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A crab and shrimp cocktail. — Dungeness crab cocktail at Scoma’s.

15 Actually Worthwhile Tourist Traps in San Francisco

Take off your fanny pack and tie on a crab bib

by Lauren Saria and Eater Staff Updated Jun 28, 2023, 11:58am PDT

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Dungeness crab cocktail at Scoma’s.

| Lauren Saria

by Lauren Saria and Eater Staff Updated Jun 28, 2023, 11:58am PDT

When family and friends come to visit San Francisco, they want both the tourist and the authentic experience. They want to ride cable cars and bike the Golden Gate Bridge — and try some of the food that makes this city so famous. Believe it or not, it's possible to do both.

Just because a restaurant, bar, or bakery in this city attracts visitors doesn't also mean it's not good — on the contrary, everything on this list has food, drink, and pastry that's at the peak of what San Francisco has to offer. Here, you'll find storied sourdough, garlicky cioppino, pioneering steam beer, and fog-cutting coffee cocktails, as well as incredible views, spots dating back more than one hundred years, and roast chicken with a reputation around the world. For a fuller litany of recommendations, check our Eater’s Guide to San Francisco.

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Scoma's Restaurant

For a taste of the charms that, for better or worse, lead out-of-towners to San Francisco’s notoriously touristy Fisherman’s Wharf, Scoma’s is where it’s at. The very 1960s bar is a trip, and dishes like a “Lazy Man’s Cioppino” and classic crab Louie hit the spot. The views of the water don’t hurt, either. The restaurant is located on its own small pier that feels suitably setback from the bustle of the wharf.

1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133

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A bowl of seafood stew. — “Lazy Man’s” Cioppino at Scoma’s

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Boudin Bakery Cafe

For new-school artisan sourdough that’s dramatically dark and craggy, please see Tartine Bakery or any of these excellent San Francisco specimens. But for an old-school heavyweight, Boudin is an original. They claim their mother starter dates back to the Gold Rush, and they’re still making dense, tangy, tourist-friendly sourdough, which, admittedly, does make the best bread bowl for serving creamy clam chowder.

160 Jefferson St Baker's Hall, San Francisco, CA 94133

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Clam chowder bread bowl from Boudin Bakery

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18 Fresh Sourdough Bakeries in San Francisco and the Bay Area

Buena Vista Cafe

You come to Buena Vista for one thing and one thing only: exceptional Irish coffee. When you're in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, head here for whiskey-spiked sweet coffee topped with a thick, luscious layer of whipped cream. If you want to take your beverage over to Aquatic Park, you can even ask for a build-your-own version to take to-go.

2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109

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Irish coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe

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The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop

In a city with a rich chocolate history, Ghirardelli is the oldest continuously run chocolate factory in the United States. Lindt now owns it, so the chocolate is milky sweet, very smooth, and mass-produced. But a glossy hot fudge sundae is still a delight, and, even after its recent makeover, the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop is a classic San Francisco treat, billowing chocolate aroma onto historic brick-lined Ghirardelli Square.

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900 North Point St Ste F301, San Francisco, CA 94109

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Ghirardelli Square

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11 Sweet Spots to Pick Up Quality Chocolate in San Francisco

Golden Boy Pizza

Under the glow of the neon sign, hungry patrons wait in line for a rectangle of Golden Boy’s legendary focaccia pies. It’s basically just a takeout window where you’ll order your slices — don’t miss the clam and garlic, it’s a classic — which should then be ported over to Washington Square Park.

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542 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94133

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Vesuvio Cafe

Let out your inner Beatnik at this classic San Francisco bar, located off Columbus Avenue where Chinatown meets FiDi meets North Beach. It’s as old-school as it gets with crowded booths and narrow stairs that lead up to the mezzanine. That’s where you’ll find the best seats in the house: Peer down onto the bar and its patrons and watch as the staff lights the chandeliers' many candles as evening sets in.

255 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

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CAFE VESUVIO, NORTH BEACH, SAN FRANCISCO, USA

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Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

The sweet smell of vanilla, sesame, and butter lures tourists to this small alley in Chinatown to watch workers make 10,000 fortune cookies a day (and pass out hot samples). You can customize your own fortunes, making a great souvenir for tourists and non-tourists alike, and you might learn a thing or two about history while you’re at it. Fortune cookies were essentially invented in San Francisco, made to be served at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park in 1918, but later picked up by San Francisco’s Chinese restaurants.

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56 Ross Alley, San Francisco, CA 94108

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Ferry Building Marketplace

When was the last time you wandered through the Ferry Building? The vendors have only gotten even better, and the best time to go is on Saturday mornings to enjoy the farmers market. Prep yourself with patience for the crowds, but if you go with the right expectations, the outing can turn into a fun way to rediscover what you love so much about this city — and make visitors love it as much as you. Don’t miss Hog Island for oysters and a glass of bubbles while you soak up good views of the Bay.

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1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111

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House of Prime Rib

This San Francisco classic is a total trip back in time to when plating with tweezers was not yet a thing. The restaurant's apropos name says it all — it serves one thing and one thing only, and it does that roast beef very, very well. The only choices you need to make are: meat temperature, cut thickness, mashed or loaded baked potatoes, and martini or Manhattan. Each plate comes with a salad prepared tableside, creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding, and potatoes — and of course, a hulking piece of beef cut from roving meat carts.

Open in Google Maps

1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

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TONGA ROOM & HURRICANE BAR

There are tiki bars — and then there’s the Tonga Room. It’s more than just a cocktail bar with some island-inspired decor; it’s a San Francisco institution where the tables surround a blue-green lagoon (formerly the hotel’s indoor pool) with a floating stage graced by a group of musicians. Kick back and take it all in while you sip on classics including a mai tai, zombie, fog cutter, and jungle bird.

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950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108

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Tonga Room

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The Rotunda

During the holiday season, you’ll often find this restaurant packed with out-of-towners toting big shopping bags. It’s easy to understand why: Perched atop the store’s fourth floor, the Rotunda offers great views of Union Square and that towering Christmas tree installed every winter. Train your eyes upward to take in the equally stunning stained glass dome. For a quicker visit opt for afternoon tea, an elegant affair, or just a glass of bubbles and a plate of the famous popovers served with strawberry butter. But if you’re really hungry, there’s also a full menu available for lunch, which is served from 11 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. depending on the day.

150 Stockton St Level Four, San Francisco, CA 94108

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Zuni Cafe

Besides "the" chicken, Zuni's burger, Caesar salad, and bloody Mary have all been called the best in the city. The two-storied, triangular space is enchanting any time of day: good for brunch, for late-night dining, for oysters and a cocktail at the bar, or for a lovely sit-down meal with a date. And did we mention that chicken?

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

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A roasted chicken cut into pieces with a salad. — The roast chicken at Zuni Cafe.

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Anchor Public Taps

Anchor may be owned by Sapporo these days, but it’s still a big deal in beer history — it’s the oldest brewery in San Francisco, going back 125 years, and it’s a pioneer of steam beer, also known as California common beer. Tours of their art deco factory back by reservation, and, of course, there’s always Anchor Public Taps, the big taproom across the street where you can get a frothy pour of that signature steam lager.

495 De Haro St, San Francisco, CA 94107

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Beer from Anchor Brewing

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Tartine Bakery

The Mission bakery is the original location for the award-winning bakery, which has added locations and struggled with worker issues in the past couple of years, though there’s still a line out the door. First timers usually go for the morning bun, a knot of croissant laced with cinnamon and orange zest. But the sourdough is a big deal, ushering in a new wave of natural bread baking in San Francisco, and now imitated across the world. Bread, tarts, cookies, cakes, and more fill the rest of the saliva-inducing display, all of which make the perfect pairing with people-watching in the outdoor seating area.

600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Visit Website

Tartine’s croissant

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La Taqueria

It wouldn’t be San Francisco without the Mission’s squadron of gut-busting taquerias. La Taqueria is a leading choice, and once won FiveThirtyEight's America's Best Burrito, cementing it as not only a local favorite, but a nationally recognized one, too. That's reflected in lines out the door, but fear not — they move quickly. Pro tip: make sure you order your burrito "dorado," or griddled, making it nice and crispy on the outside.

2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

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Scoma's Restaurant

1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133

For a taste of the charms that, for better or worse, lead out-of-towners to San Francisco’s notoriously touristy Fisherman’s Wharf, Scoma’s is where it’s at. The very 1960s bar is a trip, and dishes like a “Lazy Man’s Cioppino” and classic crab Louie hit the spot. The views of the water don’t hurt, either. The restaurant is located on its own small pier that feels suitably setback from the bustle of the wharf.

1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133

Visit Website

A bowl of seafood stew. — “Lazy Man’s” Cioppino at Scoma’s

Boudin Bakery Cafe

160 Jefferson St Baker's Hall, San Francisco, CA 94133

For new-school artisan sourdough that’s dramatically dark and craggy, please see Tartine Bakery or any of these excellent San Francisco specimens. But for an old-school heavyweight, Boudin is an original. They claim their mother starter dates back to the Gold Rush, and they’re still making dense, tangy, tourist-friendly sourdough, which, admittedly, does make the best bread bowl for serving creamy clam chowder.

160 Jefferson St Baker's Hall, San Francisco, CA 94133

Visit Website

Clam chowder bread bowl from Boudin Bakery

Buena Vista Cafe

2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109

You come to Buena Vista for one thing and one thing only: exceptional Irish coffee. When you're in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, head here for whiskey-spiked sweet coffee topped with a thick, luscious layer of whipped cream. If you want to take your beverage over to Aquatic Park, you can even ask for a build-your-own version to take to-go.

2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Visit Website

Irish coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe

The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop

900 North Point St Ste F301, San Francisco, CA 94109

In a city with a rich chocolate history, Ghirardelli is the oldest continuously run chocolate factory in the United States. Lindt now owns it, so the chocolate is milky sweet, very smooth, and mass-produced. But a glossy hot fudge sundae is still a delight, and, even after its recent makeover, the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop is a classic San Francisco treat, billowing chocolate aroma onto historic brick-lined Ghirardelli Square.

Open in Google Maps

900 North Point St Ste F301, San Francisco, CA 94109

Visit Website

Ghirardelli Square

Golden Boy Pizza

542 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Under the glow of the neon sign, hungry patrons wait in line for a rectangle of Golden Boy’s legendary focaccia pies. It’s basically just a takeout window where you’ll order your slices — don’t miss the clam and garlic, it’s a classic — which should then be ported over to Washington Square Park.

Open in Google Maps

542 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Visit Website

Vesuvio Cafe

255 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Let out your inner Beatnik at this classic San Francisco bar, located off Columbus Avenue where Chinatown meets FiDi meets North Beach. It’s as old-school as it gets with crowded booths and narrow stairs that lead up to the mezzanine. That’s where you’ll find the best seats in the house: Peer down onto the bar and its patrons and watch as the staff lights the chandeliers' many candles as evening sets in.

255 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Visit Website

CAFE VESUVIO, NORTH BEACH, SAN FRANCISCO, USA

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

56 Ross Alley, San Francisco, CA 94108

The sweet smell of vanilla, sesame, and butter lures tourists to this small alley in Chinatown to watch workers make 10,000 fortune cookies a day (and pass out hot samples). You can customize your own fortunes, making a great souvenir for tourists and non-tourists alike, and you might learn a thing or two about history while you’re at it. Fortune cookies were essentially invented in San Francisco, made to be served at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park in 1918, but later picked up by San Francisco’s Chinese restaurants.

Open in Google Maps

56 Ross Alley, San Francisco, CA 94108

Visit Website

Ferry Building Marketplace

1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111

When was the last time you wandered through the Ferry Building? The vendors have only gotten even better, and the best time to go is on Saturday mornings to enjoy the farmers market. Prep yourself with patience for the crowds, but if you go with the right expectations, the outing can turn into a fun way to rediscover what you love so much about this city — and make visitors love it as much as you. Don’t miss Hog Island for oysters and a glass of bubbles while you soak up good views of the Bay.

Open in Google Maps

1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111

Visit Website

House of Prime Rib

1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

This San Francisco classic is a total trip back in time to when plating with tweezers was not yet a thing. The restaurant's apropos name says it all — it serves one thing and one thing only, and it does that roast beef very, very well. The only choices you need to make are: meat temperature, cut thickness, mashed or loaded baked potatoes, and martini or Manhattan. Each plate comes with a salad prepared tableside, creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding, and potatoes — and of course, a hulking piece of beef cut from roving meat carts.

Open in Google Maps

1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

Visit Website

TONGA ROOM & HURRICANE BAR

950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108

There are tiki bars — and then there’s the Tonga Room. It’s more than just a cocktail bar with some island-inspired decor; it’s a San Francisco institution where the tables surround a blue-green lagoon (formerly the hotel’s indoor pool) with a floating stage graced by a group of musicians. Kick back and take it all in while you sip on classics including a mai tai, zombie, fog cutter, and jungle bird.

Open in Google Maps

950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Visit Website

Tonga Room

The Rotunda

150 Stockton St Level Four, San Francisco, CA 94108

During the holiday season, you’ll often find this restaurant packed with out-of-towners toting big shopping bags. It’s easy to understand why: Perched atop the store’s fourth floor, the Rotunda offers great views of Union Square and that towering Christmas tree installed every winter. Train your eyes upward to take in the equally stunning stained glass dome. For a quicker visit opt for afternoon tea, an elegant affair, or just a glass of bubbles and a plate of the famous popovers served with strawberry butter. But if you’re really hungry, there’s also a full menu available for lunch, which is served from 11 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. depending on the day.

150 Stockton St Level Four, San Francisco, CA 94108

Visit Website

Zuni Cafe

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Besides "the" chicken, Zuni's burger, Caesar salad, and bloody Mary have all been called the best in the city. The two-storied, triangular space is enchanting any time of day: good for brunch, for late-night dining, for oysters and a cocktail at the bar, or for a lovely sit-down meal with a date. And did we mention that chicken?

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Visit Website

A roasted chicken cut into pieces with a salad. — The roast chicken at Zuni Cafe.

Anchor Public Taps

495 De Haro St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Anchor may be owned by Sapporo these days, but it’s still a big deal in beer history — it’s the oldest brewery in San Francisco, going back 125 years, and it’s a pioneer of steam beer, also known as California common beer. Tours of their art deco factory back by reservation, and, of course, there’s always Anchor Public Taps, the big taproom across the street where you can get a frothy pour of that signature steam lager.

495 De Haro St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Visit Website

Beer from Anchor Brewing

Tartine Bakery

600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110

The Mission bakery is the original location for the award-winning bakery, which has added locations and struggled with worker issues in the past couple of years, though there’s still a line out the door. First timers usually go for the morning bun, a knot of croissant laced with cinnamon and orange zest. But the sourdough is a big deal, ushering in a new wave of natural bread baking in San Francisco, and now imitated across the world. Bread, tarts, cookies, cakes, and more fill the rest of the saliva-inducing display, all of which make the perfect pairing with people-watching in the outdoor seating area.

600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Visit Website

Tartine’s croissant

La Taqueria

2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

It wouldn’t be San Francisco without the Mission’s squadron of gut-busting taquerias. La Taqueria is a leading choice, and once won FiveThirtyEight's America's Best Burrito, cementing it as not only a local favorite, but a nationally recognized one, too. That's reflected in lines out the door, but fear not — they move quickly. Pro tip: make sure you order your burrito "dorado," or griddled, making it nice and crispy on the outside.

2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

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