presented by
Hello, San Francisco! Welcome to Summer! I’m Sarah, your Eventbrite city manager.
We at Eventbrite want to make sure you have the best summer possible. While we all know that in SF, summer doesn’t necessarily come with warmer temperatures and tans, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the season. Go out, try something new, take a trip, or simply embrace the concept of a Summer Friday. Whatever you do, do it in signature SF style (complete with extra layers).
CONTENTS SIZZLING SUMMER BITES
BEST STREET FAIRS
• What to Order • New Kids on the Block
SUMMER SOUNDS
• Waterfront Picks
• Summer Playlist
• Dine About Town
• Summer Concerts
WHERE AND WHAT TO SIP THIS SUMMER
FOG FIGHT: WARMING UP IN SF • Heat Seekers
• Beer Lovers
• Go East
• Craft Cocktails
• Embrace the Fog
• Sunny-Day Drinking • SF’s Best Summer Drinks
SARAH’S FAVES • Summer Events I’m
CHASING THE SUN • Local Trips
Most Excited For • Summer’s Best Sandwiches
• Tastes Worth Traveling For • The Great Outdoors
Need a way to get from one adventure to the next this summer? Get $30 towards your first ride with Lyft using promo code: BRITE2014 (exclusive discount for first-time Lyft riders)
SIZZLING SUMMER BITES
Summers might be cool, but the culinary scene in SF is red-hot all year round. Sample some of SF’s best orders, new
THE SUNSET
Tonkotsu Ramen at Izakaya Sozai 1500 IRVING ST, SAN FRANCISCO Save this for an especially foggy night. There’s nothing better than curling up with a warm bowl of savory broth and perfectly cooked noodles as the wind whips through the Outer Sunset.
openings, and special summer picks.
HAYES VALLEY
WHAT TO ORDER
Porcini Doughnuts at Rich Table
THE MARINA
199 GOUGH ST, SAN FRANCISCO Doughy and delicious, the Porcini Doughnuts are a perfect blend of spice, salt, and super fluffy dough. Try to eat just one, I dare you.
Bites worth going out of your way for.
José Andrés Burger at Umami Burger 2184 UNION ST, SAN FRANCISCO This burger with Spanish-inspired ingredients, curated by DC Chef José Andrés, is reason enough to stop into the Union St. burger joint.
PACIFIC HEIGHTS
Margherita Pizza at Pizzeria Delfina 2406 CALIFORNIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO Don’t mess with a classic. If you’re lucky enough to get here on a warm day, snag a glass of white wine and an outside table. NORTH BEACH
“Demons on Horseback” at Park Tavern 1652 STOCKTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO The dynamic team behind Park Tavern turns out some of the best food in the city. Make sure you try these lardo-wrapped smoked prawns—you won’t regret it.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
Schroeder’s Restaurant 240 FRONT ST, SAN FRANCISCO This FiDi classic got a major face-lift. Head there for your next happy hour and see the new and improved space for yourself.
Chino 3198 16TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO The folks who brought you Tacolicious have a new opening on the corner of 16th and Guerrero — a funky-fun Asian eatery.
The Square 1707 POWELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO The Square is the newest North Beach restaurant from the Sons & Daughters team.
WATERFRONT PICKS
Recent openings to try.
Coqueta
Smokestack
PIER 5, THE EMBARCADERO, SAN FRANCISCO Michael Chiarello’s Spanish-inspired waterfront restaurant is a gem, and great for happy hour.
2505 3RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO This new Dogpatch BBQ joint lives in a former factory.
Barrel Head Brewhouse 1785 FULTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO Nopa was hurting for a great brewhouse and Barrel Head is the answer to our prayers.
Hog Island Oyster Co. SAN FRANCISCO FERRY BLDG #11A, SAN FRANCISCO The recently remodeled restaurant at the Ferry Building is a perfect spot for some very fresh oysters and a glass of wine or local brew.
Mission Rock Resort
Spruce
817 TERRY FRANCOIS BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO This new-ish Dogpatch restaurant boasts sunny weather, as well as waterfront views. Our suggestion? Try it for brunch.
3640 SACRAMENTO ST, SAN FRANCISCO Spruce boasts an amazing wine list and one of the city’s best burgers.
Red’s Java House PIER 30, SAN FRANCISCO Red’s is a real San Francisco treat. Get some buddies and a bucket of beers, and post up right under the Bay Bridge.
FUN FINDS FROM DINE ABOUT TOWN Curated by our friends at SF Travel.
With restaurants crafting menus at up to 25% off, this year’s Dine About Town was more successful than ever before. Here are our favorite picks from the week go on, treat yourself. And stay tuned for the next Dine About Town dates from SF Travel.
Luce 888 HOWARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO We’re jumping at the chance to try this one Michelin star rated restaurant.
Scoma’s Restaurant AL SCOMA WAY, SAN FRANCISCO You won’t get seafood much fresher than this in the city.
Cocotte 1521 HYDE ST, SAN FRANCISCO This Russian Hill French rotisserie is a neighborhood favorite and a great date spot.
Chaya Brasserie 132 THE EMBARCADERO, SAN FRANCISCO Waterfront views and great food make this place an SF classic.
14th Annual Breastfest Beer Festival JULY 12 FORT MASON FESTIVAL PAVILION, SAN FRANCISCO Grab a good beer for a great cause at this beer festival that donates 100% of profits
WHERE & WHAT TO SIP THIS SUMMER Ah Summer, when fresh cocktails and
cold beers flow, and day drinking is just that much more acceptable. Here are picks for best sips this summer.
to support low-income women battling breast cancer.
CRAFT COCKTAILS Trick Dog 3010 20TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO Nobody is more seasoned behind the bar than The Bon Vivants, the team behind Trick Dog. No matter what your spirit of choice, you can be sure there is something on the menu for you.
Third Rail
BEER LOVERS
628 20TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO
Magnolia Pub & Brewery
drinks and house-made jerky are
1398 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO It doesn’t get much more local than
It might be a hike to get to this Potrero Bar, but we promise the totally worth it.
Magnolia Pub & Brewery. We’ve got a
Beretta
soft spot for the Sara’s Ruby Mild.
1199 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO
Monk’s Kettle 3141 16TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO You can’t get a better tap selection anywhere. But, make sure you get there early, as there are only a few tables in this Mission bar.
Go for the Kentucky Mule, and stay for the meatballs.
SUNNY DAY DRINKING
SF’S BEST SUMMER DRINKS
El Techo de Lolinda
Eloise Porter to share her must-have
We asked cocktail connoisseur
2518 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO
drink picks this summer. Eloise is a
The views from the rooftop bar are
freelance writer, blogger, and editor living
rivaled by few spots in the city, and the
in San Francisco. She works for local
full glass wrap-around keeps out the
publications specializing in food, culture,
chilly fog that rolls up on every other
health, and lifestyle. In her spare time,
rooftop bar in SF.
she is an avid baker, yogi, farmer,
Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem
and flaneur. Here are her top five city drinks:
2323 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO
Maven: Park Day Shandy
The back porch of Dr. Teeth and the
598 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO
Electric Mayhem is one of the best-kept
This refreshing summer sipper is the
secrets of Mission Street. Great bar
perfect accompaniment to a day in
food and cornhole make for the perfect
Dolores. On those rare warm days in the
backyard fun.
bay, cool down with this mix of rum, apple, chestnut, rosemary, and
Bay Area Brew Festival
citrus, with a bubbly burst from cool
This is a must-buy ticket for any Bay Area
saison beer.
beer lover. Use discount code BRITESF for 5% off your ticket.
Novela: Seasonal Punches 662 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO Novela kicks it up a notch with six different punches made with seasonal ingredients. Try the Pisco, made with red grape, mint, cucumber, melon, and lemon. The Rum punch—with coconut, water, banana, allspice, and lemon—is also amazing.
Blackbird 2124 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO Blackbird has always been on the forefront of cocktail trends. That’s why it’s no surprise their summer menu is brimming with fresh, summery ingredients, like cucumber, celery, rhubarb, and grapefruit. Try One More Thyme—a blend of vodka, Contratto Bianco, cucumber, and thyme. Or, go for the Celery Gimlet with gin, genepy, elderflower, lime, celery, and celery bitters.
Burritt Room & Tavern: Mass Appeal 417 STOCKTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO
CHASING THE SUN
When temperatures rise, you’ll enjoy Burritt’s Mass Appeal. The blend of vodka or gin, elderflower, ginger, lime, and grapefruit bitters is intoxicatingly
LOCAL TRIPS
refreshing.
Whether you just can’t take another
Sabrosa: Mezcal or Macho Margarita
warm weather envy has reached a fever
3200 FILLMORE ST, SAN FRANCISCO Margaritas and heat waves go together like peanut butter and jelly. Head to Sabrosa, where the classic Latin cocktail gets a smoky edge from mezcal or a spicy kick from roasted jalapenos. Whichever you pick, you’re sure to cool down fast.
foggy day, or your social media-induced pitch, there comes a point in every SF summer where you need to escape. Hit the road with these suggestions.
Gilroy Garlic Festival 7050 MILLER AVE, GILROY: JULY 25-27 The Gilroy Garlic Festival is famous all over the U.S. and most certainly worth at least one trip.
Lagunitas Brewery 1280 N MCDOWELL BLVD, PETALUMA Get a group together and make the hour-long drive to Petaluma for a visit to the Lagunitas Brewery. Sit on the patio to enjoy food, drink, and live music on the weekends.
Drake’s Bay Oysters
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Tough Mudder Tahoe AUGUST 16-17 Calling all tough guys and gals! Head up to Tahoe for a summer Tough Mudder, and make a weekend of it!
17171 CHIMNEY ROCK RD, INVERNESS Drive out to Drake’s Bay and buy some fresher-than-fresh oysters. Head to
Butano State Park This quick trip ( just south of
Point Reyes State Park and park it near
Pescadero) boasts beautiful campsites
Heart’s Desire Beach. There are grills and
nestled in the redwoods and a
picnic tables, so bring plenty of food!
15-minute walk to the beach.
Kirby Cove Campground This campground has absolutely spectacular views of the entire city, and sits quietly next to the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s the city’s best-kept secret, and it’s right under our noses.
BEST STREET FAIRS
Hit the streets! Summer is full of fun street fairs to explore.
Summer Streets
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, MAY-OCTOBER Throughout the summer, Yerba Buena hosts a series of lunchtime concerts and performances. It’s the perfect way to break up the day during the workweek.
San Francisco Street Food Festival, AUGUST 16 La Cocina’s 6th Annual Street Food Festival is back this August in the Mission
Summer Streets is a street closure,
with some of the best street food in the
traveling to different SF neighborhoods
country (if you ask us)!
each month. The event turns busy city streets into thoroughfares for fun the whole community can enjoy.
Pride Parade, JUNE 29 One of San Francisco’s landmark events,
Sausalito Art Festival AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 1 Go to Sausalito for their annual art festival featuring local artisans, live music, and of course, great food!
the Pride Parade, kicks off this June— don’t miss the plethora of accompanying parties and events.
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, SEPTEMBER 20-21 Well worth the trip out to Lafayette for this late summer/early fall festival. Enjoy the last sips of summer with music, art, and wine!
SUMMER PLAYLIST
“In The Summer” - Crystal Fighters
soundtrack. Check out the suggested
“Pushing On” - Oliver $ and Jimi Jules This tune recently
No summer is complete without a
tunes and shows you can’t miss—just make sure you’re dancing all the way to September. This summer playlist was hand-picked by Carlyn Sylvester, co-founder of SF-based music blog J(am) of the Day.
More people should know about Basque-influenced Crystal Fighters. Their music IS summer.
premiered on Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 show, and it immediately made me crave a tropical, margarita-filled, steel-drumsoundtracked vacation. Note: I do not condone the use of dollar signs in artist names (Ke$ha aside).
“Green Onions” - Booker T & The MGs This is the soundtrack for one of my favorite scenes in classic
“Water Fountain” - tuNe-yArDs Think ice cream trucks, sidewalk chalk, double dutch — not to mention water fountains.
“We Sink” - CHVRCHES This song was just chosen as one of the FIFA World Cup anthems...so basically, it’s gon’ be everywurr.
“Back In The Tall Grass” Future Islands I am obsessed with lead singer Sam Herring; he is an incredible live performer, a must-see while on he’s tour this summer. Must.
summer movie The Sandlot. Play ball.
“Always”- Panama (Classixx Remix) Windows down, road trip. Classic Classixx.
“Rather Be” - Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne Not only do these guys make great music, but they’re total smartypants (Cambridge grads). Musically inclined and intelligent. Just the combination I look for in a man band.
“Luna” - Bombay Bicycle Club Whenever I listen to this song, I imagine I’m outside on a balmy summer night, sitting on my porch (a.k.a. stoopin’) with a beer, watching fireflies. Rae Morris also has the ultimate lullabye voice.
“When A Fire Starts To Burn” - Disclosure Ibiza 2014, predicted here first.
“She” - Laura Mvula This song makes me want to run through a meadow.
“Adore You” - Miley Cyrus
“Youth” - Daughter For those with summer heartbreak.
“Waves That Rolled You Under” - Young Summer (Backstroke Remix) This remix is blowing up. And she goes by “Young Summer,” so there’s that, too.
“Concrete Schoolyard” - Jurassic 5 This song has a Bill Cosby sample at the beginning. Enough said.
“Macrobiotic” - Mylo This Mylo instrumental is OLD, but somehow the world hasn’t fully
(Louis La Roche Reconstruction)
discovered its gloriousness yet. It’s one
I feel like 2014 is the year of Miley Cyrus,
of my favorite poolside summer tunes.
but I don’t really love any of her music. This remix, though…
“Holidays” - Miami Horror
“Paper Planes” - M.I.A. (DFA Remix) Summer camp, circa 2009.
packing for vacation. It’s like: “F&*k yeah!
“Hold On, I’m Comin’” - Sam & Dave Because Sam and
Summer vacay!”
Dave created the ultimate summer jam
I always listen to this one when I’m
“How We Do” - Freddie Gibbs Summertime Dolores Park “truffle man” music.
“Rescue” - Yuna I’ve had numerous people tell me this is their
back in 1966. I’m a soul [wo]man.
“Flowers In Your Hair” - The Lumineers No summer playlist is complete without some Lumineers.
go-to “dancing around my room in my
“West Coast” - Lana Del Rey
underwear” song.
Delicious like a summer cocktail.
SUMMER CONCERTS SF’s best festivals and shows .
Robert Mondavi Winery Summer Concert Series JUNE 28-JULY 19 Robert Mondavi Winery opens its gates up every summer to host some of the best musical acts in the country, along
Stern Grove JUNE 22-AUGUST 24
with food and wine on their grounds.
This year’s festival will see the likes of
Phono del Sol Music Festival
Allen Stone, the SF Symphony, and Andrew Bird (among others) playing the beautiful outdoor event.
Outside Lands AUGUST 8-10 Lauded as one of the best lineups in recent years, the 2014 show’s passes sold out in record time.
JULY 12 The Bay Bridged has put together an awesome lineup for this July festival.
Fillmore Jazz Festival JULY 5-6 Fillmore Street’s annual jazz celebration is always accompanied by great local vendors and incredible music—you can’t go wrong.
FOG FIGHT: WARMING UP IN SF
HEAT SEEKERS
While leaving the city to soak up some
to keep us out, #amirite? Looking for
sun is always an option, there are plenty
more dynamic fun? Wander down to the
of ways to beat the chill right here. And if
newly minted Urban Putt — SF’s very own
you can’t beat it? Well, we’ve got ideas to
mini-golf course at 22nd and S. Van Ness.
Maximizing our UV ray uptake, one park(let) at a time.
Dolores Park On a sunny day, you (and most of the population on the south side of the city) can be found at Dolores Park. And it’ll take more than a little bit of construction
embrace the weather, too.
Noe Valley 24th Street between Castro and Church is one of the most family-friendly blocks in the city. Wander the boutiques, bookstores, and restaurants, soaking up the valley sunshine. Tip: Keep an eye on Twin Peaks for the fog and you’ll know when to retreat to the Mission.
North Beach This neighborhood is inland enough to heat up on a warm day, but beware: the tide turns quickly in this scenic neighborhood. When the sun goes down, head to one of NB’s welcoming bars or restaurants.
GO EAST
EMBRACE THE FOG
of the best food and drink (and sunshine)
and join ‘em.
Our neighbors across the bay have some in the area. Hop the BART to Oakland and
If you can’t beat ‘em, bundle up
start exploring.
Outerlands: Drinks + Blankets
Hog’s Apothecary
4001 JUDAH ST, SAN FRANCISCO
375 40TH STREET, OAKLAND “Locavore meets locapour” at this American style beer hall. They do most of their butchery (think homemade sausage) in house and offer a selection of over 40 local brews and wines.
Cafe Van Kleef
Add a layer and head out to one of the Outer Sunset’s tastiest destinations. Outerlands is famous for their fresh bread, great food, and warm atmosphere. If seated outside, grab one of the Pendleton style blankets and a hot cocktail.
Cafe Van Kleef is an Oakland institution.
French Onion Soup at Absinthe
Stop in before or after a show at the Fox.
398 HAYES ST, SAN FRANCISCO
Order the Greyhound and spend an hour
The French Onion Soup at Absinthe is on
digesting the decor.
every foodie’s short list of must-trys in
1621 TELEGRAPH AVE, OAKLAND
Make Westing 1741 TELEGRAPH AVE, OAKLAND
SF. Let a bowl of this savory classic warm you from the inside out.
Oakland’s hottest spots and even boasts
Dinner and a Movie at Kabuki Cinemas
a mention in Vogue. With great drinks,
1881 POST STREET, SAN FRANCISCO
chic design, and an indoor bocce court,
One of our favorite activities for a chilly
it’s not hard to see why.
night? A grilled cheese sandwich and
Make Westing is making waves as one of
Duende 468 19TH STREET, OAKLAND
glass of wine, along with a movie at Kabuki Cinemas.
This stylish bodega and bar is known as
Land’s End Hike
much for its drinks as its food. Add to
There is something breathtakingly
that live music sessions (planned and
beautiful about the fog. Remind yourself
impromptu alike) and you have a taste
why you love the city (gray skies and all)
for the effortless cool that is Oakland.
with a hike at Land’s End.
SARAH’S FAVES
Take a peek at my must-do summer schedule, including a bucket list of sandwiches so good they’d make a grown man cry.
CUESA’s 4th Annual Summer Celebration JUNE 22 Summer at the Ferry Building presents an embarrassment of riches with all the beautiful and fresh food available. Celebrate the summer, the food, and all the great work CUESA does at their annual summer celebration.
Pinot Days Grand Festival JUNE 21 Another wine festival I can’t wait to check out—though this one is right in the middle of the city, at the Metreon. Cheers! Use Promo Code: BRITESF for 15% off your ticket!
San Francisco Magazine’s Best of the Bay Party JUNE 26 Always one of the best parties of the summer. Use code EB for $85 main tickets (normally $100) or EBVIP for $148.75 VIP tickets (normally $175)
Big Gay Birthday Party JUNE 27 Absolutely cannot wait to attend one of The Bold Italic’s biggest events of the year—a celebration of SF’s 238th birthday on the eve of Pride 2014!
XXXTina, Ike’s (BUFFALO WING SAUCE, PROVOLONE, RANCH, VEGAN BREADED CHICKEN) Ike’s has arguably some of the best sandwiches in the city, and I can’t lay off anything with buffalo sauce.
Fried Egg Sandwich, Plow (TWO EGGS FRIED SOFT, CHEDDAR, AIOLI, FRISEE, CRISPY POTATOES, NUESKE BACON) For anyone who has ever woken up after a long night out, the merits of the breakfast sandwich cannot be extolled enough. I’m looking forward to trying this
SUMMER’S BEST SANDWICHES
As most of my friends know, I’m a huge lover of sandwiches. Panini, cold cuts, subs, heroes—you name it, I probably like it. So, I’ve dubbed the summer of 2014 “Sarah’s Summer of Sandwiches.” I’ve picked out ten of the most lauded sandwiches in the city and will be trying one
sandwich at one of the city’s best brunch spots, Plow.
Mary’s Farm Fried Chicken Sandwich, Naked Lunch (PAIN DE MIE, BUTTERMILK COLESLAW, GREEN GARLIC AIOLI) They had me at farm fried chicken.
Split-Top Main Lobster Roll, Woodhouse Fish Co.
a week throughout the summer. Follow
Lobster rolls aren’t my typical first choice
along on my sandwich adventures on
sandwich, but this one has received so
Twitter and Instagram by searching for
much fanfare, I can’t resist.
#SummerSammy.
The Fidel, Bi-Rite Market
Renzo Special, Molinari
(BRAISED PORK SHOULDER, LEMON MAYONNAISE,
(PROSCIUTTO, COPPA, MOZZARELLA, SUN-DRIED
DIJON MUSTARD, COLE SLAW, AND PICKLED
TOMATOES) As a native New Yorker,
JALAPEÑOS) I can never say no to pulled
I’m always hungry for a classic Italian
pork sandwiches, and I don’t want to.
deli sandwich, and this one from Molinari is at the top of my must-try list.
PROVOLONE, PEPPERONCINI, RED WINE VINEGAR &
Spicy Turkey Grilled Cheese, Tartine Bakery (PEPPERED TURKEY
AIOLI ON A POTATO ROLL) Pepperoncinis
BREAST, PROVOLONE, BROCCOLI RABE PESTO)
make everything better, and you can’t
What’s a sandwich list without
go wrong with a sandwich using
a grilled cheese?
The Salumi, Salumeria (SALUMI,
Salumeria’s excellent house deli meats.
(EGG SALAD) An egg salad sandwich can
Peanut Butter and Banana Dessert Sandwich, Mission Picnic Gotta top my list off with a little
go either very very right, or oh-so-very
dessert sandwich, no?
Devil’s Egg, Mission Picnic
wrong. Wish me luck!
SHARE YOUR SUMMER
CONNECT WITH
ADVENTURES WITH US!
EVENTBRITE
#britesummer
SAN FRANCISCO!
#sfsummerguide
@EVENTBRITESF
EVENTBRITE <3 SF
@BRITESF
@EVENTBRITESF