The Scarlet Sage Herb Co.

Come here for sustainable, organic, and healthy Mexican food. Their simple cocktail list offers a straightforward margarita and paloma, plus blue-bottle coffee for abstainers.

Alice Waters has been doing the whole organic, sustainably sourced "California cuisine" thing since 1972, long before it was all the rage. She even founded The Edible Schoolyard Project to empower littles to make healthful, environment-friendly food decisions. Chez Panisse, her much-respected bistro in Berkeley, is an institution and the impeccably prepared, seasonal fare (on a prix-fixe menu basis only) has landed this place on countless best-of lists. Upstairs at the unassuming little Arts and Crafts building where the restaurant is housed there's also The Café. Here, you’ll find a more casual a la carte selection; just like its older sibling, the menu changes daily.

The original teeny stand on Cow Hollow's main drag (and all the locations that followed) is operated by three surfer dude brothers and is home to high-quality organic, cold-pressed juice extracted using a hydraulic press and sold in cute bottom-heavy glass bottles, which you can bring back for the deposit. Stands and juice tucks are popping up all over and they now offer delivery as well.

The guys behind Asha are unabashedly obsessed with all varieties and types of tea. In fact, they're so into tea that they actually MacGyver-ed their own pour-over device that steeps their blends for the perfect amount of time; plus, you'll drink it out of a mug or cup specifically designed for your tea. The roomy space, with its tall ceilings and long linen lanterns, is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. The Berkeley flagship is a classic, though they just opened a second location Downtown.

With brick-and-mortar locations all over San Francisco, The Plant Cafe is always a solid standby for fresh, healthy takeout. Their signature vegan cleanse program provides clean, whole foods or juice for up to five days. Great for easing into a juice-only cleanse, the "The Health Nut" starts out with green juices, followed by fresh salads and a gentle soup for dinner. There are pickups in every neighborhood, in addition to delivery.

Chef Dominique Crenn is equal parts poet and chef, as evidenced by the creative titles of her tasting menu, which includes dishes like "the sea" or "walk in the forest." She’s also known for inventive presentation—expect lots of props, like dishes with glass panels, or mossy branches, to adorn your meal. The private room makes for a lovely space for a private meal.

This two-year-old startup is set up to offer meal delivery in 15 minutes. But that's where the corner cutting ends: All meals, which skew healthy but not diet, are chef-prepared (they’ve been known to invite local big-name chefs to guest star in Sprig kitchens) using strictly organic produce and sustainable meats and seafood. As of right now, deliveries are made throughout San Francisco, Palo Alto, and most recently, Chicago—but expansions are coming soon.

Luke’s mission is as simple as it is admirable: to make life easier for busy professionals, working moms, stay-at-home dads, and everyone in between. There are meal plans and pre-packed lunchboxes—all prepped by professional chefs using nutritious, sustainable ingredients (there’s even a house butcher, so you know exactly where your meat comes from) and curated meal kits if you’re feeling ambitious. They’ll also stock your pantry and fridge with à la carte groceries or seasonal “bundles,” and can also deliver gourmet care packages, which make for a great gift.

Native Juice Co. has been a farmers market vendor for years, but it wasn't until recently that they opened their first-ever brick and mortar Downtown. Native sources their ingredients and builds their menu around food grown organically in California. Their ingredients are never pre-juiced in order to keep the nutritional integrity and fresh taste of their products intact. We've been fans for years, since they generously shared recipes with us for the annual detox.

Basik got its start on the big island in Hawaii, where their original location is based (the Nob Hill store is actually their first location on the mainland), and from the staff to the menu, it definitely has an island vibe. The menu here offers souped-up acai bowls with add-ins like almond mylk, almond butter, bee pollen, and all kinds of fresh fruit, plus a full line-up of smoothies. Conveniently located on Polk Street, it's an easy stop before work or after a workout.

As Quoted is gorgeously clean and white, with a long marble bar and warm brass chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. And the menu has the added value that everything is delicious, healthy, and allergy conscious—excellent lattes (even a turmeric option), a smoked salmon sandwich on gluten-free bread, and a kale and avocado salad are all excellent picks. Plus, it's really easy to take meals to-go.

The adorable origin story behind Living Greens follows the relationship between founders Brian and Michelle, who started writing juice recipes together when they were first dating. More than seven years later, their juice cleanses are some of the best in SF. Living Greens has a strong sustainability component to their business, serving all organic produce and working with local farms on top of operating a virtually zero waste kitchen. Plus, every quarter they donate a portion of their profits to a different nonprofit organization.

Project Juice's little shops, which are in San Francisco and Southern California, make fresh juice and cleanses, but the real game-changer is their test kitchen, which also has a menu of clean, vegetable-based whole meals. Breakfast is particularly strong with smoothies and bowls both on offer.

There's something incredibly comforting about the old-school, down-to-earth health store vibe of Judahlicious, especially in San Francisco. The primarily raw, vegan dishes are packed full of classic health foods like sunflower seeds, sprouts, and avocado. Local favorites include the vegan pancakes, the "Dark Side of the Shroom" mushroom dish, the ridiculously good Dahnu wrap (basically a veggie wrap with almond pate), and the excellently named No Shirt, No Shoes rice bowl.

Andrea Lembkey owns and operates this quaint second-floor space, where each treatment is leisurely and attentive. As a bonus, she performs some of the most potent, results-oriented laser facials on the market, as well as great waxes.

Brian Belier has created a super chill space evoking the Japanese notion of Wabi-sabi (loose translation: letting natural beauty shine, imperfections and all). And here, you feel it in both the décor—lots of salvaged wood and plants—and the cuts, which are cool and artfully shaggy so hair naturally falls in the right shape without looking over-styled. It's the perfect place to come after work as they serve beer. See Brian for cuts and Sylvie Simon for balayage highlights.

Any facialist worth their salt can make you glow after a treatment, but Kristina's aim is to bring skin into long-term balance. This means that each treatment begins with a thorough dissection of eating habits, skincare routine, and general lifestyle, and ends with a detailed homework assignment for everyday maintenance.

Sarah actually shares a space with waxing studio Habit, so the rooms here look kind of like a girl's bedroom: dimly lit, pastel-hued, and comfy (the treatment tables are covered in layers of blankets). Once you lie down, Sarah literally tucks you in before beginning the treatment, which is a combination of high-tech and natural elements. The microdermabrasion works wonders without feeling like your face is being sanded off.

Amber Woods was into herbal remedies and homeopathy before she switched gears to facials, which means that she's fully integrated when it comes to skin. She performs her "skin care rituals" (start with the pink light glow signature facial and build from there with a list of add-ons) out of a tiny storefront in Oakland where she also sells her 100% organic Pink Light Botanicals product line. She also offers waxing and tinting.

The Tata Harper Spa in San Francisco (the only spa of its kind) is tucked into the back of Credo, a clean beauty shop in Pacific Heights. They offer a variety of treatments using Harper's signature products, including hydration therapy, and even back facials, and in true Tata style, you'll snuggle up under a vintage quilt that's reminiscent of her Vermont farm. There's just one tiny room in the back of the shop, so book ahead, though they will take walk-ins.

It’s a sad fact that for many, acne doesn’t just magically disappear the day after high school graduation. As its name suggests, the specialty at the Acqua e Sapone Acne Clinic is treating adult acne, whether by way of hyper-targeted facial treatments or via their brilliant acne boot camp, which incorporates facials, a tailored product regimen, and skin coaching—essentially, a system for controlling acne long-term through diet.

Michele Holmes is the real deal when it comes to eyebrows. Though she’s been tweezer-proficient since high school, she took a few years to pursue a career in fashion before going pro. To master her craft, she trained with none other than the woman behind the now-famous “feathered brow” technique, Kristie Streicher (she of Striiike fame). Best part? She does house calls.

We love how this streamlined boutique exudes the perfect mix of rockstar edginess and eco-consciousness–the latter being obvious on its shelves that are stocked with some of our favorite natural beauty brands including Vintner's Daughter and Rahua. A full service salon anchors the space, where you can find some of the city's best colorists and stylists.

Shari Spakes’s philosophy centers on educating her clients about how to take care of their specific skin concerns and skin types at home, in addition to occasionally supplementing with professional treatments. She offers a range of options, from classic European-style facials to more targeted peels, which are rounded out by massages and body therapies.

Walk into this crisp white studio adorned with lush flowers, exquisite trinkets, and Monastery’s line of gorgeously scented, super-effective skincare, and instantly, you feel restored. A facial with founder and formulator Athena Hewett takes you to a new level, however: She customizes each step to your skin, deftly combining the traditional exfoliation, cleansing, and extractions with high tech treatments and ancient techniques. Athena’s personally trained every one of the expert estheticians on staff; you saunter out sculpted, glowing, and completely rejuvenated.

Michelle Bravo is a certified holistic massage therapist (HMT) and certified aromatherapist (CAT), two skills that she expertly combines in her signature treatments, which are all trademarked to her unique EOS technique. She's celebrated for a lymphatic massage that incorporates aromatherapy. Clients also love that Michelle is a kind, intuitive sounding board and love talking to her during their treatments—for the full experience, you can book her for a lifestyle coaching session.

Reiki and spiritual healing are definitely not for everyone, but if it's not your first alternative therapy rodeo, Tanya Corona is kind of a one-stop-shop. She's trained in Reiki, chakra clearing, and crystal and sound healing, and her healing activation sessions combine a little bit of everything.

Margaret Arent is a bit of an institution in San Francisco at this point—treating local celebrities like Alice Waters, she's been in practice for nearly 40 years. She practices five element acupuncture.

It's hard to find two people more geekily passionate about chiropractic care (in the best possible way) than Scott Levin and Jason Miller, which is a big part of whey PostureWorks is San Francisco's gold standard for anyone with back problems. In addition to their chiropractic practice, they both lecture frequently at UCSF Med Center and handle their nutritional clinic, Nutraworks.

What makes Michelle Graves' practice special (she does acupuncture and herbalism) is her focus on women; from prenatal to new moms to hormonal pain and imbalances, she's particularly in tune with issues that affect women specifically. Michelle learned Chinese herbalism and medicine during her graduate study in Zhejiang Province, where she studied gynecology, oncology, and women's health. Michelle also does cupping and fertility treatments.

The great thing about Psoas is that founders Jennifer Lighthouse and Scott Schwartz bring so many different types of massage under the same roof; they offer everything from neurokinetic therapy to orthopedic massage. They're particularly great for sports massage (Jennifer is a former gymnast and diver) and pre-and post-natal bodywork.

Retreat Acupuncture has an office in the coolest old building in Lower Pacific Heights; formerly the Green Brothers Eye Hopsital, it's now full of alternative healing practitioners. Retreat was founded by Julie Hackmann (who specializes in womens health), and she's got a roster of amazing women who all specialize in traditional Chinese medicine. Ask for Rachel Root for acupuncture.

When acupuncturists and other healers need bodywork, they go to Fred Mitouer. He does bodywork for all of the Buddhist priests in the area (seriously), using a variety of modalities. He's best known for a somatic therapy called Transformational Bodywork, where he combines deep therapy with an emotional release for lasting effects.

Juliana does acupuncture, cupping, herbal work, and fantastic massage. She's also well known for her excellent bedside manner; she's kind, warm, and a pleasure to be around, which makes the entire experience all the more pleasant.

Tempel Smith started studying Buddhism and meditation in 1989 and even spent a year in Burma as an ordained Theravadan monk; after which he studied in silence for nine months (talk about commitment). He also completed a four-year teacher training program at Spirit Rock, where he learned a particular brand of somatic healing called Somatic Experiencing that's a powerful healing tool for people with PTSD. Though Smith does Dharma teaching and much of his work has its foundation in Buddhist principles, his somatic healing methods are firmly secular.

As a dental technician, Julie Lynge wondered what was causing clients to grind their teeth. Curious to learn more about how the body is connected, Lynge began training in craniosacral therapy, deep tissue, and other massage methods and techniques in Copenhagen. Today, Lynge's clinic specializes in massage therapy that helps to resolve ailments ranging from TMJ, to migraines, headaches, and joint pain. Lynge also offers a "facelift massage," which focuses on relaxing tension in the face and stimulating circulation for fresher looking, and feeling, skin.

B-12 shot happy hours, lymphatic massage, rolfing, structural integration, acupuncture, cupping, dry brushing, craniosacral therapy...the treatment menu at this sprawling San Francisco institution reads like a detox how-to. They also offer a host of other options, including facials, waxing, and peels.

Nestled at the foot of the Golden Gate bridge, Fort Baker is spread out over acres of prime Sausalito real estate, which up until recently has been left at the mercy of the elements. Then in 2008 a hospitality group stepped in and teamed up with the National Park Service to completely restore and preserve the area. The resulting 142-room lodge, healing arts center, and spa, are spread out over a cluster of Colonial buildings that meet and exceed all of LEED's sustainability requirement.

No one really enjoys a trip to the waxer but a treatment here comes with cocktails and bump-free results, making a visit almost bearable. They use only natural waxes (both hard and soft) or a sugar, lemon, and water mixture that goes on warm and comes off sans breakage and with minimal discomfort. Each treatment room boasts a different theme—nautical, camping, beach—but not in a kitschy way.

This deceptively sweet-looking spa is actually pretty hardcore when it comes to anti-aging treatments. The Russian mother-daughter team who founded it in the late '70s rely on everything from LED light therapy to dermaplanting to microdermabrasion in their efforts to stave off wrinkles and discoloration. On a lighter note, there's also makeup application, waxing, and massage.

We love this sleek, supremely restful spa. The facials are superb; the In Fiore Facial starts with a deep cleanse, followed by their coveted Slap, Tap, and Roll facial massage and a brightening peel.. And we’re equally obsessed with Bright Eyes, a powerful collagen-supporting therapy for the undereye area that soothes and tightens. The lounge has a cozy fireplace, as well as organic teas and delightful chocolates to nosh on while relaxing. The outside deck, with its lounge chairs and incredible view of the bay, is a blissful way to ease back into reality post-treatment.

(Note: Revel & Rose is currently closed but reportedly opening back up soon.) We think the concept behind this one-stop-shop for beauty and wellness is genius: If you're booking in for colon hydrotherapy or an infrared heat session, why not get your nails done, too? The salon offers everything from waxes to spray tans to intuitive readings, which make memberships here extremely worthwhile, whether you're beautifying, detoxing, or both.

Situated inside The Scarlet Huntington Hotel, this spa has a Zen-like, indoor infinity pool (no diving/swimming laps here) that leads out onto an outdoor patio with a picturesque Nob Hill view. Inside, there are 10 treatment rooms for massages and other body treatments, facials, and manis and pedis, including a handful of services designed for the guys. Nob Hill Spa is also home to a gym, steam and sauna rooms, and a fireside lounge. Guests of the hotel have complimentary use of the spa, and visitors can purchase a facilities-only day pass Monday through Thursday.

This minimalist, Korean-style communal bathhouse has two separate spa areas, one for men and one for women. Bathing suits are optional but you'll likely find that most guests opt not to wear them. For an affordable price, you can get a four-hour pass to Imperial's hot jacuzzi, dry and steam saunas, and cold plunge. Their wet spa body treatments focus on various purification scrubs, wraps, and oil massages, while their dry spa fixates on acupressure-focused massages. One great thing about Imperial is the spa stays open late (until 10 p.m., with the saunas shutting down at 9:45 p.m.), so you can head there after the office on days that warrant it.

TMI actually makes getting a colonic not so rough. (For more on the nuts and bolts of colonics, see this colonics Q&A with Dr. Alejandro Junger, and check in with your doctor to see if they're right for you.) In addition to colonic sessions, which is obviously what TMI is known for, they also offer infrared sauna sessions.

The California Coastal trail is actually one giant mega-trail connecting Mexico to Oregon. For this segment in the Presidio (the park and former army base that make up a protected area around the Southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge), you'll walk a 2-3 mile stretch from Baker Beach to the Golden Gate Bridge along the rocky coastline. With views of the bay throughout, it's a gorgeous way to approach the bridge; plus, it's much less touristy than the other walking approach, which starts in Fisherman's Wharf. This route is a great little hike for wearing out the kids, and the Presidio offers a lot of other side trails, too, if you're hoping to string together a longer morning run.

Just across Highway 101 and over the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Beach is an easy (but still totally idyllic) day trip from the city. The beach itself is a classic Northern California cove, with tall rocks and green hills on either side and boulders jutting up from the shallows—the surrounding area is home to plenty of wildlife, too. In the colder months, take the long pedestrian trail from the parking lot to the coastal trail and hike along the cliffs, which offer gorgeous views of the beachfront; be sure to pack layers, as winds can get cold. In the warmer months, it's perfect for sunbathing, and there's even a clothing-optional sunbathing and skinny dipping area past the line of rocks on the northernmost end of the beach. Afterwards, grab lunch at the Pelican Inn, a traditional English-style pub in the tiny nearby town.

Husband-and-wife duo Tim and Tara Dale co-founded the original Yoga Tree studio in 1999, and over the years have fully refined the offering—you'll hear modern playlists just as often as traditional Indian music, and there's a range of teaching styles on the menu, including Kundalini, Vinyasa, Hatha, and more. The studio also has a robust workshop and retreat program, plus well-respected teacher training for those who want to take their practice to the next level.

The Tennessee Valley is in the same direction as Muir Beach (over the Golden Gate bridge and along Highway 101), and its' encyclopedic list of hiking trails is another excellent way to explore the Golden Gate Recreation area. Advanced hikers can explore the hills around the valley while beginners and families can take the almost two-mile trek to a little cove—locals know it's best to time a hike with the low tide when you can actually see the shipwrecked engine of the SS Tennessee, which sunk near the beach in 1853. In the spring, the valley is home to gorgeous wildflowers, including buttercups and poppies, and in the summer and through early fall you can find fruit on the blackberry bushes. Remember: No dogs allowed.

The concept behind Ryan Allen’s 90-minute strength training class is brilliant in its simplicity: Small group strength training (no more than six people per session) means you get a ton of personal attention and the instructors can customize each individual exercise on the spot; the fifteen-minute cool-down includes a guided meditation to cement the mind-body connection.

While we're partial to this airy space because it’s set up mere steps from our San Francisco goop MRKT, the semi-private, private, and group class menu, which ranges from Pilates to barre to yoga, really is one of the best in town. They also offer one-on-one fascial stretch therapy—pretty game changing for anyone discovering the joys of fascia.

This local spot for full-body workouts offers intense choreographed classes. Their session roster has a little bit of everything: ballet barre with kickboxing and isometric strength exercises, conditioning with resistance bands and sandbags, a 60-minute prenatal "Salt Bump" cardio class, etc. You can pay per class, purchase a class pack (5, 10, 20 sessions), or sign up for a longer commitment—they have a discounted trial package for newcomers that's a nice option.

Oscar Sanin began his pilates practice as a way to heal his body from injuries sustained from a serious accident. In 2010, he founded Pilates Proworks along with his wife, Taylor Carter. They offer mat and reformer pilates classes, which use Proworks' own custom designed reformer machine, TheFitFormer, for seamless transitions during class sessions. They also have a handful of classes that mix pilates with other workout traditions and routines. Their matBox class combines mat pilates with kickboxing and yoga; another class combines pilates with barre. Proworks also has pre-natal and mommy-and-me classes, as well as a second location in the Marina.

Dance meets barre meets cardio at the COMPANY, which offers four weekly classes (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday). Their barre-focused class is 45 minutes long and combines elements of low-impact dance with body sculpting exercises, all set to music. COMPANY's other music-driven class is 60 minutes long and a mix of dance and high intensity cardio. Their studio is an awesome, bright, open, airy space in Presidio—but note that Sunday's class is currently held at Sweat Republic.

About an hour and a half north of San Francisco proper, Point Reyes is a popular day trip for great hiking and sea kayaking (there's also good camping here, though campsites can only be reached by foot so it's best to steer clear unless you have some backpacking experience). The park is famous for its historic lighthouse, which also happens to be an excellent place to whale watch and see elephant seals in the summer months. Point Reyes is home to some of the area's best hiking—we like to send first-timers to the Bear Valley Visitor Center, where you can find an education center and plenty of rangers to fill you in on interesting facts and help you get your bearings when it comes to the many hiking trails that leave from that point. History geeks might want to take a detour near the town of Inverness on the way up, where you can explore the beached remains of the SS Point Reyes, which shipwrecked in Tamale Bay more than 100 years ago. Remember to bring some cash to cover entrance fees.

About a 40-minute drive up Route 1, Bolinas is one of the best longboarding beaches in the area, with a long, relaxed wave that you can ride for ages. The town has a '60s-style hippie vibe—the beach has an old sign announcing naked surfers, though the waters here are way too cold to surf without a wetsuit, no matter what time of year it is. Speaking of, 2 Mile surf shop in town has great rentals and lessons for first-timers.

The great thing about Linda Mar is that it's the kind of place that's good for beginners and advanced surfers alike—the waves on the South end of the beach are mellow and beginner-friendly, and they increase in size as you move north. The town itself is a short drive south of the city (on the way to Silicon Valley), and the beach is famously home to a Taco Bell with a hilariously good location right on the sand. We like Norcal Surf Shop for rentals and lessons, but no judgment if you just want to relax on the beach with a Crunchwrap Supreme.

There are only four tables, so weekend waits can get borderline unbearable but the pizzas here are some of the best in the city. Is you absolutely can't stick around, grab a pie to-go and come back often, the offering changes weekly according to what's in season.

Nopa is one of few restaurants around that's open late—dinner is served until 1am—which is unheard of in SF. This is a definite good thing considering it can be challenging to land one of the communal tables or booths on a super busy night, but if you’re lucky you can snag a seat at the bar. In a city full of Italian restaurants, this is the place to go for fresh pasta that changes regularly according to what’s in season. So good is the selection of the house-made pastas, burgers, salads, and sides that local chefs go here on their nights off. The wine list is the stuff of legend.

While there are delicious small plates for veggies to tuck into, the mains at this Chef Jennifer Puccio-helmed spot have the carnivore crowd in mind. The Marlow burger is particularly memorable (and by memorable, we mean it's one of the best we've ever had). Ken Faulk—regarded as one of the most talented interior designers in the city—re-imagined the sprawling space to resemble an elevated butcher shop. They have several spaces to accommodate private parties, the best one being their private patio space: It's decorated with herbs and other greenery and dotted with heat lamps that make it comfortable year-round.

You know how S.F. has a reputation for stellar Chinese food? This is where it all started. The original outpost—there's one in NYC, too—doesn't offer much in terms of ambiance (it's kind of a hole in the wall) but the food is outstanding. The Asian chicken salad, in particular, gets a ton of much-deserved attention. Oh, and they deliver.

This is the kind of place that takes its wine just as seriously as the food, though neither is too hoity-toity or expensive. The exposed kitchen, which is visible from almost ever angle of the smallish dining room, has a sort of hypnotic effect on diners. Ask for the Heirloom burger—it has the cheese mixed into the patty rather than sitting on top.

Come nighttime, the dim lighting and loud music draw a younger crowd to this tightly-packed gem a few blocks off the main Mission drag. The lineup of house-made pastas is as unusual as they come. From maltagliati with braised rabbit and sunchokes to trenette with pork sugo and chili, the concepts are always inspired. The pizzas are just as interesting. It's not a light meal, so come with hungry friends as a lot of it is great to share. The dough room where they roll the pasta during is available as a private dining room in the evenings.

The indoor-outdoor dining room is equal parts rustic (Edison bulbs, communal tables) and modern (exposed kitchen, cement floors) while the food is hearty Northern California fare through and through. Taking full advantage of the region's bounty, Chef Thomas McNaughton developed relationships with local farmers who provide just-plucked produce for dishes like squash maltagliati, figs with coppa di testa, and melon and burrata. If you're hosting an event, keep in mind that the attached Salumeria, which is a market by day, becomes a cozy dining room by night.

The Tenderloin is kind of having a moment right now with trendy spots popping up on the regular. With its huge open kitchen, slick bar, and generally awesome vibe, Liholiho fits the bill, but it also has the seriously good food to back it up. Think fancy-ish Hawaiian food—marinated squid, Spam fried rice, fried oysters—and killer drinks. For dessert, we've heard good things about the Baked Hawaii—like a Baked Alaska but...you know, Hawaiian. Big parties should spring for the family-style Ohana Table option.

There's a lot to appreciate about this insanely cool-looking Korean-American restaurant, not the least of which is the fact that it's run by three brothers who inherited their skills from their chef mom. What's more, most of the ingredients used for the seasonal plates are supplied by their very own farm. And if that doesn't impress, the beer is on tap (i.e. you can order by the pitcher), the dessert comes in shave ice form, and there's a dedicated kids menu perfect for easing little palettes into flavor-heavy Korean cuisine.

Widely considered the best taqueria in in the city, this unassuming spot has literally won awards for its tacos and burritos, which are stuffed with really good, clean meat and are best washed down with the house aguas frescas. That said, many would argue the carnitas are the sleeper hits here. We've also heard whispers of a secret menu so make friend with some regulars, stat.

The success of the original Oakland outpost inspired Chef James Syhabout—he's the guy behind Commis—to bring his much-adored Laotian Thai restaurant (the 24-hour Pork Belly is something else) to S.F. The restaurant is full of color and life, designed to encourage customers to stick around for drinks and laughs long after the food is cleared.

One of the pioneers of the vibrant microbrewery culture in San Francisco, Dave McLean has been passionately making craft beer for more than 15 years. His pub in Haight Ashbury is a cozy place to sample their wide selection, and their Sunday brunch comes with a beer pairing for brave souls. McLean used to keep all of his brewing equipment in the basement underneath the pub, but after outgrowing that space last year, he moved production to an enormous converted warehouse in Dogpatch. The tasting room in the shiny new brewery offers up some wickedly good BBQ and stays open until 2am on weekends.

While Bourbon & Branch isn't the first bar to play on the speakeasy theme, they expand the motif with a lot of enthusiasm. Located in a bar that was an actual speakeasy from 1921-1933, the space has more than five secret rooms for guests to explore, if they can find them (and remember the password). Plus, a set of "House Rules" prevents anyone from using cell phones or taking photographs, and awesomely cautions: "Don't even think about asking for a Cosmo." Make a reservation in advance, as you'll need to be armed with a password to get in.

Craft cocktails are a well-recognized and celebrated art in San Francisco, and The Alembic has some of the most creative bartenders in the game. A sister bar to brewery favorite Magnolia Pub, it shares the same cozy, rustic aesthetic, with Edison bulbs hanging bare over a bar that looks like it was made with reclaimed wood. Favorite menu items include the fantastically titled Sloe Boat to China, a citrus-y blend of gin and Vermouth, and the Corpse Reviver, a gin drink with a subtle touch of Absinthe. If you're lucky enough to be visiting during the right season, stop by for a weirdly good Girl Scout Cookie cocktail pairing.

Located in the Mission, Trick Dog is sort of a classic hipster spot for craft cocktails—you can be almost certain that your bartender is going to be sporting a well-groomed beard and a handmade apron. But with that creativity and attention to detail comes a James Beard Award-nominated cocktail program that incorporates out-of-the-box ingredients into a seasonally changing cocktail list. Visitors also love their menus, which change every month and have been imaginatively shaped into a Pantone color wheel, a zodiac guide, and a map of San Francisco. Just don't try to steal one (trust us, they're on to you).

As one of the pioneers of the vibrant microbrewery culture in San Francisco, Dave McLean has been passionately making craft beer for more than 15 years. His pub in Haight Ashbury is a cozy place to sample their wide selection, and their Sunday brunch comes with a beer pairing for brave souls. McLean used to keep all of his brewing equipment in the basement underneath the pub, but after outgrowing that space last year, he moved production to an enormous converted warehouse in Dogpatch. The tasting room in the shiny new brewery offers up some wickedly good BBQ and stays open until 2am on weekends.

It's important to note that this weird little shop's full name is actually Trouble Coffee and Coconut Club. And yes, they do actually serve fresh coconut juice, which along with a small coffee (the only size available here) and fat slice of cinnamon toast constitutes the $8 "Build Your Own Damn House" combo. There's also the option to order a shot of fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice a.k.a., "Yoko." The original Trouble is tiny and has a tree trunk in lieu of outdoor seating while the new one in Oakland, is done almost exclusively in white.

The original teeny stand on Cow Hollow's main drag (and all the locations that followed) is operated by three surfer dude brothers and is home to high-quality organic, cold-pressed juice extracted using a hydraulic press and sold in cute bottom-heavy glass bottles, which you can bring back for the deposit. Stands and juice tucks are popping up all over and they now offer delivery as well.

Jane is known for venturing beyond the expected coffee-and-pastry formula and providing locals with wholesome and delicious organic breakfast and lunch. The granola, which they sell in to-go jars, is particularly memorable. Owner Amanda Michael made it a point to make each of the two locations (there's also an outpost in Pacific Heights) as comfy and welcoming as possible, which explains why both are perpetually packed.

Ok, so you have to be invited to stay, which means this isn't technically a hotel, but those lucky enough to be nominated—and actually accepted—to this Ken Fulk-designed private social club get access to a slew of membership perks, including 14 sprawling rooms, several bars, a restaurant, and spa. Exclusivity aside, Michael Birch and Xochi Torres, a couple of tech geniuses who came up with the concept, wish to promote diversity and community via strategic membership approvals that don't actually depend on status or financial standing (they offer "scholarships" for those who can't swing the hefty membership dues).

This gem celebrated its 100th birthday a couple of years ago (it did receive a Philippe Starcke makeover in the interim) making it particularly good time to book a stay. In the famously ornate lobby you'll find furniture pieces by Ray and Charles Eames and Salvador Dali; the standard rooms while on the tight side make up for it in comfort and beautiful pastel-hued décor. Downstairs, the plush Redwood Room is perfect for drinks and snacks at the stretch bar which lent the local-approved lounge its name.

If we were to dream up the ideal, minimalist urban loft, the Palihotel—nestled right by heart-of-the-action Union Square—is it. Worn white brick walls, low-to-the-ground beds with warm striped throws, stylish mid-century-style chairs, and copper light fixtures distinguish the roomy spaces, and, like its sister properties, this outpost is sympathetic to the existing neighborhood style with its imposing, Mission Revival-style façade. Inside, though, soft pastel colors, plenty of stripes, and vintage-looking floral patterns adorn the common areas (which feel made for the freelance traveler who needs to bust out emails but appreciates pretty surroundings and quick service). Foodwise, Fisher Loft on the second floor is the kind of spot you check out for breakfast and come back for dinner: the burgers, jammy eggs, frisée salad, and (if you’re feeling extra) caviar service are menu standouts.

We stand behind anything Kelly Wearstler lays her bejeweled fingers on. The Wearstler-designed San Francisco Proper Hotel is a reason in itself to come here for a weekend. Located in the gritty-cool Mid-Market area, the Proper’s aesthetic echoes that of the surrounding streets. Interiors are a mashup of old and new, of clashing and complementary. Walking into the color-saturated lobby—with its medley of mirrors, paintings, and eccentric prints—feels instantly welcoming. Both the vibe and the music are intentionally upbeat. Guest rooms are on the small side but incredibly comfortable, and in a city as crowded as San Francisco, the bedside concierge tablet is a godsend for both recs and reservations. After supper out on the town, the best way to wind down is with a cocktail or steaming cup of tea on the wraparound rooftop, warmed by the firepits.

Outer Sunset is many things: a beachy neighborhood in San Francisco, home to many excellent surf shops (looking at you, Mollusk and Woodshop), and the place to come for Black Bird. The independent bookstore, curated by local owner (and voracious reader) Kathryn Grantham, is equal parts community hangout and retailer. Black Bird is unlike so many bookstores—and we love that about it. In lieu of traditional spine-out shelving, for example, books are displayed with the covers facing forward—like artwork. Because under Grantham’s pioneering eye, there are no bad choices. Each title is selected to propel new voices forward and to commemorate the fascinating history of San Francisco. Make it a first stop in the city—and bring nothing but time.

There are three locations of this beloved shop, and the original is here. Set in a big, lofty space that could theoretically hold hundreds of items, the impeccably curated store is an exercise in restraint: You’ll find hand-made ceramics, brass trivets, thread-wrapped bows and arrows, and rare, vintage books. The second location is in Venice.

A little bit fishing lodge, a little bit mountain ranger, this shop’s aesthetic is a modern take on cozy cabin décor. Carrying everything from Turkish towels to Ace & Jig quilts, to dreamcatchers, it’s fun for anyone with nostalgia for that summer cabin by the lake, whether real or fictional.

Dainty hand-beaded accessories by Salihah Moore, pottery by Patricia Yenawine, and Gravel & Gold's house line of print-centric separates make it kind of difficult to stick this eclectic little shop in any one category. Then there's the vintage décor and teeny indie apothecary section which also play to the greater theme: Everything is made by women, for women, right here in California.

Hands down one of our favorite shops to hit up when in San Francisco, Mill Mercantile is essentially Unionmade for chicks, meaning the vibe is timeless with a whiff of tomboy. It's set up like a mini department store with sections dedicated to shoes (Dieppa Restrepo brogues, classic New Balance), clothing (Apiece Apart, Gitman Brothers), plus home stuff and an impressive wellness corner (lots of Aesop, Arquiste fragrances). If you don't have a Bay Area trip planned in the near future, the online shop is the next best thing as it stocks the best of what's in store.

This beautiful store stocks a little bit of everything for men, women, and home—it's literally a one-stop-shop for things that are cool and globally sourced (hence the name). For the girls, there's cotton separates from Japan and slouchy knits from LA-based Shaina Mote, lots of heritage and street-wear brands for guys, and minimalistic wood and brass pieces for the home from under-the-radar designers like Futugami and Akarino Tane.

This goldmine of a shop is the work of former Old Navy designer, Leah Bershad. The space is dimly lit much like a museum, which makes sense since the Southwestern-tinged biker rings, folksy wall hangings, and embroidered dresses from Mexico are essentially pieces of art. And it's not all vintage either, as Leah stocks contemporary items from Ace & Jig, Raleigh Denim, and Cinq Workshop, too.

This by-appointment-only workspace and showroom is like a playground for the grown-up surfer dude with scratch to spend. It's a collaborative effort between four artisans: one designs the reclaimed wooden furniture, one builds crazy cool-looking, high-performance surf boards, one specializes in re-making old chairs, and one is an artist and sign designer.

This awesome shop is operated by a brother-and-sister duo, who do an excellent job of looking beyond the obvious outlets to stock the airy space. The assortment changes regularly, so while there's no predicting exactly what you might find during a visit, great vintage tees, sculptural jewelry, and clothing from under-the-radar European lines are all a sure thing. Most vintage display tables and scattered seating is for sale, so don't be afraid to ask for a quote if you like what you see.

Years ago, the original Harputs was actually a sneaker store. Now, it's a cool, off-beat clothing boutique downstairs and a workshop/design studio upstairs—Gus and Robin Harputs design, cut, and produce almost every beautifully draped, convertible piece on site. The collection isn't particularly huge (they supplement with a selection of Comme des Garcons, Martin Margiela, and Yohji), and if there's something you don't see, or have a tweak or two you'd like made to an existing piece, they'll gladly get the job done.

There's something of a down-the-rabbit-hole effect when you walk into this magical antiques store. Everywhere you look you'll see collectible curiosities that owners Rod Hipsund and Kelly Ishikawa plucked from antique sales and vintage markets. Particularly impressive are the old-school typewriters and stacks of pre-owned books. Even the contemporary stuff, like the Bonny Doon hand balms and pottery, has a turn-of-the-century vibe.

We can easily write a love letter to each of the 18 local-owned specialty shops lining this adorable, strollable alley. Here you'll find a dreamy florist, an excellent book shop called Book Shop, a vintage store, a handful of galleries, our favorite jewelry store in the city (Esqueleto), a place that specializes in stuffed donuts, and so much more.

Everything in Temescal Alley is great but this jewelry store is a definite highlight. It's beautifully merchandised with geodes, bones, stones, feathers, and plenty of other hippie paraphernalia (most of it is for sale). The actual jewelry—some vintage some contemporary—has a witchy, kind of dark-magic vibe to it.

This welcome new addition to the San Francisco shopping landscape is the passion project of stylist Pauline Montupet. It's a truly unique concept int he area: The minimal, airy concept space is set up like an obsessively curated Pinterest board with whitewashed walls (and a stark floor to match), plywood fixtures, and pops of color courtesy of the merchandise, which ranges from Whyte to Tibi to Acrimony.

This massive indie bookstore has been around since the '50s (when it served as a meeting spot for the literary-minded beatniks) and is now a bona fide San Francisco institution. Make sure to check the events calendar before your visit.

The fashion crowd in SF was more than a little excited to find out that Emily Holt, formerly the long-time fashion news editor for Vogue, was bringing her exquisite taste back to her home city in the form of this adorable boutique in the Marin Country Mart. In addition to a great assortment of our favorite fashion brands (Khaite, La Double J, and Sophie Buhai, to start), her shop also carries a stellar selection of books and greeting cards, plus ceramics and other artisan products from local makers.

MARCH may just be the best kitchen and tabletop store in the country. (In fact, we love it so much, we collaborated with them and Alice Waters on a dinner to raise funds for The Edible Schoolyard.) No, this is not the place to buy a Kitchen Aid, or a Silpat, but instead to discover a beautiful, hand-made mortar and pestle, Michael Verheyden candlesticks, or Billy Cotton glass and dinnerware. We were overjoyed when they finally went online last year.

The movie nights here are really fun (it's great to grab a blanket and your buddies and sit for the night), which is why locals and visitors in the know flock to the park on summer evenings to make one of the few annual shows.

The Precita Eyes Muralists tours in San Francisco are a really fantastic way to see the city via local outdoor art. There are numerous worthy murals to be seen all around S.F. and the tour guides here know them all in and out.

Yerba Buena doesn't have a permanent collection, meaning that their resources are significantly freed up to put towards a robust community program with lots of performance art, films, and events that complement and work off of their exhibition program. Their visual art program is similarly robust, taking ambitious exhibitions from other institutions—they're currently hosting Radical Presence, a survey of visual art by African American artists that's the first of its kind.

Any facialist worth their salt can make you glow after a treatment, but Kristina Holey’s aim is to bring skin into long-term balance. This means that each treatment begins with a thorough dissection of eating habits, skin-care routine, and general lifestyle and ends with a detailed homework assignment for everyday maintenance. The one and a half to two hours she spends with clients are completely customized, though all include a rousing face massage, as well as broths meant to calm and strengthen skin from within.

Come to this Mission salon for consistently good, reasonably priced manicures and pedicures and stay for the kickass nail art. The technicians do editorial-quality work (they do a lot of shoots) and can go as classic or as out-there as you want. Check out their Instagram feed for inspo.