Perhaps nowhere are the many evolutions and dichotomies of San Francisco so readily obvious as in the city's South of Market neighborhood.
SoMa is a one-time residential hub for blue-collar immigrants turned warehouse wasteland and taggers' paradise turned scene of the first dot-com boom and bust. It continues to be a neighborhood that flies somewhat under the radar despite being a world-class arts district anchored by SFMOMA and its neighbor, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
The Salesforce Transit Center brought an epic, elevated urban park to the downtown area, and the neighborhood is also home to the country's first officially designated Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District and SoMa Pilipinas, SF’s official Filipino Cultural Heritage District.
When in SoMa, us locals are partial to dinners at hip restaurants and the occasional splurge on one of several Michelin-starred destinations; hanging with friends at mixology-driven bars and iconic breweries, and relishing a round of bowling or mini golf. Here is what to eat, drink, do, see when you find yourself South of Market.
Museums + Galleries in SoMa
With its Snøhetta-designed expansion in 2015, SFMOMA became the country's largest modern art museum.
(Courtesy of SFMOMA)
Museums
More than 20,000 square feet larger than the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) (151 3rd St.) is the largest modern and contemporary art museum in the United States. Set in a striking building updated by Snøhetta in 2015, there are both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions from the likes of big names like Henri Matisse and Ruth Asawa, and lesser-known U.S. and international artists, photographers, and sculptors. // Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) (685 Mission St.) celebrates Black cultures through contemporary art from across the African Diaspora. // At Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) (701 Mission St), you’ll find an array of exhibitions inside and out. As a non-collecting organization, YBCA is always rotating new pieces and programs that give voice to upcoming and local artists. // Know some tiny city dwellers looking to spend a day at the museum? The Children’s Creativity Museum (221 4th St.) is the perfect place to foster spend an afternoon.
Galleries
Ken Fulk's cultural sanctuary Saint Joseph's Arts Society (1401 Howard St.) hosts a range of curated exhibits, live performances, and culinary experiences inside a reimagined former church. // Autodesk (One Market, 2nd floor) is a gallery best known for its Academy Award–winning 3-D design and visual effects software. // If street art is the visual manifestation of artists exercising free speech, then 1AM Gallery (1000 Howard St.), which stands for First Amendment, is its advocate and agent. The interactive gallery, which also offers classes and custom mural services, aims to bolster the graffiti community from the local to the international level. // 111 Minna (111 Minna St.) has been a SoMa hot spot for culture and parties since the early '90s. The ever-changing gallery is designed for cocktail-fueled interactivity and showcases contemporary works by local and international artists. Check their online schedule for special events. // 836M Gallery (836 Montgomery St.) is a nonprofit space that hosts a thought-provoking selection of artists and events. // SOMArts (934 Brannan St.) is a nonprofit cultural center that champions artists and communities, using art to foster dialogue, equity, and social impact.
The Best Restaurants in SoMa
A dish from the menu "Color Theory" at Merchant Roots
(Courtesy of Merchant Roots)
Neighborhood Favorites
Follow the scent of crispy fried chicken and waffles to Little Skillet (360 Rich St.), a tiny breakfast and lunch spot on Rich Street. // Get your Mexican food fix at Tropisueño (75 Yerba Buena Ln.), a taco shop by day and full-service restaurant by night. // At The Cavalier (360 Jessie St.), you're here to see and be seen, and not just by the watchful taxidermy. A Cal take on British cuisine in a dapper Ken Fulk–designed space, the dimly lit, not-so-secret back bar is a tribute to Marianne Faithfull. // Detroit-style pies are the name of the game at Joyride, a spot that has grown into a bit of a SoMa square pie institution with several locations around the neighborhood including one at Yerba Buena Bowling Center and a collaboration with Barebottle at Salesforce Park. (730 Howard St.,750 Folsom St., 685 Market St., 425 Mission St.) // Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Rooh (333 Brannan St.) serves a modern take on Indian cuisine made with fresh California produce. The food is an explosion of flavors and pairs quite nicely with their innovative drinks. // Yank Sing (49 Stevenson St.) is the city's high-end dim sum palace of choice. Watch out—as you pluck the Peking duck, xiao long bao, and egg custard tarts off the roving carts, the price adds up. // . // Who can forget Marlowe (500 Brannan St.), the “new American” bistro known for having some of the best burgers in town. // Delicious tacos and gourmet Mexican favorites from Yucatán and Jalisco converge at the approachable but swanky Merkado (130 Townsend St.). // Excellent empanadas are to be had at El Porteño Empanadas (700 2nd St.), where Joseph Ahearne combines his mother's recipes with his sister's professional French pastry techniques.
Michelin Restaurants + Tasting Menus
SoMa has a high concentration of high-falutin' Michelin-starred spots. Birdsong's (1085 Mission St.) farm-centric tasting menu of dishes like sea urchin cream puffs with savory butterscotch, lacquered and smoked quail, and pine sorbet is complemented by a stylish interior with a brick wall and mint-hued booth. // Star chasers worldwide book tables well in advance at minimalist, contemporary Asian restaurant Benu (22 Hawthorne St.) // Lovers of long meals and such delicacies as caviar and abalone will be happy to splurge on a meal at Saison (178 Townsend St). // The Edomae-style sushi and other elegant, refined Japanese cuisine is excellent at Omakase (665 Townsend St.). // 1601 Bar & Kitchen (1601 Howard St.) introduced SF to Sri Lankan fare. // One of the most creative restaurants in town, a meal at Merchant Roots (1148 Mission St.) is both dinner and a show. Each seasonally-rotating tasting menu revolves around a unique theme (think Alice and Wonderland's Mad Tea Party or "cafeteria lunch"), an immersive world they execute exquisitely with stunning food, visuals, and the occasional surprise. If you're not up for a full meal, check out their new Bar Orso, a hidden, 12-seat cocktail lounge at the back of the restaurant.
Quick Bites + Treats
A former cigar store turned sandwich shop, chef Dennis Leary's The Sentinel (37 New Montgomery St.) is a strictly take-out affair. Choose from a curated selection of hot and cold sandwiches all served on housemade bread. // For a midday pick-me-up or weekend treat, Les Gourmands' (280 5th St.) French pastries will make your mouth water. Choose from mini baguettes, apple turnovers, croissants, and much more. // Socola (535 Folsom St.) serves up truly special chocolates at their SoMa location. Inventive and interesting, don’t miss the “Little Saigon Box” which is an entire Vietnamese meal in chocolate form, or their “San Francisco Collection,” which features a Fernet truffle along with other flavors. // If ballpark hot dogs are just not your thing, the team behind the Mission's award-winning cocktail bar and eatery Trick Dog offers updated, satisfying takes on the stadium classic along with other delicious staples at Quick Dog (1023 3rd St. Ste. E). // Deli Board (1058 Folsom St.) is a much revered unique sandwich spot. Get there before 2:50pm or stay hungry; carry out only.
SoMa's Hippest Bars + Nightlife
Relive the pre-WWII days of jazz at The Dawn Club.
(Courtesy of The Dawn Club)
Cocktails
Taking notes from street markets around the globe, SoMa staple Kona's Street Market (32 3rd St.) slings creative cocktails like the Save Me a Piece of Corn (tequila, falernum, Averna, atole del elote, and horchata) inside a pink-lit space. // Vintage books meet seasonal concoctions at Novela (662 Mission St.). Get lit at this bar that draws inspiration from literary heroes. There are also punches on tap. // Bergerac (316 11th St.) is always a party. Look out for bottle service, regular events, and Wednesday through Friday happy hour specials. // The drinks are strong and the vibes are tropical at the lively Natoma Cabana (90 Natoma St.) // From the team behind the Tenderloin's famous mixology bar Bourbon & Branch, Cask (17 3rd St.) takes the liquor store concept to the next level, stocking top shelf and rare bottles to purchase and taste.
Beer + Wine
Hidden behind the facade of a pawn shop complete with random odds and ends, sits the appropriately named Pawn Shop (993 Mission St.). An expansive selection of wines from around the world, plus tapas and a few cocktails await. A quick chat on the phone with the pawn master grants you access to the funky space. // At Louie's Bar (55 Stevenson St.), it's all about old school charm and dive bar vibes with exposed brick walls, dim lighting, and beer/shot combos. This is the spot for night owls—they serve food till 1am.
Rooftops + Views
Looking for laid-back alfresco vibes? Dirty Habit (12 4th St.) serves punch bowls, seasonal sips, and mocktails on a sprawling patio with low-slung sofas, communal tables, and a fire feature. // This place is not called The View (780 Mission St.) for nothing. At the top of the SF Marriott Marquis, you'll find an upscale lounge with a floor-to-ceiling vista onto the city. Locals must check it out at least once; tourists will love the photo op. // Before the next Giants game, head to Rooftop 25 (25 Lusk St.) for frozen cocktails and pretzel dogs on a patio where high glass walls help to shield you from the wind. // Shelby’s (250 4th St.) is the spot for a rooftop cocktail or meal serving up breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner with a view. // Japan meets Peru at Kaiyo (701 3rd St.), where regional ingredients are impeccably prepared.
Bars with Music + Entertainment
If you're down for a party atmosphere complete with electronic beats, then Monarch (101 6th St.) is the place to go. // One of the city's biggest nightclubs, 1015 Folsom (1015 Folsom St.) is actually five clubs in one, making it ideal for marathon dancers. Check out their calendar for upcoming events. // Got a competitive streak? You'll love Spin (690 Folsom St.), where you can grab a drink and let the ping pong battle ensue. // In the old Examiner printing room in the base of the historical Hearst Building, Local Edition (691 Market St.) takes a page from SF's history as a frontrunner in the old newspaper biz with themed decor and drinks. Check their online calendar for a schedule of live music. // Fancy a great drag show? Oasis SF (298 11th St.) hosts the fairest of them all. // Not your scene? Head to Hotel Utah (500 4th St.) for intimate performances by up-and-coming local musicians, beer on tap, and a classic American menu. // Relive the early days of jazz at The Dawn Club (10 Annie St.), a gorgeous live music venue and bar dressed in Art Deco style.
Coffee and Tea in SoMa
Take a seat in the loft and watch the coffee magic in action at Sightglass Coffee in SoMa.
(Courtesy of Studio BBA)
SoMa is known for its many coffee bars, coffee trucks, and coffee shops but, when you're ready to kick back with a warm cup, you can't do better than Sightglass Coffee (270 7th St.). The lofty space is perfect for brainstorm sessions and coffee dates. // Sextant Coffee Roasters (1415 Folsom St.) specializes in java at its finest, sourcing its beans from the best farmers across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Colombia, then roasting them here in SF. Buy a bag of beans to take home. // Aussie cafe Bluestone Lane (55 2nd St.) serves nitro cold brews and lattes along with avocado toast.
Fun Things to Do in SoMa
Mini-golf course Stagecoach Greens is a playful lesson in SF's history and landmarks.
(Courtesy of Stagecoach Greens)
Fun & Games
Come baseball season, catch a Giants game at Oracle Park (24 Willie Mays Plaza) where you can root for the home team while chowing some of the best brats and kettle corn around. // San Francisco's tallest skyscraper sits at the heart of the Salesforce Transit Center (415 Mission St.), a mixed-use downtown development that's now home to a 5.4-acre public park that’s been compared to NYC's High Line. Take a walk or attend regular events like silent discos, HIIT and Zumba workouts, photography classes, and more. // This chic entertainment spot on King Street is not your typical 10-pin, sweaty-shoe rental, 1950s artifact. In fact, owner Steven Foster doesn't care if you bowl or not when you visit Lucky Strike Bowl (200 King St)—and you won't either. Sit down for supper in the leather-and-wood dining room, grab a drink at the bar, or join a collaborative trivia game. // The mini golf course at Stagecoach Greens (1379 4th St.) doubles as a San Francisco history lesson with 18 themed holes that nod to local landmarks and Barbary Coast lore. // Challenge your inner Tony Hawk at what may be the most awesome use of the dead space beneath a highway overpass ever. Located directly under the Central Freeway, SoMa West Skate Park (between Valencia & Otis) has turned a narrow parcel of unused cement into a small paradise for boarders. // The vibes are right in Ritual Hot Yoga's (1122 Howard St.) candle-lit, fast-paced movement classes set to motivating playlists.
Gardens + Community Spaces
In the once-industrial neighborhood that has become the city's hub for startup technology, it's easy to long for a little bit of nature. Yerba Buena Gardens (750 Howard St.) is a cool drink of water in the shadow of the Metreon, with a blanket of green space perfect for a restorative weekday lunch, lawn art installations, and a beautiful carousel for the kiddies. Take a moment to reflect at the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial. // For anyone interested in how sweet peas grow, Alice Street Community Gardens (Lapu Lapu St.) is a lovely green oasis for a midday escape or picnic lunch. // SoMa Pilipinas is home to the popular UndiscoveredSF night market; pop-up restaurants and shops; and the mural- and plant-lined Kapwa Gardens (967 Mission St.), which hosts gatherings ranging from martial arts classes to singer-songwriter showcases. // SoMa has a number of POPOS (Privately Owned Public Open Spaces) on rooftops, in atriums, and at other surprise locations around the neighborhood. Though they're often hidden behind closed doors or in office buildings, they are available for anyone to use during designated hours. Check the map to find them all.
San Francisco's Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District
(Photo by Gooch)
On June 12th, 2018, the area bound by Howard Street, 7th Street, I-80, and the 101 was officially declared the Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District, in honor of the community's contribution to SoMa and greater San Francisco throughout the years, especially during the AIDS crisis of the late 1980s and early '90s.
The neighborhood is perhaps best known as the home of the annual Folsom Street Fair—the world's largest leather event of its kind where a leather-inspired dress code pervades more than 80 vendors and some 15,000 spectators on Dore Alley in front of the Powerhouse (1347 Folsom St.), a legendary, not-for-the-faint-hearted cruise bar dating back to the early 1970s. // Don't have anything to wear? Mr. S Leather (385 8th St.) has all your bondage-wear (and sex toy) needs covered. // The EndUp (401 6th St.) is your best bet for after-hours dance parties. // SF Eagle (398 12th St.) is a beloved dive for beer busts, karaoke, and open mic nights. // Cat Club (1190 Folsom St.) lets you get down to everything from ‘80s pop to hip hop. // Grab a cup of coffee and check out a workshop in massage, rope art, or erotic hypnosis at Wicked Grounds (289 8th St.), a kink cafe and boutique.
