among the Grecian-inspired columns. Spread your blanket on the lawn overlooking the duck pond any day of the week, and check the online calendar for events including concerts and standup comedy. // Once a military base by the sea, Fort Mason Center (2 Marina Blvd.) is a hub for arts and cultural events. Popular regular happenings include Renegade Craft Fair , Off the Grid, and West Coast Craft. On Sundays (9:30am to 1:30pm), you can fill your straw totes with fresh produce from more than 35 vendors at the Fort Mason Farmers Market. // The feeling of walking into a movie old school with no assigned seating still lives on at Lee Neighborhood Theatre Presidio (2340 Chestnut St.) and Marina (2149 Chestnut St.) where you can catch the latest flicks.
Where to Shop in the Marina
Chilly? Pick up an extra layer at San Francisco brand Marine Layer's Chestnut Street shop.
(Courtesy of @marinelayer)
Fashion + Beauty
Decked out with vintage surfboards and beachy vibes, recent arrival Faherty (2110 Chestnut St.) is stocked with all those super-soft sweater shirts, tees, and summery dresses we love so much. // Bay Area brand Marine Layer (2106 Chestnut St.) still makes the softest T-shirts ever and maintains eco-friendly practices. // Taylor Stitch (2030 Chestnut St.) outfits guys with custom shirts and hip basics including denim, outerwear, and sturdy shoes. Every item is made sustainably and intended to be worn for the long haul. // Two Skirts (2124 Chestnut St.) is a Marina fashionista's heaven stocked with all the on-trend brands. // Carrying chic basics and standout pieces, Dress (2271 Chestnut St.) is another one stop shop for modern womenswear. // Luxury cosmetics store Blue Mercury (2060 Chestnut St.) is the place for high-end brands. // Malin + Goetz (2209 Chestnut St) draws a cult following that eats up all those fruity hair and body care products in iconic minimalist packaging. // Roark (2185 Chestnut St.) is a great place to get adventure-ready goods for men and women. // For a little sparkle, check out Mejuri’s (2050 Chestnut St.) selection of fine jewelry pieces designed with everyday life in mind. // Another great thing to do while in the Marina is get a mani-pedi, with a variety of salons up and down Chestnut to choose from. Check out Ciao Bella Nails (2277 Chestnut St.), Zenbi Nails (2032 Chestnut St.), or Hand Touch Nail Care (2371 Chestnut St.). // Unwind after a long day of shopping at Marina Thai Massage (3288 Steiner St.), which offers authentic Thai and Swedish styles.
Home + Garden
If you're in search of a hostess gift, calming candle, or some new decor, stop by Ei Home (2176 Chestnut St.). // Even plants look fit and healthy in the Marina. Sloat Garden Center (3237 Pierce St.) has all hearty greens you need, from seeds to fiddle leaf figs. // Create your own haven with furniture from Thuma (2197 Chestnut St.). Pop in to browse the selection at their San Francisco flagship store or have a coffee at the in store cafe.
