The Archive
Neighborhood: Union Square

317 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94108

Jeremy S. writes: G-star we have to talk. Now I know we've been together for a couple years, but I'm starting to think this isn't working out. At first we were so great, we'd go out to the bars, hit the clubs, people would always be curious about us. But now,…

Peter Thomas Hair Design
Neighborhood: Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley

1700 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709

Patrick M. writes: I found out that Peter Thomas' salon was offering a special $28 cut for first time clients by one of their new stylists (normal price being around $50).

Ummm, yes please.

I saddled up with Jenna, who aside from being fantastic with the hair shiv,…

Oakland Public Library
Neighborhood: Lake Merritt

125 14th St
Oakland, CA 94612

Elise F. writes: This is for the Children's Room downstairs, not really for the main library.

I have always loved books, and I think it stems from the all of the time spent in libraries when I was young. I was the kid who would wander into the library with my dad, and…

iPod

soon, every freaking where
San Francisco, CA 94102

Kevin S. writes: It got me.  I now belong to a white 30 gig "with video" model.  I love this damn thing.  IQ bought me one for my birthday and now I have been sucked into the vortex.

I deduct a star because I compulsively keep this fragile skinned little bitch…

Cafe Gibraltar

425 Ave Alhambra
El Granada, CA 94018

Kingpin X. writes: Kinda stumbled on this place - just off of HWY 1 - in fact you can see the ocean and the crowded parking lot of Sam's Chowder House as you dine here - but this could not be further from the awful hustle of humanity that I imagine lurks inside Sam's…

Cal's Pet Supply
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond

5950 California St
San Francisco, CA 94121

Starla D. writes: This place has been my lifesaver.  Fostering dogs, although rewarding, involves cleaning shit, scrubbing carpets, and wiping puke from the floor mats of my car.  Paybacks a bitch, BITCH.  I am going to Cal's to purchase a little pink doggie tutu that…

California Shakespeare Theater

100 Gateway Blvd
Bruns Amphitheater
Orinda, CA 94563

laura b. writes: The absolute most beautiful location to see a play.  And a quality play at that.  Cal Shakes puts on top notch productions of Shakespeare (and more er, modern playwrights). They produce four main stage shows a season with the season running through…

The Red Poppy Art House
Neighborhood: Mission

2698 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94110

James O. writes: Absolutely not to be missed, if only for the tango + ceviche.  Now, I'm no expert on either, but from my experience with dance classes, if the instructor can get you to groove appropriately in the first lesson, then it's most definitely worth it.…

Alex Sandor's Art Studio
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

1650 Bush St
San Francisco, CA 94109

Starla D. writes: I have looked like a lesbian for the past five years.
It has had its perks, don't get me wrong.  But considering I am not gay I thought it would be nice to be attractive to the opposite sex.
For a change I decided to ditch the pixie cut and boyish…

26th & Guerrero Market
Neighborhood: Mission

1400 Guerrero Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

laura b. writes: Everything Thadd and Dan said.  

This place is wonderful.  It's basically a miniature whole foods.  But better.  They have a large vegan and vegetarian selection of pre-packaged foods as well as hard/impossible to find items (i.e. vegan cream…

Presidio Community YMCA

63 Funston Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94129

Drue C. writes: I love a gym where I can park, get on a piece of equipment without a ridiculous wait, not pay $3 for a gym towel just because I forgot mine, wont make me sign a 3 year contract just to get a reasonable rate, includes use of the tennis courts in the…

George K Markle, DDS
Neighborhood: Union Square, Nob Hill

450 Sutter Building
Ste 1919
San Francisco, CA 94108

Melissa C. writes: Dr. Markle is the best dentist I've been to. The staff is so kind and what I like best is how high-tech the office is. The damn good view from the dentist chair eases the pain when getting work done. My insurance pays all routine stuff, so I don't…

Herbst Theatre
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin

401 Van Ness Avenue
Suite 110
San Francisco, CA 94102

Jessica V. writes: Not too long ago, my boyfriend mentioned that his top three favorite things were, in this order:

-Jazz
-Cake
-Me

So coming in third ain't too bad, and he was able to have all three last Friday night when we came here to see the Brad Mehraud (or…

Victoria's Nail Studio
Neighborhood: Inner Richmond

3934 Geary Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94118

Britt W. writes: Brazilian bikini waxes aren't fun. They are not even necessary. However they ARE worth the hygiene, silky smoothness, and most importantly, the ensuing conversations. Case in point:

Me: So Annie, guess what?! I had my first Brazilian last night.
Annie…

Naked Eye News & Video
Neighborhood: Lower Haight

607 Haight St
# A
San Francisco, CA 94117

maria d. writes: Reminds me of all of the complete shithole record stores I spent my high school days flipping the racks through, so I immediately fell in love the minute I walked in. DVD selection is tiny, but well edited, so you will walk out with something…

Maruya Sushi
Neighborhood: Japantown, Pacific Heights

1904 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

nobu k. writes: Authentic Japanese Maki-Sushi can not get any better than MARUYA!
it's simple but real good Maki-Syshi by an old Japanese lady.
There are too many jive -ass Makis going on right now, in which very creative, but all those Makis are find Non- Japanese…

OCSC Sailing School

1 Spinnaker Way
Berkeley, CA 94710

Yan M. writes: Yes, wonderful place to take sailing lessons, definitely not cheap but very professional instructions and organized courses. My bf and myself both received certification here and had recommended friends since then. Several work colleagues also got…

Life
Neighborhood: Lower Haight

604 Haight St
Ste A
San Francisco, CA 94117

jessica t. writes: I came in here looking for holiday presents.

One step inside and I was smitten. Lulling music. Sweet aromas everywhere. Trinkets. Candles. Tea sets. Beautiful charms. Darling reads. Gorgeous, cute stuff.

I delved into everything.

Twenty minutes later…

Speakeasy Ales & Lagers
Neighborhood: Bayview/Hunters Point

1195 Evans Ave
San Francisco, CA 94124

Mick F. writes: Dear Speakeasy,

In the past year i have paid for your salaries, your advertising and half of your R&D dept.

I have even helped to fund your "Secret Anti Ninja Device" that is located "In an undisclosed location."

And when you needed the help of myself…

Washington Square Park
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

Union and Columbus
San Francisco, CA 94133

Megan L. writes: What's better than knowing your going to see the Dark Knight... on IMAX?!?!?!  I know, hitting happy hour and Washington Square Park for tall cans of Tecate.  This really is a nice park, very open and it's fun to watch the dogs and the crazy... well…

California Golden Cookies
Neighborhood: Financial District

255 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94108

Drue C. writes: It was completely unplanned but I ended up spending my lunch hour wandering around aimlessly, enjoying the sunshine and realized 45 minutes in I am screwed.

I have a 14 hour workday today, only one opportunity to eat and I have spent it daydreaming…

Stonemountain and Daughter

2518 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704

Anastasia B. writes: Wow! This store is fabulous! I stopped in here one day to buy a crochet hook. Hmmm...Now if I could only figure out how to use it...just like that damn sewing machine that's collecting dust in my closet...I peaked in here again today and once again…

L's Caffe
Neighborhood: Mission

2871 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Gil S. writes: A sweet little place.  Loungy organic spend the afternoon coffee house with homemade tasties from local start up food providers, free wifi, all in tune with the neighborhood.  Deserves two awards, the Nobel Prize for earnestness and best iced tea…

The Berkeley Rose Garden
Neighborhood: North Berkeley Hills

1200 Euclid Ave
Berkeley, CA 94709

tinna h. writes: "Sunsets or sunrises? Which do you prefer?" I was once asked.

I couldn't give an answer.

For one, I'm a Libra - indecisive. Most will find it difficult to ever get a straight answer to a "favorite" question from me. Favorite color? Favorite animal?…

Burlingame Independent - Your VW/Audi Specialist

850 S Amphlett Blvd
San Mateo, CA 94402

Patrick D. writes: Great place, fixed my turn signal, dead radio, lights etc, all free of charge, right there on the spot.  But they only did it because I am extremely cool.  I could tell that any jerk that tried to get the same service would be swiftly punched in the…

Dermal Essentials
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

3058 Pierce St
San Francisco, CA 94123

Wakako U. writes: Erika Lee is the best eye brow shaper and waxer.  My left eyebrow grows up, my right eyebrow grows down, but after she's done, both look the same and both look perfect!!  She brushes and trims your brows for added shaping.  Anyone who skips that step…

Kathleen M. Welsh, MD
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

2299 Post St
Ste 312
San Francisco, CA 94115

X marks the spot .. writes: I finally decided to see a dermatologist, surprising given that I am particular about the facial creams, or type of SPF I use on my face, and the fact that I consume huge amounts of water on a daily basis. So I searched for dermatologists on yelp and…

The Marsh
Neighborhood: Mission

1062 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Suge K. writes: I'll do anything once.* And most things twice. Except go to The Matrix, I won't try that twice. So I am often the recipient of invitations from friends who want to go to something a little less than mainstream. Sometimes it works in my favor,…

City Arms

90 Eureka Sq
Ste D
Pacifica, CA 94044

Jared B. writes: Fantastic firearms store. For prices and attitude, I'd say it's the best in the Bay Area. They don't necessarily have the widest selection in inventory, but they do carry the most popular items and many of the best all-around firearms as well as some…

I Dream of Cake
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

1351 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133

Katherine N. writes: I went over to Northbeach today for lunch and after I just let the breeze blow me where it wanted me to fly....and I landed at this amazing place...

I have no need for a wedding cake at the moment, but when I walked up to this shop I stopped and felt…

Sirius Satellite Radio

San Francisco, CA 94111

Jessica K. writes: I can't say it enough, I LOVE SIRIUS. Best thing EVER. Remember way WAAAY back when radio was good? But it still had commercials? This is like the best music EVER, nonstop, and no commercials. Every kind of music imaginable, every genre...they also…

Invision Optometry
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

1907 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

Suzanne B. writes: I wear glasses every day.  Without them I would wander aimlessly, stumble into people and peer at them blearily, put my face really close to the table to see the food, trip on the stairs, try to hail full taxi cabs while dancing on the corner...hmmm,…

Advanced European Tailoring
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area, Downtown Berkeley

2114 Addison St
Berkeley, CA 94704

vivian c. writes: This is, hands down, my favorite dry cleaner/ tailor in town!  Zoli and Pugi are professional, polite, efficient, and.... just plain fabulous.  They always make my clothes--and hence, by proximity, me--look AMAZING.... In fact (and I'm only admitting…

EXIT Theatre
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin

156 Eddy St
San Francisco, CA 94102

jordano k. writes: mayhem, murder, good vs evil
chemical imbalance at the exit
support your local theatre!

if there ever was a destination in the tenderloin, exit theatre just might be it. this is a nice little sweet theatre. i came here and watched chemical imbalance…

Peet's Coffee and Tea
Neighborhood: Financial District

217 Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94104

RJ A. writes: *I love Peet's coffee! Robust taste and great pick-me-up in the morning.

*My Manager--- not the nicest or coolest cat on earth--- loves the Major Dickason (please insert [poor choice of verbiage] your joke here) blend. How appropriate.