Russian Hill San Francisco is one of the “Seven Hills of San Francisco”, and is considered a high-end area for renters/buyers. The neighborhood is unique in many ways, from its variety of restaurants ranging from Italian to Mediterranean to its challenging yet beautiful topography of rolling hills and stunning views. Russian Hill is also a significant landmark for tourists visiting Fishermen’s Wharf and the winding Lombard Street, but locals live and mingle without relative trouble. There is a mysticism of old San Francisco that permeates in Russian Hill, an aura as thick and familiar as the fog that rolls in from the Pacific Ocean.
Russian Hill: What to know about the neighborhood
With a neighborhood population of around 16,500, Russian Hill is for the late twenties, early thirties, and onward professional looking for a more established, sophisticated, and comfortable. Hyde, which runs directly through Russian Hill from the North to the South, is lined with excellent bars and restaurants covered in the majestic shade of ficus trees. Russian Hill’s biggest perks are solitude and quiet, so renters or buyers that love the “nightlife” may be more interested in looking East Russian Hill toward Columbus Ave.
Russian Hill peaks between Chestnut/Filbert and Larkin/Leavenworth, so if you like being the king of the hill and enjoy arduous walks, consider that specific area. North toward Bay Street is the beginning of Embarcadero and Fishermen’s Wharf (very touristy), West toward Van Ness Ave is Cow Hollow/Chestnut Street, and South is Broadway Street just kissing the edge of Nob Hill, another great nearby neighborhood. One of the benefits of Russian Hill is that even on something as simple as a walk to a nearby corner store with the right view and angle, you feel as if you’re on top of the city. Temperatures range from the mid-’40s to mid-’70s throughout the year with typical rain and fog. The best part of the area is when it’s sunny and clear, it’s as if you can almost touch the sky.
History & character
Russian Hill has been home to some notable, creative individuals over the year. The neighborhood has attracted writers like Jack Kerouac and Gelett Burgess, an important figure in San Francisco’s literary renaissance in the 1890s. Gavin Newsom, former Mayor of San Francisco and current Governor of California, lived in Russian Hill along with Milton Friedman and, now in some legal trouble, Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos founder, and CEO. The sometimes tight, difficult streets that run steeply up and down the neighborhood are a kind of test for those that love a challenge that doubles as beauty. Occupational employment in Russian Hill is primarily white-collar workers employed at private companies. Overall, the vibe is focused with a little bit of San Francisco class sprinkled on top.
The neighborhood’s name goes back to the Gold Rush era. Settlers discovered a small Russian cemetery at the top of the hill. Russian naval ships frequented San Francisco throughout the 19th century beginning in 1806, so its rumored crew members were buried there. The cemetery is gone now, but the name remains.
Commuting
To be honest, getting to and from Russian Hill from other areas of the city is somewhat tricky. The closest Bart or Muni line is, unfortunately, Powell or Montgomery. If you’re fond of San Francisco’s buses, though, it shouldn’t be an issue! From South/Downtown near Market Street, there is the 8, 12, 30, 19. From the west, the 45, 1, 28 goes through the beautiful Marina District. East, near Pacbell Park, you can take the 30 and 39-COIT. One of the best albeit slow ways to get up to Russian Hill is from San Francisco’s trolley cars. You can take the trolley up and down the rolling hills from downtown to the Pacific from Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason.
If you’re not a fan of public transportation, driving is your best option next to walking everywhere. This is especially important if you’re commuting to the East or South Bay every day and would rather avoid numerous transfers to BART. Street parking is difficult considering the tightness of the streets, the density of the population, and the overall lack of it. If you’re moving in the area, highly consider considering a private monthly garage or an apartment/home that comes with one included. You won’t regret it!
Our favorite places to eat in Russian Hill
Nick’s Crispy Tacos
Entering Nick’s Crispy Tacos after a round of bar-hopping with friends at first may leave you confused. There are mirrored walls, disco balls, and plush red curtains reminiscent of a nightclub with tacos! They give you two tortillas per taco, giving the taco a sense of body and size. The Pescado and Camarones tacos are well-cooked, gently seasoned, and the fish is perfectly fried. You can get any of their taco’s “Nick’s Way,” including cheese and guacamole. Highly recommend it! Seeing their burritos aren’t in the restaurant’s name, we suggest sticking to their tacos.
Address: 1500 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94109
Seven Hills
For over ten years, Seven Hills Restaurant has been a staple in fine, innovative dining in Russian Hill. A quintessential Italian restaurant, the space feels familial, cozy, and warm, yet guests are from all over the city and world come to visit. Chef Tony is the executive chef passionate about farm-to-table offerings and has been working in San Francisco for over ten years. They have a wide variety of antipasti, pastas, and secondis to choose from. The Maccheroncelli and the Imperia Wagyu NY Strip Steak come highly recommended. They also have an extensive wine list for pairing.
Address: 1896 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Coffee shops for work, reading or hanging out
Saint Frank Coffee
Saint Frank’s Coffee is the perfect coffee hangout near the corner of Union and Polk Street. The cafe catches the typically sunny weather perfectly shining in from the West, great for people watching, reading, or catching up on some work out of the office. The space is small,, though so if you want to score a spot, get there early! Saint Frank is interested in exploring the experience of coffee and re-discovering the simple joys in life. They offer all the usual coffee drinks like espresso, drip, and lattes accompanied with locally sourced pastries from around the Bay Area. Their Mocha, rich, creamy, but not overly sweet is a fan favorite among locals.
Address: 2340 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Where to drink in Russian Hill
Bar Iris
Russian Hill balances the perfect levels of sophistication and having a good time, which is why Bar Iris is one of those bars that never comes across as arrogant but welcoming. Their layout is impressive, with bar seating, beautifully crafted tables, and comfortable couches. The bartenders, all professional and friendly, work with a wide variety of ingredients crafting wholly unique cocktails for every occasion, be it a work meeting, a date, a drink with a friend. Try the Linda Linda (milk punch) with gin, violettes, citrus, yogurt, hojicha, and pineapple, or the Faithful Fool with calvados, yuzu sake, green apple, sweet woodruff, and fizzy water.
Address: 2310 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
San Francisco Brewing Co.
San Francisco is known for its rolling hills, its mix of sunshine and fog, and uniquely crafted beer of all varieties. San Francisco Brewing Co. is the ideal spot to take a small or large group to enjoy local beers from all over the Bay Area, chat with locals about the city, all while enjoying a long list of delicious bar food. Try their calamari, grilled cheese, rib eye hamburger, pretzel, or wild mushroom pizza complemented by beers from IPA’s to Kolsch’s or Pilsners. They have flights if you can’t decide! Check out the full beer menu here.
Address: 3150 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Things to do in Russian Hill
Russian Hill Bookstore
This neighborhood shop offers a broad range of used books, games, cards, and an assortment of gifts in a friendly, inviting space. Like City Lights Bookstore on Columbus Ave, Russian Hill Bookstore is one of the last independently-owned bookstores in San Francisco. Independent bookstores are the lifeblood of everything literary for creatives, writers, and lovers of the written word. As noted, they sell used books which is great for someone looking to buy on a budget. They also buy books, so if your shelves are a little too packed, bring them to buy.
Address: 2162 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Take the Trolley!
When people think of San Francisco, one of the first images and sounds to come to mind is the trolley and its infamous ringing bell. Invented nearly 150 years ago and named a National Historic Landmark in 1964, the cities cable cars are kept in tip-top shape by SFMTA. There are three cable car lines – two start at Powell and Market and continue to the Fisherman’s Wharf area. One starts at California and Market and continues to Van Ness Avenue. Look for the brown-and-white cable car signpost and board at the trolley’s turntables.
Interested in renting in Russian Hill?
According to Redfin, if you’re looking to buy a home located in Russian Hill, the median price is around 2 million dollars. As many know, the market is “somewhat competitive” where many people are forced to pay over asking. The average rent for a 1-bedroom is currently $3,032, a 3% increase compared to the previous year. The architecture of the majority of the buildings sticks to San Francisco’s historical roots with styles ranging from Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Mission/Spanish Revival. The majority of apartments in Russian Hill range from four to five bedrooms with two to three bedrooms.
Related content
