Hayes Valley: Arguably San Francisco's Best Shopping Neighborhood

Apparel

Go high or low from one-of-a-kind shops and beloved big names. Minimalist-chic cool girls can grab affordable pieces from Oak + Fort(567 Hayes St.), while quirky ones can flock to SF original Lisa Says Gah(522 Octavia St.) for food-shaped earrings and the brand’s iconic patterned clothes. // Neighborhood mainstay M.A.C. (Modern Appealing Clothing)(387 Grove St.) offers slick pieces by Dries Van Noten and Junya Watanabe. // At Reliquary(544 Hayes St.), find laidback but luxe pieces that feel very now, plus personally selected vintage pieces with a thoughtful eye for timeless design. //Amour Vert (437 Hayes St.)—that’s green love in French—delivers sustainable style, including sumptuous leather and silk and premium denim. // Pact(424 Hayes St.) also does eco-chic clothing, with an emphasis on comfort. // Rails (541 Hayes St.), known for its custom fabrics and an aesthetic that blends SoCal and European style, features cool, comfortable, and wearable men's and women's staples. // Todd Snyder(590 Hayes St.) boasts onsite tailoring for its fresh, smart takes on menswear classics. // Buck Mason(568 Hayes St.) is all about uncomplicated, meticulously designed, and reasonably priced menswear and womenswear including the brand's bestselling curved-hem tee, hoodies, denim, sweats and jackets. // An A.P.C. outpost (411 Hayes St.) features the French brand's men's, women's, and Surplus collections along with Azalea jewelry and Aesop skincare. // Industry of All Nations(528 Hayes St.) focuses on small-batch collections that are developed in collaboration with local communities around the world and use natural fabrics and dyes. // Fans of handcrafted, individual pieces should check out Cotton Sheep(572 Hayes St.), which stocks hard-to-find Japanese brands such as Kapital. // Marine Layer(498 Hayes St.) sells T-shirts made from uniquely soft fabric (it contains recycled beechwood) and vintage-inspired layers made for our weather. // Aether’s (489 Hayes St.) metal container looms over Patricia’s Green as the echelon of technical menswear. // Lovers of silky, lacy things should make an appointment at Alla Prima(539 Hayes St.) for the too-gorgeous, high-end underpinnings. // If sexy corsets are more your thing, pop into Dark Garden(321 Linden St.), where you can tap into the expertise of their couture designers to create something that will be uniquely yours.

Accessories + Shoes

If you're looking for a special bit of bling or just something unique to pretty up your week, head over to Metier(546 Laguna St.), a gem of a jewelry store where you can score contemporary statement pieces as well as exquisite, handpicked vintage finds. // Lovers of minimalist-but-not-boring earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets, Insta-star Mejuri(325 Hayes St.) is your go-to. // A sweet spot for shoe lovers, Bulo(418 Hayes St.) emphasizes leather and craftsmanship. // Swing by the très French Clare V.(344 Linden St.) for delightful bags and accessories. // Sneakerheads will dig Undefeated(516 Hayes St.) and its selection of street-style kicks and merch, while everyone else can find something at Allbirds(425 Hayes St.), which sells its signature wool runners. // Up your frame game with glasses from millennial standby Warby Parker(357 Hayes St.), luxe lenses from Ahlem(416 Hayes St.), handcrafted frames from Garrett Leight(393 Hayes St.), or statement specs from See.Saw.Seen Optometry(515 Gough St.). // Timbuk2(506 Hayes St.) has been producing its iconic messenger bags from a Mission District factory since 1989, but they've since expanded to fanny packs, backpacks, and luggage all with a utilitarian-cool vibe. // Across the street,Peak Design(529 Hayes St.) offers technical gear for the camera-carrying set. // And don’t leave town without the viral carry-on from Away(371 Hayes St.). // If your trip is taking you on a more adventurous route, Cotopaxi(549 Hayes St.) is likely more your color-saturated style. // For every day in between, the functional and sustainable design-crowd favorite Topo Designs(597 Hayes St.) offers a selection of its gear and clothing.

Home, Gifts + Beauty

Sleek furniture and design-forward housewares abound at the small and mighty Minimal(364 Hayes St.). // If you're on the hunt for custom-made furniture, be sure to stop by Interior Define. You can even book a one-on-one appointment with a design specialist at the sleek, immersive showroom. // Upgrade your linens with simple luxury from the earthy Parachute(445 Hayes St.) ordirect-to-consumer darling Brooklinen(519 Hayes St.). // For statement-making, handmade tableware, check out the production studio and showroom of local artist MaryMar Kennan’s MMclay(69 Gough St.), where you can also sign up for classes to learn from the best. // Comic book fans will love Isotope(326 Fell St.) for its terrific selection of comics and hard-to-find graphic novels, which you can peruse from the comfort of their red and white vinyl sofa. // The city's second Credo(552 Hayes St.) is filled with all the non-toxic and cruelty-free lotions, potions, makeup, fragrance, and haircare anyone could ever need. // Malin + Goetz (509 Hayes St.) has unisex skincare, haircare, and grooming down pat with products made of natural ingredients with advanced technology. // On your way to your next party, pick up a card or California-themed gift at Orange Bird(564 Hayes St.)—if the invite includes kiddos, try their sister store Fiddlesticks (540 Hayes St.) for children’s and infant’s clothing, games, and more.

The Best Restaurants in Hayes Valley

Special Occasions

With its iconic yellow awnings casting eternal sunshine inside, Zuni Cafe(1658 Market St.) is the neighborhood's original destination for elevated Californian fare. The best celebrations are shared over the famous roast chicken and gateau Victoire. // Impress a date with Kim Alter's exquisitely plated, modern iterations on California-inspired cuisine at Nightbird(330 Gough St.),then sip on delightful cocktails at the restaurant's chic and tiny adjoining bar, Linden Room(330 Gough St.). // Try an evening of personalized omakase at Robin(620 Gough St.) where the service is as refined as the interior. // Settle in for an experience with chef John Wesley's tasting menu at Kiln (149 Fell St.), and take part in one of the seasonal pop-ups at Dominique Crenn's Petit Crenn(609 Hayes St). // Benu chef Cory Lee's chic brasserie Monsieur Benjamin(451 Gough St.) is just right before or after a performance nearby. // For those seeking chill vibes, the no dress-code Rich Table(199 Gough St.) showcases an inventive menu that tastes as delicious as it sounds.

Terrific Neighborhood Dining

Burma Love makes its way to Hayes in the form of its sister restaurant Teakwood(399 Grove St.), which offers the famed tea leaf salad among other Burmese dishes that spotlight Northern Californian ingredients. // Across the street, a fourth outpost of Elephant Sushi(400 Grove St.) is buzzing with date-night energy fueled by cocktails and rolls. // Culture vultures have long flocked to Absinthe(398 Hayes St.) for their delicious brasserie-inspired fare, while just across the road Chez Maman(401 Gough St.) is known for its delicious burgers and pots of savory mussels. // If seafood's your thing, book at table at institution Hayes Street Grill(320 Hayes St.), which has been serving fresh, sustainably harvested fish and shellfish since 1979. // Indulge all your pasta cravings at A Mano(450 Hayes St.). // Dumpling Home (298 Gough St.) opened in 2020 and there’s been a line out the door since. You’ll know why as soon as you order some perfectly pork xiao long bao from this Bib Gourmand hotspot. // For a faster way to fill up, grab a banh my at the colorful doorway of Dragoneats(520 Gough St.) or try a gourmet glizzy from Hayz Dog(364 Hayes St.) // Pick up an asparagus or homemade Sicilian sausage-topped slice (or whole pie) for takeout at Gioia Pizzeria(579 Hayes St.). // Hayes Valley is chicken central: Hit up The Bird for the delish, free-range fried and gluten-free chicken sando made on a fresh bun from an East Bay baker (406 Hayes St.).RT Rotisserie(101 Oak St.) slangs succulent chicken and sides on the cheap, while Souvla(517 Hayes St.) started this red hot trend. Don't skip the fro-yo. // For a quick, plant-based bite, try Rad Radish(301 Hayes St.). The Wildseed burger from their parent restaurant always hits the spot. // For carnivorous cravings, check out the impressive selection of butchery at San Francisco Meat Co.(320 Fell St.)—take home some charcuterie or a delectable deli sandwich. // On a foggy day, dive into a piping hot bowl of veggie miso or braised chicken ramen at Nojo Ramen Tavern(231 Franklin St.) // Il Borgo(500 Fell St.) is an unassuming Italian joint whose traditional dishes and decor will give you the feeling of being at nonna’s place. // Peacock Pansy(392 Fulton St.) serves a crowd-pleasing brunch with fusion flavors and lots of diet-friendly options. // Carry the festivities to the lively Papito(425a Hayes St.) fortacos, plus plenty of chips, guac, and margaritas, indoors or out.

Coffee + Treats in Hayes Valley

Go off the beaten path and into the rich, delicious world of Jewish pastries and treats at Loquat(198 Gough St.), whose babka and bourekas are not to be missed. // Those with a sweet tooth love Miette(449 Octavia St.), the dainty little sugar shop that is as pretty as it sounds. // For scrumptious German jam-filled donuts (aka berliners), apple turnovers and soft pretzels, hit up the adorable Hahdough to-go window (509 Laguna St.) from Vietnamese-born/German-grown pastry chef Ha Do. // Ice cream fans have their pick between San Francisco Hometown Creamery’s (432a Octavia St.) second location or seasonal scoops at Salt & Straw(586 Hayes St.). // Pick up a cuppa at Ritual(432b Octavia St.) or get a pour-over from the original Blue Bottle Coffee kiosk (315 Linden St.), or enjoy a latte with Thursday night jazz at the proudly independent Mercury Cafe(201 Octavia St). // After scarfing down your lox, eggs, and onion on poppy from Wise Sons(537 Octavia St.), head next door to Naya Dessert Cafe(535 Octavia St.) for authentic otherworldly Asian sweets—think mango sticky rice crepes, salted egg custard toast, and green tea ice cream. // For those who want to sip their treats instead, try fruity drinks from Zero&(437 Hayes St.), with Insta-feed-friendly sips and milky teas with or without boba. // Pare things down with cleansing concoctions from Juice Shop(432 Octavia St.).

Grab Drinks + Wine in Hayes Valley

True Sake(556 Hayes St.) sells sake instead of serving it. Owner Beau Timken's in-depth knowledge of sake has made his cozy store (the first in the U.S. dedicated to sake) a real destination for all who love the Japanese brew. // Pick up a bottle (or case) of fine wine at Arlequin(384 Hayes St.) or enjoy it alfresco in their sister restaurant Arbor’s (384 Hayes St.) heavenly outdoor space. // For crafted cocktails and sophisticated bar bites, make yourself seen at Gambit Lounge’s (581 Hayes St.) swanky bar. // Get some fresh air with your punch bowl at the colorful Anina(482 Hayes St.), which has an Instagram-worthy patio perfectly framed by fairy lights. // Ebb & Flow(294 Ivy St.) serves chill vibes and a selection of wine from small producers and family-owned vineyards. It also has a charming outdoor setup with heat lamps. // Watch the game or play loteria at the super-casualAfterwork Bar(409 Gough St.), with dog-friendly picnic table seating. // A few blocks off the main drag, Birba (458 Grove St.) is a garden oasis and a perfect spot for relaxing with friends over a couple bottles of wine. // If you like to people watch as much as you like to imbibe, Brass Tacks(488 Hayes St.) serves up some tasty cocktails—try the Brass Smash with Venezuelan rum, Cynar, mint, and lemon. // Soak up the vibes (and excellent vegan bites) atPhonobar (370 Grove St.). Make sure to head to the back to enjoy the live DJ. // Nothing beats the German beer selection or the ease of wrapping up your evening in Biergarten’s (424 Octavia St.) spacious outdoor lot. // Show off your captain's drawl at Smuggler's Cove(650 Gough St.) while you sip on their famous hot buttered rum. Meeting the tourists in line while you wait to get inside is half the fun. Cheers!

Fun Things to Do in Hayes Valley

Hayes Valley is a stone's throw from an arts circle that includes the Davies Symphony Hall(201 Van Ness Ave.),SF Jazz Center(201 Franklin St.), and Sydney Goldstein Theater(275 Hayes St.). Whether you’re technically veering into Civic Center or keeping to the ‘hood, it’s easy to make an evening out of pre-show dinner and post-performance drinks in Hayes. // You can also make a date out of a monthly movie night at Proxy(432 Octavia Blvd. and Hayes St.), an outdoor theater and events space. // Just past the green, there’s also Hayes Valley Art Works (295 Oak St.), a collaborative outdoor space that hosts live jazz performances, workshops, and more. // Other ways to enrich yourself include a flurry of self-care options. Easy manis are the specialty at the hip Archer Nail Bar (526 Hayes St.), which offers four “rituals” to simplify your pampering. // Hip cuts and in-house, non-toxic hair care are on the menu at Church Barbershop & Apothecary (524 Octavia St.), which bills itself as botanical-forward. // Book an Ayurvedic-inspired massage at the otherworldly Earthbody(534 Laguna St.). // Or nourish your mind with a membership at The Commons(550/540 Laguna St.), an underground community gathering space with philosophical proclivities.