dessert
The Essential Guide to San Francisco’s Polk Street
Last updated on April 22nd, 2026 at 07:42 pm
Want to explore a new part of San Francisco? Grab an Uber, bus, or cable car, head west on California, and keep going until you hit Polk Street at the bottom of the hill. Easy, right?
Polk Street runs through Polk Gulch, a neighborhood rich in local history and transportation significance. It’s a vibrant mix of Nob Hill and Russian Hill, with an eclectic vibe all its own. Polk Street technically stretches over 2 miles from Ghirardelli Square all the way to Civic Center, but for this post, we’re zeroing in on the stretch between Filbert and Pine. There’s so much to see including shops, restaurants, bars, gyms, and more!
So don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a local’s guide to some of the best spots on San Francisco’s Polk Street. Let’s get into it 👇
Read more on my hometown aka San Francisco 🌁
- The Perfect 3 Day San Francisco Travel Guide (w/ sample itinerary)
- A Local’s Guide to Where to Stay in San Francisco: Best Boutique Hotels
- The Jay Hotel in San Francisco – An Honest Review of My Weekend Staycation
This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Why Visit Polk Street in San Francisco?
Okay, sure, I may be a little biased because I live right near Polk Street and have been an SF local for nearly two decades now, but I genuinely think this neighborhood is one of the most underrated areas in San Francisco. While most visitors flock to Union Street or Chestnut for shopping and dining, Polk has just as much charm with far fewer crowds.
Stretching through the heart of Russian Hill and Nob Hill, Polk Street is packed with hidden coffee shops, excellent brunch spots, cozy wine bars, and some of my favorite locally owned boutiques in the city. It feels more relaxed, more neighborhood-y, and honestly just more local than some of SF’s better-known commercial corridors.
Just one tip: stick to the stretch north of Geary for the best (and safest) experience.
If you’re looking for a San Francisco neighborhood that still feels a little under the radar, keep reading for why Polk Street deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Polk Street at a Glance
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in San Francisco:
- Palihotel, for an eclectic yet cozy stay in the heart of Union Square
- Hotel Kabuki, for a mix of Japanese meets modern design in Japantown
- Infinity Hotel, for easy access to the Golden Gate Bridge from The Marina
- The Jay, for a design-forward centrally located business stay in FIDI
- Fairmont San Francisco, for classic, opulent luxury with unbeatable views in Nob Hill
- 1 Hotel, for an eco-conscious yet luxurious stay along The Embarcadero
Best Coffee Shops on Polk Street, San Francisco
Polk Street has quietly become one of my favorite neighborhoods in SF for coffee hopping. Whether you’re looking for a quick latte to-go or a cozy spot to linger for an hour pretending to answer emails, this stretch has no shortage of excellent cafés serving some of the best coffee and chai tea in town!
Saint Frank Coffee
📍2340 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Founded in 2013 and named after the beautiful city of San Francisco, Saint Frank is the perfect place to start your adventure down Polk Street. This rare coffee shop is committed to partnering only with small scale producers to bring their product to the people. They are dedicated to building relationships with the local community and cultivating authentic connection with each producer they work with. They even offer monthly coffee subscriptions and sampler boxes for you to taste test with. You can never go wrong with either of these as a holiday gift.
Go to order: A Latte w/ House Almond Macademia Milk
Cafe Réveille
📍1998 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
With a few locations scattered across San Francisco (and 1 in Berkeley), Cafe Réveille can be thought of as the “all day cafe”. At all their locations, you’re guaranteed to find a good mix of friendly people ranging from the techie working remotely, to the group of tourists making a pit stop before crossing The Golden Gate Bridge, to the girls that just finished yoga and are craving an iced coffee for the brutal walk completely uphill. Fitted with modern decor and hanging houseplants, Cafe Réveille’s location is situated perfectly at the corner of Polk and Pacific. You won’t be able to miss their welcome sign out front, outfitted with their signature pink trim. Their food menu consists of healthy superfood options (think smoothies, salads, grain bowls, etc) and traditional American w/ a few Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Go to order: Oat Milk Latte and Shakshuka 🍳
Moka Coffee
📍1605 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Their website refers to themselves as “Nob Hill’s Little Secret” which is a pretty accurate description of Moka Coffee. With the sheer amount of coffee shops on Polk alone, it can be easy to overlook this charming store. They serve typical breakfast pastries, hand-crafted espresso drinks, and have comfortable booth and countertop seating for ~10 people. If you can, try to snag a seat by the window for the fresh air and best people-watching seat in the house.
Go to order: White Moka or Chai Latte
Philz Coffee
📍2234 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
A San Francisco staple now with over 66 locations across 5 states, Philz Coffee is well known for its specialty crafted drip coffee. In addition to drip coffee, they are best known for their signature drink, The Mint Mojito, which is comprised of iced coffee, muddled mint leaves, cream, and sugar. If this is your first time, their ordering system can be confusing. Make sure to place your drink order first before heading to the cashier to pay. While waiting for your drink, you can always shop around the store. Their 1lb bag of roasted coffee beans make great gifts for any coffee lover in your life.
Go to order: Large Philtered Soul or a Medium Chai Light Light (it means light sugar light cream) 🌱
Best Bars & Cocktails on Polk Street, San Francisco
If there’s one thing Polk Street consistently gets right, it’s bars. There’s everything from a divey Irish pub to upscale Michelin-recognized cocktails to an Asian bar that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped right into Bangkok at night.
Ámelie
📍1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Amelie is one of my absolute favorite wine bars in the entire city which makes it an absolutely essential stop while visiting Polk Street. In the event you don’t manage to make it to anything else on this list, make sure you find time for a glass of vino at Amélie.
They have one of the best happy hours in town daily from 4-6p. $12 for a wine flight and you get to choose from their normal drink menu. Unlike most wine bars in the area that just focus on Napa or Sonoma wines, Amélie has a much more extensive menu with choices of wine from France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, and even South Africa! (along with many more countries).
Inside, you’ll find ample seating and a dimly lit area for conversation and small bites of delicious French cheese. You’ll immediately notice the vibrant theme of red throughout the entire establishment. In combination with the newly built outdoor seating (thanks covid), the ambiance is very reminiscent of a cold winter night in Paris.
Polkcha
📍1750 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
One of the most visually fun bars on Polk Street, inspired by the energy, craftsmanship, and urban vibrancy of Asian street markets. The space genuinely looks like a mini night market inside, with incredible decor, creative cocktails, and an atmosphere that feels lively from the moment you walk in.
It’s a 10/10 for vibes alone, and since it sits right next to Amélie, it makes for a great stop if you’re bar hopping along Polk.
Bar Iris
📍2310 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Bar Iris is one of my favorite cocktail bars on Polk when I want something that feels a little more elevated than your average neighborhood drink spot. It’s technically connected to the Michelin-starred parent restaurant Nisei but holds its own in taste and flavor. The space is intimate and stylish, and their cocktails are super creative!
Best Restaurants & Places to Eat on Polk Street, San Francisco
For a relatively compact stretch of San Francisco, Polk somehow manages to pack in an absurd number of great places to eat. Whether you’re after casual brunch, date night dinner, or a quick bite between shopping stops, there’s genuinely something for every mood here.
Juniper
📍1401 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Juniper comes from the same team behind Saint Frank Coffee and was created with the goal of inspiring joy, connection, and meaning through beautifully crafted pastries and coffee. Their laminated pastries are incredibly flaky, and after winning San Francisco’s Best Croissant competition in 2024, the hype is very much warranted. My personal favorites are the pain au chocolat, choux pastries, and black sesame kouign amann.
Mymy
📍1500 California St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Okay, technically MyMy is not directly on Polk Street, but it’s just one block over and absolutely worth the detour. This no-frills neighborhood brunch spot draws a line every weekend because it really is that good. The lemon cottage cheese pancakes are uniquely delicious, but I also love their eggs benedicts, and honestly, I have zero shame ordering the burger and garlic fries here too. A true 10/10 neighborhood staple.
Swan Oyster Depot
📍1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
This recommendation is an ode to my favorite restauranteur and travel writer – the late and great Anthony Bourdain, who recommends Swan Oyster Depot on an episode of Parts Unknown. Originally written by SFGate, check out this article that discusses the must-have dishes at Swan Oyster Depot and why waiting in line for fresh seafood is absolutely vital for first-time San Francisco visitors.
Bob’s Donuts
📍1720 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
A donut shop open 24/7? Yep! Say lessssss.
Bob’s Donuts is a San Francisco institution and one of those classic spots that somehow still lives up to the hype. Open 24/7, it’s famous for massive apple fritters, perfectly nostalgic old-school donuts, and being the kind of place you end up at way later than planned after a night out on Polk. Even if you’re not a huge donut person, this one is worth the stop.
Leopold’s
📍2400 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Leopold’s is one of the most fun spots on Polk if you’re craving hearty Austrian/German comfort food and a lively atmosphere. Expect giant beer steins, warm pretzels, crispy schnitzel, and a cozy gasthaus vibe that feels surprisingly authentic for San Francisco. It’s especially worth visiting during Oktoberfest when the whole place gets extra festive (and LOOUUUUDDD) 🍻
Best Shopping on Polk Street, San Francisco
While Polk may not be as famous for shopping as nearby Union or Chestnut, that’s honestly part of the appeal. The boutiques here feel more local, more unique, and way less like you’re fighting through crowds just to browse.
Russian Hill Bookstore
📍2162 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Open since 1974, Russian Hill Bookstore is one of the last independently used and new bookstores in San Francisco. They have a huge selection of books, greeting cards, gifts, toys, puzzles, and more. They do a great job of carrying products created by local artists all around the Bay Area. There is also a section dedicated to all things San Francisco – where you’ll find books and magazines that cover everything from the history of the city to popular walking trails and top-rated restaurants.
Picnic SF
📍1808 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
A very modern and aesthetically pleasing local boutique, Picnic SF is the perfect place to grab souvenirs for friends and family, pick up a last-minute gift for a coworker, or treat yourself to one of a kind kitchen essentials. Similar to Russian Hill Bookstore, Picnic SF carries an even larger selection of goods produced by local artists. You can even find candles named after every neighborhood in the city. You’re guaranteed to find something unique that other stores won’t carry!
Common Sage
📍1552 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Common Sage feels like part neighborhood grocery store and part casual Japanese deli, making it one of the most unique stops on Polk. This bright and airy market is packed with imported Japanese snacks, bottled drinks, pantry staples, and everyday finds, plus grab-and-go bites like sandwiches, pastries, ramen, and their ridiculously good $6 rice balls. If you’re craving a little slice of Japan in San Francisco, this is an absolute must-stop while exploring Polk Street.
SF Plants
📍1475 Polk St Suite 6 & 11, San Francisco, CA 94109
Centrally located on the corner of California and Polk, SF Plans has the largest indoor plants selection in all of San Francisco! Make sure to stop by for a quick escape from Karl the fog (yes our city fog actually has a name, that’s how pronounced it is). The store is spread out across two different rooms, where you’ll be instantly transported to a flourishing green jungle.
More San Francisco Guides
- The Perfect 3 Day San Francisco Travel Guide (w/ sample itinerary)
- A Local’s Guide to Where to Stay in San Francisco: Best Boutique Hotels
- The Jay Hotel in San Francisco – An Honest Review of My Weekend Staycation
Did you have a chance to stop by any of these places during your visit to Polk street in San Francisco? Let me know in the comments below!
Looking for more things to do in San Francisco?
Check out all my other San Francisco posts here.
Visiting other parts of California?
Check out my other travel guides on California here.
Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?
Last updated on April 22nd, 2026 at 07:42 pm
Want to explore a new part of San Francisco? Grab an Uber, bus, or cable car, head west on California, and keep going until you hit Polk Street at the bottom of the hill. Easy, right?
Polk Street runs through Polk Gulch, a neighborhood rich in local history and transportation significance. It’s a vibrant mix of Nob Hill and Russian Hill, with an eclectic vibe all its own. Polk Street technically stretches over 2 miles from Ghirardelli Square all the way to Civic Center, but for this post, we’re zeroing in on the stretch between Filbert and Pine. There’s so much to see including shops, restaurants, bars, gyms, and more!
So don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a local’s guide to some of the best spots on San Francisco’s Polk Street. Let’s get into it 👇
Read more on my hometown aka San Francisco 🌁
- The Perfect 3 Day San Francisco Travel Guide (w/ sample itinerary)
- A Local’s Guide to Where to Stay in San Francisco: Best Boutique Hotels
- The Jay Hotel in San Francisco – An Honest Review of My Weekend Staycation
This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Why Visit Polk Street in San Francisco?
Okay, sure, I may be a little biased because I live right near Polk Street and have been an SF local for nearly two decades now, but I genuinely think this neighborhood is one of the most underrated areas in San Francisco. While most visitors flock to Union Street or Chestnut for shopping and dining, Polk has just as much charm with far fewer crowds.
Stretching through the heart of Russian Hill and Nob Hill, Polk Street is packed with hidden coffee shops, excellent brunch spots, cozy wine bars, and some of my favorite locally owned boutiques in the city. It feels more relaxed, more neighborhood-y, and honestly just more local than some of SF’s better-known commercial corridors.
Just one tip: stick to the stretch north of Geary for the best (and safest) experience.
If you’re looking for a San Francisco neighborhood that still feels a little under the radar, keep reading for why Polk Street deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Polk Street at a Glance
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in San Francisco:
- Palihotel, for an eclectic yet cozy stay in the heart of Union Square
- Hotel Kabuki, for a mix of Japanese meets modern design in Japantown
- Infinity Hotel, for easy access to the Golden Gate Bridge from The Marina
- The Jay, for a design-forward centrally located business stay in FIDI
- Fairmont San Francisco, for classic, opulent luxury with unbeatable views in Nob Hill
- 1 Hotel, for an eco-conscious yet luxurious stay along The Embarcadero
Best Coffee Shops on Polk Street, San Francisco
Polk Street has quietly become one of my favorite neighborhoods in SF for coffee hopping. Whether you’re looking for a quick latte to-go or a cozy spot to linger for an hour pretending to answer emails, this stretch has no shortage of excellent cafés serving some of the best coffee and chai tea in town!
Saint Frank Coffee
📍2340 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Founded in 2013 and named after the beautiful city of San Francisco, Saint Frank is the perfect place to start your adventure down Polk Street. This rare coffee shop is committed to partnering only with small scale producers to bring their product to the people. They are dedicated to building relationships with the local community and cultivating authentic connection with each producer they work with. They even offer monthly coffee subscriptions and sampler boxes for you to taste test with. You can never go wrong with either of these as a holiday gift.
Go to order: A Latte w/ House Almond Macademia Milk
Cafe Réveille
📍1998 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
With a few locations scattered across San Francisco (and 1 in Berkeley), Cafe Réveille can be thought of as the “all day cafe”. At all their locations, you’re guaranteed to find a good mix of friendly people ranging from the techie working remotely, to the group of tourists making a pit stop before crossing The Golden Gate Bridge, to the girls that just finished yoga and are craving an iced coffee for the brutal walk completely uphill. Fitted with modern decor and hanging houseplants, Cafe Réveille’s location is situated perfectly at the corner of Polk and Pacific. You won’t be able to miss their welcome sign out front, outfitted with their signature pink trim. Their food menu consists of healthy superfood options (think smoothies, salads, grain bowls, etc) and traditional American w/ a few Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Go to order: Oat Milk Latte and Shakshuka 🍳
Moka Coffee
📍1605 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Their website refers to themselves as “Nob Hill’s Little Secret” which is a pretty accurate description of Moka Coffee. With the sheer amount of coffee shops on Polk alone, it can be easy to overlook this charming store. They serve typical breakfast pastries, hand-crafted espresso drinks, and have comfortable booth and countertop seating for ~10 people. If you can, try to snag a seat by the window for the fresh air and best people-watching seat in the house.
Go to order: White Moka or Chai Latte
Philz Coffee
📍2234 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
A San Francisco staple now with over 66 locations across 5 states, Philz Coffee is well known for its specialty crafted drip coffee. In addition to drip coffee, they are best known for their signature drink, The Mint Mojito, which is comprised of iced coffee, muddled mint leaves, cream, and sugar. If this is your first time, their ordering system can be confusing. Make sure to place your drink order first before heading to the cashier to pay. While waiting for your drink, you can always shop around the store. Their 1lb bag of roasted coffee beans make great gifts for any coffee lover in your life.
Go to order: Large Philtered Soul or a Medium Chai Light Light (it means light sugar light cream) 🌱
Best Bars & Cocktails on Polk Street, San Francisco
If there’s one thing Polk Street consistently gets right, it’s bars. There’s everything from a divey Irish pub to upscale Michelin-recognized cocktails to an Asian bar that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped right into Bangkok at night.
Ámelie
📍1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Amelie is one of my absolute favorite wine bars in the entire city which makes it an absolutely essential stop while visiting Polk Street. In the event you don’t manage to make it to anything else on this list, make sure you find time for a glass of vino at Amélie.
They have one of the best happy hours in town daily from 4-6p. $12 for a wine flight and you get to choose from their normal drink menu. Unlike most wine bars in the area that just focus on Napa or Sonoma wines, Amélie has a much more extensive menu with choices of wine from France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, and even South Africa! (along with many more countries).
Inside, you’ll find ample seating and a dimly lit area for conversation and small bites of delicious French cheese. You’ll immediately notice the vibrant theme of red throughout the entire establishment. In combination with the newly built outdoor seating (thanks covid), the ambiance is very reminiscent of a cold winter night in Paris.
Polkcha
📍1750 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
One of the most visually fun bars on Polk Street, inspired by the energy, craftsmanship, and urban vibrancy of Asian street markets. The space genuinely looks like a mini night market inside, with incredible decor, creative cocktails, and an atmosphere that feels lively from the moment you walk in.
It’s a 10/10 for vibes alone, and since it sits right next to Amélie, it makes for a great stop if you’re bar hopping along Polk.
Bar Iris
📍2310 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Bar Iris is one of my favorite cocktail bars on Polk when I want something that feels a little more elevated than your average neighborhood drink spot. It’s technically connected to the Michelin-starred parent restaurant Nisei but holds its own in taste and flavor. The space is intimate and stylish, and their cocktails are super creative!
Best Restaurants & Places to Eat on Polk Street, San Francisco
For a relatively compact stretch of San Francisco, Polk somehow manages to pack in an absurd number of great places to eat. Whether you’re after casual brunch, date night dinner, or a quick bite between shopping stops, there’s genuinely something for every mood here.
Juniper
📍1401 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Juniper comes from the same team behind Saint Frank Coffee and was created with the goal of inspiring joy, connection, and meaning through beautifully crafted pastries and coffee. Their laminated pastries are incredibly flaky, and after winning San Francisco’s Best Croissant competition in 2024, the hype is very much warranted. My personal favorites are the pain au chocolat, choux pastries, and black sesame kouign amann.
Mymy
📍1500 California St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Okay, technically MyMy is not directly on Polk Street, but it’s just one block over and absolutely worth the detour. This no-frills neighborhood brunch spot draws a line every weekend because it really is that good. The lemon cottage cheese pancakes are uniquely delicious, but I also love their eggs benedicts, and honestly, I have zero shame ordering the burger and garlic fries here too. A true 10/10 neighborhood staple.
Swan Oyster Depot
📍1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
This recommendation is an ode to my favorite restauranteur and travel writer – the late and great Anthony Bourdain, who recommends Swan Oyster Depot on an episode of Parts Unknown. Originally written by SFGate, check out this article that discusses the must-have dishes at Swan Oyster Depot and why waiting in line for fresh seafood is absolutely vital for first-time San Francisco visitors.
Bob’s Donuts
📍1720 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
A donut shop open 24/7? Yep! Say lessssss.
Bob’s Donuts is a San Francisco institution and one of those classic spots that somehow still lives up to the hype. Open 24/7, it’s famous for massive apple fritters, perfectly nostalgic old-school donuts, and being the kind of place you end up at way later than planned after a night out on Polk. Even if you’re not a huge donut person, this one is worth the stop.
Leopold’s
📍2400 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Leopold’s is one of the most fun spots on Polk if you’re craving hearty Austrian/German comfort food and a lively atmosphere. Expect giant beer steins, warm pretzels, crispy schnitzel, and a cozy gasthaus vibe that feels surprisingly authentic for San Francisco. It’s especially worth visiting during Oktoberfest when the whole place gets extra festive (and LOOUUUUDDD) 🍻
Best Shopping on Polk Street, San Francisco
While Polk may not be as famous for shopping as nearby Union or Chestnut, that’s honestly part of the appeal. The boutiques here feel more local, more unique, and way less like you’re fighting through crowds just to browse.
Russian Hill Bookstore
📍2162 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Open since 1974, Russian Hill Bookstore is one of the last independently used and new bookstores in San Francisco. They have a huge selection of books, greeting cards, gifts, toys, puzzles, and more. They do a great job of carrying products created by local artists all around the Bay Area. There is also a section dedicated to all things San Francisco – where you’ll find books and magazines that cover everything from the history of the city to popular walking trails and top-rated restaurants.
Picnic SF
📍1808 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
A very modern and aesthetically pleasing local boutique, Picnic SF is the perfect place to grab souvenirs for friends and family, pick up a last-minute gift for a coworker, or treat yourself to one of a kind kitchen essentials. Similar to Russian Hill Bookstore, Picnic SF carries an even larger selection of goods produced by local artists. You can even find candles named after every neighborhood in the city. You’re guaranteed to find something unique that other stores won’t carry!
Common Sage
📍1552 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Common Sage feels like part neighborhood grocery store and part casual Japanese deli, making it one of the most unique stops on Polk. This bright and airy market is packed with imported Japanese snacks, bottled drinks, pantry staples, and everyday finds, plus grab-and-go bites like sandwiches, pastries, ramen, and their ridiculously good $6 rice balls. If you’re craving a little slice of Japan in San Francisco, this is an absolute must-stop while exploring Polk Street.
SF Plants
📍1475 Polk St Suite 6 & 11, San Francisco, CA 94109
Centrally located on the corner of California and Polk, SF Plans has the largest indoor plants selection in all of San Francisco! Make sure to stop by for a quick escape from Karl the fog (yes our city fog actually has a name, that’s how pronounced it is). The store is spread out across two different rooms, where you’ll be instantly transported to a flourishing green jungle.
More San Francisco Guides
- The Perfect 3 Day San Francisco Travel Guide (w/ sample itinerary)
- A Local’s Guide to Where to Stay in San Francisco: Best Boutique Hotels
- The Jay Hotel in San Francisco – An Honest Review of My Weekend Staycation
Did you have a chance to stop by any of these places during your visit to Polk street in San Francisco? Let me know in the comments below!
Looking for more things to do in San Francisco?
Check out all my other San Francisco posts here.
Visiting other parts of California?
Check out my other travel guides on California here.
Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?
