A plethora of boutique shops, restaurants, and bars make Hayes Valley one of the most popular neighborhoods in San Francisco.
Just a couple blocks from The Painted Ladies of Alamo Square, Hayes Valley is home to restored Victorian buildings and new condos alike. Overlapping the Western Addition neighborhood, this sunny enclave is conveniently located near City Hall, the Mission, Lower Haight, and the city’s iconic performing arts venues, like Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, the San Francisco Symphony, and the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center.
Plus, Hayes Valley, San Francisco, is a hop, skip, and a jump to Twitter and Uber’s corporate headquarters.
What to know about the area:
The charm of Hayes Valley
Named after the street on which it’s centered, Hayes Valley is one of the Bay Area’s hottest locales. Located in the heart of the city, this trendy neighborhood offers urban living with effortless access to downtown. With its plethora of boutiques, restaurants, and nightspots, the active, thriving area has been called a “haven for foodies, shoppers, and bon vivants.”
Commuting in Hayes Valley, San Francisco
Several San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) buses stop in Hayes Valley. Commuters can hop on the #21 at Hayes St & Van Ness Ave, which runs east-west between Golden Gate Park and the Ferry Building. The #5 runs east-west along Fulton, while the #6 and #7 buses run east-west along Haight. The #22 runs north-south along Fillmore Street. Head to the Civic Center station and take Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in any direction. Tool around on two wheels with a bike from CityRide or a scooter from Lyft. In terms of getting to work in the Financial District or SoMa, Hayes Valley has plenty of public transit options. So many, in fact, that we don’t even recommend having a car in this neighborhood.
Unique eats
There are a lot of fun things to do in Hayes Valley, but dining is sure to become a favorite. Living in Hayes Valley, you have access to these unique eateries:
Chez Maman
Chez Maman is described as a neighborhood restaurant with a bistro concept. “Locally sourced and crafted with love” is how this establishment describes its cuisine, and with one look at the menu, it’s clear why. Lemon ricotta pancakes and Dungeness crab eggs Benedict are just the starting point for an eye-catching brunch menu.
For savory lunch or dinner fare, choose from a wide range of paninis and burgers, or immerse yourself in the full French experience with roasted duck confit, savory crepes, and a variety of Les Moules — a traditional French main dish of muscles and fries.
Address: 401 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102
La Boulangerie
If you’re looking for decadent fresh pastries and savory brunch classics, look no further than La Boulangerie de San Francisco. The Hayes location offers outdoor brunch dining every Saturday and Sunday from 9am-4pm. Enjoy homemade croissants and pastries while sipping on an assortment of hot coffee and teas.
Address: 500 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Kantine
Kantine, the Danish word for canteen, refers to a place where friends can gather and enjoy a meal together. This establishment serves organic, sustainable Scandinavian cuisine with a build-your-own brunch option that includes various offerings of bread, eggs, meats, and Danish cheese to choose from.
You’ll also find other unique plates and sandwiches to try. Included on the Time Out list for must-eat breakfast spots in San Francisco, this is the perfect restaurant to try new cuisine with friends.
Address: 1906 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Souvla
Souvla specializes in Greek-style rotisserie roasted meats served on salads or wrapped in warm fluffy pita bread. The bright, casual atmosphere provides the perfect space to enjoy a Greek bubble, beer, or wine as you feast on authentic cuisine. End your experience with a selection of frozen Greek yogurt on your way out.
Address: 517 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Best spots for a caffeine fix
Before starting your day in Hayes Valley, be sure to put some pep in your step. For an out-of-the-litter-box experience, try making an appointment to cuddle kitties and sip tea at KitTea Cat Cafe (they also host cat yoga and “mewvie” nights).
If you’re allergic to cats, Ritual Coffee is the perfect place to grab a cup of joe to-go and hit the town. Made locally in San Francisco, their coffee selection is top-notch. Referred to as “The Container,” this popular coffee shop started out as a shipping container and has evolved into a functional storefront and welcoming atmosphere for all coffee lovers.
Where to drink while living in Hayes Valley
Explore the nightlight of Hayes Valley and all that it has to offer. The perfect happy hour destination is Biergarten, Hayes Valley’s very own Bavarian-style beer garden. Get there early for a seat at a communal table and wash down some pretzels and brats with a cold draft from the expertly curated menu.
You can then continue your night with laid-back drinks at Brass Tacks, a trendy relaxed bar with handcrafted cocktails. Consider ending at Smuggler’s Cove for a wide range of expertly crafted cocktails. This location also hosts live music, films, and events.
Things to do in Hayes Valley
Hayes Valley, San Francisco, also offers endless entertainment. Here are a few fun things to do while living in Hayes Valley:
Shopping
Hayes Valley is a haven for haute couture. There’s an endless amount of chic boutiques scattered along Hayes Street, stretching from Laguna to Franklin Street. Shop antique and designer jewelry at Metier, French fashion at acoté, SF-based clothing at Marine Layer, indie designs at Dish Clothing, hand-selected vintage items at Reliquary, and men’s apparel at AETHER Apparel.
Shop bags and accessories at Clare V, conscious clothing collections at Aiken, sustainably made staples at Alternative Apparel and Amour Vert, and custom corsets at Dark Garden. There’s a Warby Parker on Hayes Street for all your optical needs and an activewear company, Outdoor Voices outpost, which caters to the $100 legging crowd.
Find the perfect leather sandal at Bulo. For housewares, there’s Maker Moss, Minimal, Interior Define, Parachute Home, and Ei Home. Known locally for her tableware, Bay Area artist MaryMar Keenan sells her popular pottery out of an Airstream trailer. Find MMclay Ceramics parked next to Patricia’s Green.
Theaters
The San Francisco Ballet, Opera, and Symphony all perform just around the corner at the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center in the Civic Center Historic District. With multiple venues sprawling 7.5 acres, it’s one of the largest performing arts centers in the country.
Internationally renowned jazz performers take the stage at SFJAZZ on Franklin Street, while the historic Sydney Goldstein Theater hosts cultural conversations.
Dance to indie bands and DJs at Rickshaw Stop, or buy tickets for a phenomenal experimental audiovisual experience at SoundBox.
Farmer’s Markets
Shop fresh, local, organic produce, honey, flowers, baked goods, cheese, and more while enjoying live jazz and restaurant samples at the Fillmore Farmers Market. Located in the Fillmore Center Plaza (about a mile from Hayes Valley), the market is open on Saturdays year-round from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Parks
Follow tree-lined Octavia Boulevard to the open green space, picnic tables, play area, and rotating art installations of Patricia’s Green. The park serves as the heart of the community, with housing, eateries, and businesses all around.
Koshland Community Park and Learning Garden offers a slice of paradise on the corner of Page and Buchanan. Blink and you’ll miss Page and Laguna Mini Park, which is tucked between two buildings. Of course, you can always make the five-minute drive down Fell Street to take advantage of Golden Gate Park’s 1,017 acres of public land.
Renting in Hayes Valley
With all that this lively San Francisco neighborhood has to offer, it could just be the perfect destination for your next home. Compared to the previous year, rent prices have increased by 18% for one-bedroom apartments and 17% for two-bedroom apartments in this area.
The average monthly price for a one-bedroom rental unit in Hayes Valley is currently $3,350, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $4,635 per month. With its easy access to many shops, trendy restaurants, and unique bars and nightlife, Hayes Valley has the ease of convenience and walkability. Urban architecture and new spaces await you in this top neighborhood in San Francisco.
Ready to call Hayes Valley home? Search apartments for rent in this San Francisco neighborhood on Zumper and find the one that’s right for you.
Related content
