Brian & Alexa
Brian & Alexa
Things to Do
We love San Francisco, and if you will be joining us we would love for you to spend time exploring and enjoying our home city. The internet has plenty of information about the classic tourist spots, so we wanted to focus here on our personal favorites, including ones significant to our relationship.
These are neighborhood spots in a big city; fair warning that parking is often tight and commercial streets aren't fun to drive on! Consider using public transport, ride share apps, or parking a few streets away and walking. Looking up a parking garage in advance can also help avoid stress.
Most of San Francisco is pleasant and safe, but certain precautions are still prudent. If you are parking a car, please make sure to always store any valuables out of sight. Unfortunately car break-ins are common, especially in areas frequented by visitors.
Parks
Alta Plaza - Alta Plaza is the park closest to Brian's old apartment. The site of many weekend date-walks, as well as a memorable first kiss. Brave the stairs and find yourself rewarded with delightful views of the bay and the city streets.
Golden Gate Park - Golden Gate Park is near and dear to our hearts, and our condo! We often spend time wandering through the trails if we don't have other weekend plans. It is the largest park in the city, and full of different things to do. Depending on your interests, Golden Gate Park has museums and scenic trails, bison and flower gardens. Some of our favorite spots are the casting pond, the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden, and Stow Lake. You can rent a bike and go from the panhandle all the way to Ocean Beach!
Land's End - This is where we got engaged! Excellent (and romantic) views of the ocean, bay and bridge; highly recommended.
The Presidio - This is where we are getting married! The Presidio is a 2.5 sq. mi. national park in San Francisco with lots more to see than our venue. Great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay attract joggers, dog-owners, and couples. We especially recommend the Presidio Tunnel Tops, and Crissy Field if the weather is nice. You can also check out the Disney Museum, or grab lunch from the food trucks at the main lawn nearby. You may encounter a breeze from the bay, so make sure to bring an extra layer.
Breakfast
Cinderella bakery in the Richmond - Russian bakery with lots of pastries, plus some unique options like blinis. Often busy.
Compton's on Fillmore - An old favorite, with good coffee and pastry options. Your best bet for a quick purchase.
Arsicault on Clement - Our current pastry spot; the ham and cheese croissant and the chocolate croissant are favorites! Expect a long line, but it moves quick.
Sweet Maple near Fillmore - Our favorite full brunch spot. Brian gets the South of the Border Scramble, Alexa is all about the Big Hip.
Mymy in Nob Hill - Another great option for brunch, but expect a line due to fewer tables!
Lunch
Bay Subs on Fillmore - Hole-in-the-wall sandwich joint. Alexa recommends the bulgogi sandwich; Brian likes the pastrami on Dutch Crunch. Reasonably priced, and great to grab and go to Alta Plaza.
Bun Mee on Fillmore - Brian's favorite in the old neighborhood; he gets the Hawker Bowl, Alexa likes the five spice chicken sandwich. Like Bay Subs, close to Alta Plaza.
Apizza on Fillmore - Very reasonably priced personal pizzas. Try the seasonal offerings or the forestiere, for something unique. Like Bay Subs, close to Alta Plaza.
Blue Danube in the Richmond - Old-school cafe and sandwich shop. On a cold day, the soup and sandwich combo is just the thing; if it's warm, be sure to get a smoothie.
Curry Up Now in the Mission - Indian/ Mexican fusion food, well loved in the city. Try the CTM burrito or the deconstructed samosa.
Coffee
Flywheel in the Haight - Head to the back garden for a quiet cuppa, or get a to-go cup and sip in the park.
The Richfield in the Richmond - Limited hours, but a treat when you can catch them. A good stop if you're near the South side of the Presidio.
Home coffee in the Richmond - For those that like their coffee whimsical. Try the Holy Cow or Happy Birthday Latte, both Alexa-approved.
Treats
Salt & Straw - Located conveniently in Hayes Valley, between Brian and Alexa's old apartments, we used to get two pints every month. Plenty of unique seasonal flavors for the adventurous, as well as delicious classic options.
Genki Crepes - A neighborhood staple of the Inner Richmond with late hours and a crowd waiting almost every evening. Strawberry and whipped cream is Brian's go-to, or try the Nutella and marshmallow mix for Alexa's tooth-achingly sweet fave!
Dinner
Chez Maman in Hayes Valley - A classic date night spot for us, handily between our old apartments. We sometimes ended up at their Potrero location on climbing nights, too!
Zazie in Cole Valley - The spot we go for Alexa's birthday every year; also does a great brunch. Worker owned, and tip free.
Cantina los Mayas in the Richmond - This newly opened partner to the well-loved Taqueria los Mayas on Clement was where we grabbed dinner after our engagement! Sample the small plates for a fun, varied meal.
Bella Trattoria in the Richmond - A classic Italian spot where Brian and Alexa had their engagement dinner after sharing the news with their immediate family. Especially delectable gnocchi, and a lovely wine selection.
Pizzeria Delfina off Fillmore - Upscale pizza joint and a favorite spot for Brian and his parents when they visited San Francisco. Our usual order is the prosciutto pie, funghi and adding the margherita for larger groups.
Burma Superstar in the Richmond - Alexa's favorite spot to take guests from out of town. Have YOU tried Burmese food? Start with the tea leaf salad.