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This bohemian neighborhood known as Hayes Valley, wedged between San Francisco’s Mission and Western Addition districts, is a true gem when it comes to chic boutiques and innovative restaurants. Victorian homes, many of which have been converted into shops and dining establishments queue the tree-lined streets, making this up and coming San Francisco neighborhood seem positively suburban. After the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, a section of freeway that ran through the Hayes Valley was demolished. Since then, the San Francisco neighborhood has been revitalized to include lush parks, upscale shopping, and vibrant street fairs that take place in the area nearly every weekend.

A visit to the Hayes Valley is truly a shopaholic and gastronomic treat. An ideal day of shopping at Hayes Valley might consist of brunch at Citizen Cake (399 Grove Street), the Michelin recommended patisserie featuring delectable pastries and invigorating European style espresso beverages. After brunch, shop the myriad boutiques in the Valley; including trendy men’s and women’s clothing from Azalea (411 Hayes Street), functionally modern items for the home at Scandinavian Details (364 Hayes Street), a gift for Fido from Babies pet boutique (235 Gough Street), and perhaps a travel accessory for your next holiday from Flight 001 (525 Hayes Street). Indulge your palate for dinner at Absinthe Brasserie & Bar (388 Hayes Street). This South of France style restaurant features an extensive cocktail list, and toothsome appetizers including traditional French escargot, and the more avant garde spicy fried chickpeas, which are positively to die for. For dessert, just head kitty-corner from Absinthe to Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates (401 Hayes Street). These confectionary treats includes truffles made from the likes of fresh lime, passion fruit, and bourbon pecan that will send your taste buds into a tailspin.

Hayes Valley offers some of the most unique and hard to find items in all of San Francisco. MAC Modern Appealing Clothing (387 Grove Street) features hard to find labels by cutting-edge Belgian designers Ann Demeulemeester and Dries van Noten. Gimme Shoes (416 Hayes Street) sells the likes of au courant Costume National and the darlings of the shoe world, Sigerson Morrison.

Whether you’re looking for a haut new outfit for yourself, a trendy gift for a friend, or simply want to window shop in a low-key yet cool neighborhood, check out San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. You won’t be disappointed.

Hayes Valley. One of the best places to go shopping in San Francisco!

Restaurants:

Hayes St. Grill
415-863-5545
Nopa
415-863-1404
Stelline
415-626-4292
Zuni Cafe
415-552-2522