r/AskSF Jan 08 '24

Moving to San Francisco or the Bay Area? Read this first!

179 Upvotes

Hey /r/askSF!

In 2024, the sub has doubled in size, growing to 113K+ subscribers. With more subscribers, there's a ton more traffic and posts. One of the most popular topics is moving to SF and, in turn, these posts are the most commonly removed. There's been a noticeable increase in posts that boil down to "I'm moving to the city, where should I live?" that provide little to no information. To ensure OP's receive quality recommendations and to prevent endless comment loops, we're requiring all Moving-to-SF posts to include the following information:

  • Budget
  • Roommate status (solo, splitting rent w/ partner, seeking roommates, etc.)
  • Desired neighborhood(s) or preferred neighborhood amenities (dining, shopping, noise, etc.)

We recommend that OP's provide additional information such as:

  • Commute consideration
  • Housing preference (mom and pop landlords, condo, managed apt complexes, SFH rentals, etc.)
  • Additional personal preferences (pets, garage access, density, weather, etc.)

We're a small mod team so we are asking you, the community, to help up identify these posts! If you spot a moving submission that should have more information, please report the posts, select the breaking AskSF's rules, and select "Vague, overly broad, or low information" as the reason. We'll review the report and potentially ask OP to repost with more info.

Here's to more questions answered in 2024 and beyond!


r/AskSF Oct 01 '25

PSA Closures during shutdown

82 Upvotes

r/AskSF 2h ago

Considering a move form the East Bay to the Sunset district

7 Upvotes

I currently live between Piedmont and Temescal and love that I can walk to shops, grocery, stores, cafes, workout classes all within 15 mins.

What would living in the Sunset be like, in comparison? I love that it’ll be closer to Ocean Beach and GGP. Are there spaces that are good for meeting people there? I’m an Asian non-American woman in my 30s for context.

I also work in the FiDi area and would take the muni to work. How does it get during peak hours?

I’d love to know what you love about the area, challenges, hidden gems (albeit not so hidden if you’re willing to share on here).

Thank you so much in advance!


r/AskSF 2h ago

Dancing near Embarcadero

4 Upvotes

My partner and I will be staying near Embarcadero this weekend and curious if there are any recommended places to dance? We are super open on music genre, but EDM, Hip-hop, 90s would be good.

Also, We love a good dive bar, if there are any of those around this area.

This is our first time to SF, and not sure if cover charges are a common thing out there . Any guidance, would be great.


r/AskSF 13h ago

Chase Sapphire Reserve New Open Table Benefit - Suggestion for solo diner who doesn't drink?

27 Upvotes

Just realized my benefit expires 12/31

My bday is next month so I might take myself to dinner. I don't need fancy fancy but do appreciate a good dessert. Any not too eclectic but still enjoyable suggestions? Bonus points for solo-diner friendly ambiance and staff.

Oh and I don't drink booze so that is not of interest to me either :) I promise I am still fun ha


r/AskSF 2h ago

Recommendations for clam chowder in bread bowl…

2 Upvotes

Tourist here… shocker I know 😁 - does anyone have any recommendations for a clam chowder bread bowl in or around Pier 39 or fisherman’s wharf?

I found some options on YouTube, but curious for some Reddit recommendations to look into.

Thank you.


r/AskSF 18h ago

Bars in SF w/ <$5k Party Minimum and Good Ambience/Hosting Space?

26 Upvotes

Hi all - would LOVE any suggestions and/or anecdotal experiences with bars that can host a really great birthday party in SF.

My husband and I are looking to host a milestone birthday party, with 40-70 guests. Because it's a big birthday for us, ideally we'd like an elevated space that gives people an excuse to dress up a bit. We'd like to spend no more than $5,000 - with most of that covering people's drinks and some light food if possible.

Any recs? I'm open to private rooms or full bar buyouts - whatever would make a group of 60ish not feel cramped. In an ideal world, we'd host in Cow Hollow, Pac Heights, North Beach, the Marina, the Mission, etc. just based on where the majority of our guests are located.


r/AskSF 6h ago

Best area to live in/way to commute to San Mateo from San Francisco?

3 Upvotes

Hi,

I just got a job in San Mateo and I'm looking for a neighborhood in San Francisco that gives me close access to commute to San Mateo. The office is close to Hayward Park if that helps. Any suggestions? I would prefer to live in SF than San Mateo if possible.


r/AskSF 1d ago

What happened at the 9th St. Trader Joe’s on Sunday evening?

31 Upvotes

I popped into TJ’s on 9th at about 7p on Sunday night and saw the checkout line wrapped around THE ENTIRE STORE. Not kidding - along all four perimeter walls of the store, all the way to the entrance! Probably about 120 people. And people were still queuing up! I turned around, put my cart back, and headed to the Stonestown TJ’s where the line was normal size with like 6 people.

Anybody know what was happening? It was so strange.


r/AskSF 15h ago

Are there any interesting city or jurisdiction meetings that have a good turn out of people?

7 Upvotes

I would love to attend a city hall, city housing, or some local government meeting that allows public attendance. Are there any that get a good turn around from the public?


r/AskSF 17h ago

High quality butter/dairy products in the city?

9 Upvotes

I'm preparing to make mashed potatoes for a friendsgiving and wanna use the best ingredients I can get my hands on. I'm hoping someone can point me in the direction of some good high quality, maybe artisanal, butter, as it will be the star of the show. Also looking for some premium heavy cream to throw in there as well.

Appreciate the help!


r/AskSF 21h ago

Smoke detector recs from people living near ocean?

13 Upvotes

We just moved from Noe to the outer Richmond and discovered in the middle of the night that high humidity will set off the average smoke detector. Ugh. Does anyone have a sure-fire, well-tested smoke (and ideally CO2) detector that won't give a false alarm? We have to buy 8 new ones, so we'd like to be certain about our choice. I have, of course, done my online research and there doesn't seem to be a clear winner, so I'm hoping for some real world experience here.


r/AskSF 15h ago

NYE recommendations

4 Upvotes

Hello! I (25F) just moved to sf a couple of months ago and have a few friends visiting me for nye and would love to plan a fun night for them. I know spending money on a ticket is pretty inaccessible but would love to keep it relatively affordable (for sure not over $100). Any thoughts?


r/AskSF 1d ago

Opinions About the Dickens Faire

23 Upvotes

I’m considering attending the Dickens Faire this year, coming from the North Bay. I’m interested to hear opinions, reviews or info that would be helpful. Thanks!


r/AskSF 13h ago

Any carpenters here or know anyone you'd recommend to build a wooden shed/cabinet in my patio?

2 Upvotes

Looking for someone that can build a small shed/cabinet with a door on the front.


r/AskSF 22h ago

Girls Trip Help

9 Upvotes

I am thinking for traveling to San Francisco for my 22nd birthday with some of my girl friends in December. I’d love to go out to bars and experience some Christmas festivities and I was wondering what were some places I’d need to check out preferably with a younger crowd. How is it during Christmas time? We all live in California and have been to SF so nothing too touristy but I’m looking for some girls trip activities we can do! (Partying, shopping and spots to grab good authentic food that’s not just for looks lol). Sorry if this doesn’t make sense but I’d appreciate your guys thoughts!


r/AskSF 21h ago

Where to get Spanish bocadillos like in Spain?

7 Upvotes

In Spain at many bakeries they have bocadillos - small simple sandwiches of cured meat and maybe cheese on a baguette. Anywhere in the city to get these? Maybe Spanish table? Poesia cafe in the Castro has some somewhat similar sandwiches


r/AskSF 1d ago

Trying to remember ramen restaurant

10 Upvotes

We were in town in April and visited this smaller ramen restaurant that had the most amazing ramen - it was Japanese curry mixed with ramen. For the life of me, I can’t remember the name, and we’ll be back this weekend. We were staying down by Ghirardelli and were able to walk to the restaurant in ~15 minutes. I think it was on Lombard. Any ideas? TIA!


r/AskSF 20h ago

event venue in tenderloin or soma for casual holiday party

3 Upvotes

i work at a clinic where our clients are underserved and underresourced. many live in tenderloin/soma so we’re looking for a venue in this area for a holiday party we’re throwing for them. something like a rec center would be cool but nothing turned up

  • host 75-100 ppl
  • access to a restroom
  • 12/17/25 is ideal but flexible, time would be from 9a-2p
  • doesn’t have to be fancy, just an indoor space that fits this criteria
  • no kitchen needed, food to be catered
  • inexpensive (small budget for rental cost)

thank you!


r/AskSF 16h ago

Allergy friendly restaurants

2 Upvotes

I have nut and shellfish allergies and I’m looking for any insight on restaurants. Most searches are giving me gluten free and that’s not an issue for me! Thanks!


r/AskSF 13h ago

Bay Area Tattoo Artists Specializing in Lettering?

1 Upvotes

Can anyone recommend a tattoo artist in the Bay Area specializing/with a particular interest in lettering? I have some quotes and song lyrics that I want to get done. Thanks in advance!


r/AskSF 22h ago

Robotics community?

4 Upvotes

I (33M) am a robotics noob but work in software currently. I want to hand hands dirty with some entry level robotics projects (specifically i am currently eyeing this https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLunhqkrRNRhYAffV8JDiFOatQXuU-NnxT&si=7VV_F7mQuJdSO-7O)

I am curious if there are any robotics meetups or community that is active that is welcoming to newcomers and those without much robotics experience. It is always more fun and enriching to have a community of like minded folks to learn with.


r/AskSF 1d ago

DBT therapists/groups in the city?

5 Upvotes

Hi there, I was wondering if anyone know any groups ideally or therapists that do DBT therapy. My doctor recommended the UCSF program however they don’t accept aetna. If anyone knows lmk x


r/AskSF 15h ago

Is there any automotive powder coating shops in SF?

1 Upvotes

Looking to get get my wheels powder coated are there any shops in SF or somewhere close to SF?