Hayes Valley, San Francisco
For decades, Hayes Valley was a down-and-out neighborhood that lay below a freeway onramp. After the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989, the onramp was removed, encouraging new businesses and residents to move in. Now, it is home to some of San Francisco’s most
interesting boutiques, bars and restaurants, all of which are centered around the new Octavia Boulevard and Hayes Green (with more to come). And Hayes Valley real estate, with its unique mix of lofts, condominiums and distinctive homes, have subsequently jumped in value.
One end of Hayes Valley features the city’s civic center, surrounded by the Opera, Ballet, Symphony, Asian Art Museum, the San Francisco Main Library and City Hall. Many restaurants are located here, including Absinthe, Citizen Cake, Suppenkuche, Bar Jules, Sauce, Indigo, Cav and the award-winning Jardiniere and Zuni Cafe. For quick sips and snacks, stop by Frjtz Fries, Miette Confiserie and Blue Bottle Coffee. You’ll also find a wide array of bars and lounges like the Smuggler's Cove, Sugar Lounge, Crimson Lounge, Orbit Room and Hotel Biron.
Above: The new Octavia Green is a popular gathering spot in the revitalized post-freeway Hayes Valley.
Excellent shopping abounds. Stroll down Hayes and you’ll find Flight 001, Alabaster, True Sake, Zonal, Propeller, Lavish and RAG. And don’t miss the fashion-forward shoe designs at Bulo, Paolo and Gimme Shoes.
Hayes Valley also stretches into the area of San Francisco often referred to as Lower Haight. Fine and funky restaurants include Uva Enoteca, RNM Restaurant, Indian Oven, Thep Phanom and Rosamunde, and check out great bars like the Noc Noc, Toronado and Mad Dog in the Fog. It’s also the center of DJ culture, with such stores as Groove Merchant and Upper Playground. |
|