New Kid on the Block: The East Cut Neighborhood Guide
Though attempts to rename San Francisco neighborhoods have flopped in the past (SOMISSPO, anyone?), the newly coined East Cut neighborhood seems to have already dug its red-bottomed heels into the local lexicon.
Essentially, The East Cut is the new moniker to rebrand Rincon Hill and parts of South Beach and Yerba Buena. The momentum of this effort has been led by The East Cut Community Benefit District, formerly known as the Greater Rincon Hill Community Benefit District. The Executive Director, Andrew Robinson, describes his vision of The East Cut as “a 21st-century idea of what a neighborhood should be, mixing old and new and a variety of uses.” Thanks to the marketing campaign led by the Collins brand consultancy firm, the neighborhood already has a logo (three horizontal bars forming the letter “E”), a website, social media outlets, and most importantly, a tote bag.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to San Francisco’s South of Market
The parameters of The East Cut start at Second Street, covering Rincon Hill, three blocks of the Embarcadero, and the Transbay District from Jessie Street to the Bay Bridge entrance. As such, The East Cut is slated to be the lucky neighborhood that houses the Transbay District and the new Salesforce Tower. In addition to the sinking Millennium Tower, these two landmarks-in-construction will likely be definitive to the identity of The East Cut.
Related: Where to Live, Shop & Care for Your Dog in SF
If the new name rings a bell, it’s because it’s a reference to a sliver of San Francisco history. In 1869, city planners sliced a graded path through Rincon Hill to facilitate a commercial passageway to the Pacific Mail Wharves at the southern end of Second Street. This modification was pushed by wealthy landowner and elected official John Middleton to increase the City’s commercial appeal (and property’s value, of course). This passageway was dubbed “the Second Street Cut,” hence “The East Cut”. Paralleling the present, Middleton’s initiative was met by mixed reviews.
The East Cut is business forward by all accounts, considering corporate inhabitants like GAP and Google, in addition to Salesforce’s soon-to-be tallest building in San Francisco. With an endless array of tech companies across the street from high-rise condos, it’s a convenient location for professionals to live, work, and SoulCycle—and that’s sort of the pitch that pervades the brand. With a concentrated swath of high-occupancy luxury residences, big businesses, and no shortage of hip restaurants and bars, The East Cut is in the running to be a metropolis of modern convenience with an urban élan.
Where to Eat in The East Cut
Yank Sing
$$$ | 101 Spear Street, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco’s favorite dim sum restaurant, Yank Sing offers over 100 dishes made fresh daily using only the best ingredients available. A unique dining experience, forget about menus as servers push around carts filled with all your favorite dishes like beef, chicken, duck, pork, scallop, shrimp, and vegetable dim sum varieties. Reservations are strongly recommended especially on weekends as this 250 seat venue is almost always guaranteed to be at full capacity. If you’re the type who hates to wait, be sure to also check out Yank Sing 2 go and enjoy the same delicious varieties at home.
Order: Award Winning Peking Duck, Shanghai Dumplings, Sesame Balls
Hours: Weekdays: 11AM–3PM, Weekends: 10AM–4PM
Website: yanksing.com
Related: San Francisco’s 6 Best Chinese Restaurants
Salt House
$$$ | 545 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
For the past decade, Salt House has been serving fantastic new American cuisine with internationally inspired flavors in the heart of SoMa. Set within a beautifully repurposed printing press building, the venue has a chic yet industrial ambiance with high ceilings, exposed brick walls and unique raw fixtures throughout. Additional highlights include their award-winning international wine list and cocktail program. Stop by during happy hour and try their poutine that is to die for! Happy hour takes place on weekdays between 2PM–6PM.
Order: Salt House Burger, Pickled Quail Eggs, Poutine
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 11AM–10PM, Friday: 11AM–11PM, Saturday: 5:30PM–11PM
Website: salthousesf.com
Town Hall
$$$ | 342 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA
New American fare with Southern flair, Town Hall warmly invites guests into their hip yet homey dining room with hospitable service. Starring their mouth watering buttermilk fried chicken injected with butter, onion, and garlic juice co-hosted by an impressive wine list, Town Hall is great for lunch and dinner. Though walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended for large parties. Happy hour takes place Monday–Friday from 4PM–6PM, featuring $4 beers, $8 wines, and an array of discounted dishes. Town Hall also now offers a new “Grab’n Go” stand outside for those of you who are on a time crunch.
Order: Fried Chicken & Buttermilk Waffles, Tuna Tartare, Faith’s Warm Ham & Cheese Toast
Hours: Monday–Friday: 11:30AM–2:30PM & 5:30PM–10PM, Saturday: 5:30PM–10PM, Sunday: 5:30PM–9PM
Website: townhallsf.com
Anchor & Hope
$$$ | 83 Minna Street, San Francisco, CA
Housed in a spacious repurposed mechanic’s garage, Anchor & Hope is an oyster bar & fish house serving fresh classic American and seafood cuisine. Anchor & Hope is one of the few restaurants in the City where you’re able to try and compare East and West Coast oysters under one roof. And with a fantastic weekday happy hour entailing oyster & stout pairings, it’s also a great place for an after work snack. Reservations for lunch & dinner are highly recommended.
Order: Anchor & Hope Lobster Roll, Seafood Plateaux
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30AM – 2PM & 5:30PM – 10PM, Friday: 11:30AM – 2PM & 5:30PM – 10PM, Saturday: 5:30PM – 11PM, Sunday: 5:30PM – 10PM
Website: anchorandhopesf.com
Prospect
$$$ | 300 Spear Street, San Francisco, CA
An ode to Modern American cuisine, Prospect offers a menu of well executed cocktails and dishes catered with exceptional service. Dine in Prospect’s elegant dining space or reserve ‘The Candace’, a beautiful private dining room available for special events.
Order: Snake River Farms Kobe Bavette, Eden Valley Berkshire Pork Chop, Ahi Tuna Tartare
Hours: Monday–Tuesday: 11:30AM–2PM & 4PM–9:30PM, Wednesday–Friday: 11:30AM–2PM & 4PM- 10PM, Saturday: 5:30PM–10PM
Website: prospectsf.com
Barcha
$$ | 28 Fremont Street, San Francisco, CA
Brought to you by the same proprietor as the widely popular Embarcadero restaurant Sens, Barcha is the second endeavor of Kais Bouzidi. Offering delectable Mediterranean fare with Parisian influences, guests can opt to dine in the chic and welcoming dining room, or soak in some sunlight on the beautiful outdoor patio.
Order: Grilled Housemade Lamb Sausage Shakshuka, Grilled ’38 North’ Half Chicken
Hours: Monday–Friday: 11AM–2:30PM & 4:30PM–10PM, Saturday: 5:30PM–10PM
Website: barcha-sf.com
Local Kitchen & Wine Merchant
$$ | 330 1st Street, San Francisco, CA
Offering a menu filled with fantastic wood fired pizzas, roasted chicken, pastas, and desserts, Local Kitchen & Wine Merchant is a wonderful after work and dinner option within Rincon Hill. With an innovative cocktail menu, brews on tap, and walls beautifully lined with bottles of wine, stop by with friends for happy hour on weekdays between 3PM–6PM.
Order: Fungi Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Margherita Pizza
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 11:30AM–2:30PM & 4PM–9PM, Friday: 11:30AM–2:30PM & 4PM–10PM, Saturday: 11:30AM–2:30PM & 5:30PM–10PM, Sunday: 11:30AM–2:30PM & 5:30PM – 9PM
Website: sf-local.com
Lao Table
$$ | 149 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA
New, from the owners of Osha Thai, Lao Table just might have one of the most beautiful dining areas in San Francisco. For the past 20 years, guests have enjoyed rich Southeast Asian flavors courtesy of Chef Lalita Souksamlane at Osha Thai and now at Lao Table, she’s taking the menu into a more refined direction, focusing more on traditional dishes found within her home region of Northeaster Thailand and Laos. Though the menu is meat-centric, there are an array of vegetarian options available.
Order: Lao Sausage, Crispy Sticky Rice Salad, Basil Chicken
Hours: Weekdays: 11AM–3PM & 5PM–10PM, Saturday: 5PM–10PM
Website: laotablesf.com
Where to Drink in The East Cut
Louie’s Bar
$$ | 55 Stevenson Street, San Francisco, CA
One of the more low key establishments located in the Financial District. Louie’s Bar is a great place to go if you’re working late at the office and are in search for a great meal or night cap.
Order: Risky Business, Do The Right Thing
Hours: Monday-Friday: 11:00AM–2:00AM, Saturday-Sunday: 5:00PM–2:00AM
Website: pourguys.com
Natoma Cabana
$$ | 90 Natoma Street, San Francisco, CA
A lofty and spacious themed cocktail bar adorned with festive Tropical décor, Natoma Cabana is a great place to grab drinks after work and an equally fun place to host private events and parties.
Order: Montgomery, Whiskey Vic, TKO
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 2PM – 2AM
Website: natomacabana.com
Atlas Tap Room
$$ | 606 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
A terrific after work gastropub serving well executed New American fare with a wonderful drink menu curated with brews and wine on tap from local businesses. Atlas Tap Room welcomes guests into their intimate yet lofty lounge area where they can congregate amongst colleagues or enjoy a drink on their heated patio.
Order: Z’s French Dip, Atlas Burger, Spanish Garlic Shrimp
Hours: Monday–Wednesday: 11AM–10PM, Thursday–Friday: 11AM–11PM
Website: atlastaproom.com
Captain Eddie Rickenbacker’s
$$ | 133 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA
Named after a World War I fighter pilot ace, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker’s is a beautiful upscale venue with full bar and kitchen services. Great for large groups, stop by for happy hour or special events like their weekly ‘Tequila Tuesdays’ and ‘Wine Down Wednesdays’. Happy hour takes place on weekdays between 3PM–5:30PM.
Order: Tater Tots, Cucumber Gimlet, Eddie’s Burger
Hours: Monday–Wednesday: 11AM–12AM, Thursday–Friday: 11AM–2AM
Website: eddierickssf.com
83 Proof
$$ | 83 1st Street, San Francisco, CA
A trendy, yet casual bar located just the block down from the Montgomery Bart station serving specialty cocktails & whiskeys at great prices.
Order: Basil Gimlet
Hours: Monday-Tuesday: 2:00PM–12:00AM, Wednesday-Thursday: 2:00PM–2:00AM, Friday: 12:00PM–2:00AM, Saturday: 8:00PM–2:00AM, Sunday: Closed
Website: 83proof.com
Southside Spirit House
$$ | 575 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA
Well mixed cocktails quick bites served in a vibrant, comforting space decorated with wood accents throughout, Southside Spirit House attracts crowds of office workers during their wonderful happy hour. With big screen TVs and an steady rotation of art by local artists lining the walls of this 2,000 square foot space, Southside Spirit House is a great place to hang out and relax after a long day at the office. Happy hour takes places on weekdays from 3PM–7PM. Also be sure to stay tuned to their website for daily chalkboard specials.
Order: The Mason, Caged Heat, Toki Koki
Hours: Monday: 3PM–12AM, Tuesday: 3PM–1AM, Wednesday–Friday: 3PM–2AM, Saturday: 8PM–2AM
Website: southsidesf.com
Where to Caffeinate in The East Cut
Joe & The Juice
$$ | 301 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA
A healthy choice in The East Cut, Joe & The Juice offers guests revitalizing juices made from fresh fruits and ingredients, along with great tasting caffeinated beverages and breakfast fare.
Order: Hangover Heaven, Go Away Doc, Pink Latte
Hours: Weekdays: 6AM–9PM, Saturday: 8AM–7PM, Sunday: 10AM–6PM
Website: joejuice.com
Red Door Coffee
$ | 111 Minna Street & 505 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA
Serving a variety of locally sourced menu items like coffee from Four Barrel Coffee, donuts from Dynamo Donuts, and much more, Red Door Coffee is a bright and spacious cafe with ample seating. Red Door Coffee also hosts various fun art showcases throughout the year usually accompanied by live musical performances and entertainment.
Order: Soy Cappuccino, Latte, Avocado Toast
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 7AM–5PM, Friday: 7AM–4PM
Website: reddoorcoffeesf.com
Related: 15 Coffee Shops to Try in SF Before You Die
Socola Chocolatier & Barista
$$ | 535 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA
Meaning “chocolate” in Vietnamese, Socola creates their unique confectionary items using fresh, locally sourced ingredients like dairy products from Straus Family Creamery and chocolate from E. Guittard for their handmade chocolate truffles. Stop by their adorable space to caffeinate and take home a box of their fantastic chocolates.
Order: Burnt Baby Burnt (Burnt Caramel) Truffles, Passion Fruit Vanilla, Guava Pate DE Fruit Bean Truffles
Hours: Weekdays: 7:30AM–6PM
Website: socolachocolates.com
Saint Clare Coffee
$ | 654 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
Saint Frank Coffee’s sister company, Saint Clare Coffee sources their coffee beans from various small producers around the world, offering coffee lovers a unique flavor experience with every cup they brew. Ample seating within their bright and open space via communal picnic and coffee tables make Saint Clare Coffee a wonderful hang out and meeting option.
Order: Banana Bread, Thai Iced Coffee, Urbanist Gibraltar
Hours: Weekdays: 8AM–4PM
Website: stclarecoffee.com
Equator Coffees & Teas
$$ | 222 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA
Housed in the wood accented lobby of the LinkedIn building, Equator’s cafe features a full coffee and espresso bar where guests can order single origin caffeinated beverages, shakeratos, breakfast, and lunch fare. Recently being offered is wine by the glass, beer, and champagne which is available from the coffee bar.
Order: Shakeratos, Chai Latte,
Hours: Weekdays: 7AM–6PM
Website: equatorcoffees.com
La Capra Coffee
$$ | 50 Fremont Street, Suite 110, San Francisco, CA
Taking a traditional approach to Italian coffee and espresso, La Capra Coffee sources their aromatic fair trade beans from some of the world’s best growing regions in Guatemala and Brazil to deliver sweet and creamy tasting beverages everyone can enjoy. Also being offered are sweet pastries and a curated menu of seasonal salads and sandwiches.
Order: Cafe Au Lait, La Capra Drip, Prosciutto & Heirloom Tomato Toast
Hours: Weekdays: 7AM–6PM
Website: lacapracoffee.com
Where to Get Outdoors in The East Cut
Street Sculpture Garden
555 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
Starring Ugo Rondinone‘s “Moonrise” sculptures and Jonathan Borofsky‘s vibrant “Human Structures”, the 555 Mission Street Sculpture Garden is a beautiful public space where visitors can enjoy a pleasant lunch on benches shaded by towering ginkgo trees.
Hours: N/A
Website: N/A
Salesforce Park
Salesforce Tower, San Francisco, CA
One of the most highly anticipated developments taking place within The East Cut, is the Salesforce Park. Scheduled to open to the pubic in Spring 2018, the beautiful 5.4 acre rooftop park will feature lush open grass areas, a children’s playground, an outdoor amphitheater, a cafe, and a restaurant.
Hours: N/A
Website: salesforce.com
Beale Street Plaza
50 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA
Surrounded by office buildings in the heart of the Financial District, Beale Street Plaza is a serene pubic space landscaped with Japanese maples and array of foliage. Highlighting the plaza is WaaTeeKaa, a vintage railroad car from the 1920’s that once housed Stephen Bechtel, the then CEO of Betchel, today’s largest construction and civil engineering firms in the United States.
Hours: N/A
Website: N/A
Golden Gate University Public Open Space
536 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
Wedged between Golden Gate University and an office building, this public open space features a beautifully landscaped common area with ample seating space via wooden benches, patio tables, and stone steps where visitors can enjoy a quick lunch from Split or a cup of coffee from Mixt. The open space is anchored by an artistic steel installment towering over an infinity pool fountain.
Hours: N/A
Website: N/A
Emerald Park
Emerald Park, San Francisco, CA
The largest privately owned, publicly accessible open space in the City, at just over half an acre of vibrantly landscaped green lawns and foliage, Emerald Park was developed and is maintained by Emerald Fund.
Hours: N/A
Website: sfparksalliance.org
Rincon Hill Dog Park
486 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA
Routinely maintained, separate big and small dog areas with double gated entrances is what you’ll find upon your visit to Rincon Hill Dog Park. The enclosures are big enough where your pup can freely run around, yet small enough so you don’t have to worry if your pup isn’t yet trained in recall. Though there is a lack of shade and it tends to get noisy from street traffic, the park features a plethora of amenities including water fountains with water bowls, waste bags courtesy of Pawtrero Bathhouse & Feed Pet Store, waste containers, and park benches.
Hours: 7AM – 9PM
Website: rinconhilldogpark.org
303 Second Street Plaza
303 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA
Featuring an array of modern sculpture installations and a calming water fountain, employees from nearby buildings can be found enjoying lunches on the various benches on weekdays.
Hours: N/A
Website: N/A
Rincon Park
The Embarcadero & Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA
One of the most Instagram worthy public spaces in the City, Rincon Park is where you’ll find the enormous “Cupid’s Span” bow and arrow sculpture backdropped by the Bay Bridge.
Hours: Daily: 24/7
Website: sfparksalliance.org
Where to Sweat in The East Cut
Eagle Club Indoor Golf
$$ | 555 Howard Street Suite 102, San Francisco, CA
Play your favorite courses from around the world under one roof at the only indoor driving range in the City. Eagle Club Indoor Golf has 10 stalls equipped with state of the art impact projection screens, GC2 Smart Camera Launch Monitors, and ‘real feel golf hitting mats’. Rates for single players run at $20 for the first 30 minutes and $5 for each additional 15 minutes, cost includes free club rentals and golf balls. Eagle Club also offers lessons led by pro staff members, club maintenance services and beer is served on site. Must be 21+ to enter. Walk-ins are accepted but reservations are highly recommended.
Hours: Weekdays: 7AM–9PM, Weekends: 9AM–7PM
Website: http://eagleclubig.com/
SoulCycle SoMa
75 First Street, San Francisco, CA
Put your pedals to the metal and join in on the best ‘cardio party’ at SoulCycle SoMa. Pump up your mind body and soul with fun choreographed workouts led by SoulCycle’s team of ‘rockstar’ instructors leading you to the podium. Experience fitness like you’ve never experienced before and sign up for a class today.
Hours: Hours vary by class availability
Website: soul-cycle.com
The Dailey Method
121 Spear Street, San Francisco, CA
Attain that lean chiseled physique you’ve always dreamed of and sign up for a barre and cycle class at The Dailey Method. With a series of ever changing fitness classes developed to be fun and challenging, you’ll never get bored of working out. If you don’t have the time to consistently attend studio classes, The Dailey Method also offers online programs streamable 24 hours a day from the comfort of your own home.
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 6AM–8PM, Friday: 6AM–7PM, Weekends: 8:30AM–11AM
Website: thedaileymethod.com
SF Iron
545 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA
Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or just someone looking to begin living a stronger, healthier lifestyle, SF Iron offers an array of 1-on-1 and small group training classes led by their team of experienced trainers who are willing to help you develop your very own customized fitness program so you can achieve your goals.
Hours: Weekdays: 6AM–8PM, Saturday: 10AM–4PM, Sunday: 10AM–2PM
Website: sf-iron.com
Where to Dance in The East Cut
Temple SF
$$ | 540 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
One of the hottest nightclubs in the City, Temple plays host to some of the best artists and DJs in the world like Dash Berlin, Blasterjaxx, and countless others. Boasting 3 full bars and 4 differently designed rooms, the main level’s EDM dance floor features an impressive light display and audio system, while the equally entertaining main dance floor on the lower level features all the hottest hip hop jams.
Hours: Thursday: 10PM–2AM, Friday–Saturday: 10PM–4AM
Website: templesf.com
Harlot
$$ | 46 Minna Street, San Francisco, CA
A fun lounge and nightclub housed in a repurposed printing press dating back to 1907. Fantastic artwork from antler chandeliers to ceiling murals by the likes of Tiffany Bozic, Camille Rose Garcia and Manny Fabregas can be found throughout the lofty yet intimate venue. Stop by Harlot from Wednesday–Friday between 5PM–9PM for their fantastic happy hour or dance the night away during club nights, Thursday–Saturday. Must be 21+ to enter.
Hours: Wednesday: 5PM–9PM, Thursday–Friday: 5PM–2AM, Saturday: 9PM–2AM
Website: harlotsf.com
Where to Live in The East Cut
One Rincon
425 1st Street, San Francisco, CA
One Rincon Hill is a 60- floor luxury condominium building offering unparalleled 360-degree views of San Francisco. Ultra-luxury amenities include a 24/7 doorman and concierge, full-service valet parking, resident sky lounge, club-quality fitness center equipped with steam rooms and showers, full-size outdoor swimming pool, gourmet barbecue area, and an infinity edge reflecting pool.
181 Fremont Residences (2018)
181 Fremont Street, San Francisco, CA
With amenities and finishes that are more Park Avenue than South of Market, the 181 Fremont Residences are set to be San Francisco’s most luxurious high-rise residences when they open in 2018. The 67 residences will occupy the top 17 floors of this architecturally distinguished 70-floor mixed-use building (the tower’s office space has been leased 100% to Facebook), and the privileged residents will enjoy an amenities level with a wrap-around observation terrace, fitness center with yoga room, two lounges, library, catering kitchen, and conference room, in addition to service staff and a 24/7 on-call concierge.
The Harrison
401 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA
Perched atop Rincon Hill is The Harrison, a beautiful 49-story condominium building designed by Ken Fulk (not to be confused with Kinfolk) featuring one, two, and three bedroom floor plans which include spa-like baths, open format kitchens, spacious living rooms, and of course breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay Area. Resort style amenities include 24/7 concierge service, penthouse common lounge, valet, state of the art fitness center, and swimming pool.
LUMINA
201 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA
Offering a fantastic option for refined urban living, the LUMINA consists of 2 towers beautifully designed with a keen attention to detail and houses 655 residential units with floor plans ranging from elegant studios to 3 bedrooms filled with state of the art appliances and technology. The LUMINA features an above and beyond list of luxury amenities like their ‘Audi At Home’ that enables residents to rent an Audi directly from their smartphone. Additional highlights include the lushly landscaped rooftop terrace, pet grooming station, a children’s room, music practice room, amongst their many other resort quality services.
Millennium Tower
301 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
Completed in 2009, the Millennium Tower is currently the tallest residential building in San Francisco at 58 stories. On-site amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, outdoor terrace, wine room, and Michael Mina’s RN74 restaurant accessible on the ground floor.
