Hayes Valley
Neighborhood Guide
Defined by its bohemian charm, high street style, and Soho flare, even a New Yorker would feel right at home in Hayes Valley—San Francisco’s own village-style neighborhood. This storied neighborhood is lined with upscale boutiques, buzzed-about bars, and too many cafes to count, making Hayes Valley one of the trendiest and most desirable places to live in the San Francisco.
While Hayes Valley is now a destination for Bay Area foodies and fashionistas, it wasn’t always that way.
Over twenty years ago, Hayes Valley was symbolic of San Francisco’s drug and homeless problems; the neighborhood so many know and love today was inconceivable.
It wasn’t until the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake struck and destroyed the northern half of the city’s Central Freeway that this neighborhood got a second chance at redevelopment. At the time, the freeway passed over the neighborhood, crossing Octavia Boulevard and ending at Turk Street. The collapsed 101 freeway was completely demolished by CalTrans in 1992 and redevelopment began in Hayes Valley.
Today, the neighborhood features numerous upscale clothing boutiques and specialty shops, trendy restaurants, sophisticated bars, and several new and rising developments, including 300 Ivy, 388 Fulton, 400 Grove, 450 Hayes, and 555 Fulton.
As Hayes Valley continues to surge in commercial growth, its influence expands beyond neighborhood boundaries and overflowing into the Mid-Market, Alamo Square, Divisadero, and Western Addition neighborhoods.
Where to Eat in Hayes Valley
Monsieur Benjamin
Petit Crenn
PLÄJ
Where to Drink in Hayes Valley
The Riddler
Anina
Birba
Where to Shop in Hayes Valley
Welcome Stranger
Maker & Moss
Azalea
Ritual Coffee Roasters
Ritual Coffee Company’s Hayes Valley outpost is situated inside a modified shipping container at PROXY. Get caffeinated with their delicious Gibraltar Coffee, the San Francisco version of a Cortado.
Souvla
This beloved Greek fast-casual local chain serves up delicious souvlaki sandwiches and salads with rotisserie-cooked chicken, lamb, and pork, with vegan and vegetarian options available.
Biergarten
With a selection of German beers, ciders, and wine, as well as classic Bavarian snacks, Hayes Valley’s Biergarten at PROXY is a no-brainer on a warm afternoon.
Chantal Guillon
With Chantal Guillon in Hayes Valley, there’s no reason to go to France just for the macarons. This French macaron shop in San Francisco could rival the iconic Ladurée.
Marine Layer
Marine Layer is a “Made in SF” clothing brand with some of the softest cotton you will ever feel. This Hayes Valley outpost carries all the essentials you need to dress yourself in San Francisco.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle is a Bay Area staple when it comes to caffeination. We love the semi-hidden Blue Bottle Coffee on Hayes Valley’s Linden Street alley.
Urban Remedy
Urban Remedy is a go-to for pressed juices, elixirs, and grab-and-go vegan, gluten-free meals in Hayes Valley.
Fig & Thistle
Fig & Thistle is tucked away on Ivy Street in Hayes Valley. Designed to feel like you’re in a friend’s living room, you’ll feel right at home in this cozy wine bar where you can even sip vino on a stoop.