Next time you grab lunch from Off the Grid at Levi’s plaza, make a day of it and explore the neighborhood’s parks, piers, and museums. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite bites, drinks, and activities in the area. Start your day with lunch from one of our creators, walk off your meal at Coit Tower, grab a drink from a saloon, and wrap up your evening with a steak. Don’t forget to check out our guide on What to Do Near Salesforce Plaza.
Where to Eat
Join Off the Grid at Levi’s Plaza from 11-2pm from Monday to Thursday. We bring new creators every day, so you’re always in for an exciting treat. Enjoy your meal at the plaza or head to Telegraph Hill near Coit Tower. See our daily lineup here.
Fog City Diner is a beautiful restaurant that opened in 1985 but was recently renovated. The menu offers a stylish take on pizza, sandwiches, and salads with exciting twists. We recommend their foraged mushroom pizza made with fontina, caramelized onion, and roasted garlic. You also don’t want to miss their BBQ rib plate. It’s a great place to eat if you’re looking for a nice view on Embarcadero.
Hillstone serves American favorites in a casual steakhouse setting. According to SFGate, it’s a favorite restaurant of many of the city’s famous chefs. You can’t go wrong with the classics, like a steak with fries. But if you’re looking for something unique, get the blackbird, a rotisserie chicken served with black beans, goat cheese, and cilantro.
Where to Drink
Pier 23 Cafe is our ideal spot to catch a drink by the sea. Choose between wine, beer, cocktails, or a michelada. They also have an extensive mocktail selection. We recommend going for an Old Fashioned or Manhattan which are barrel aged. If you’re stopping by early in the day and could use a hit of caffeine, go for their Cafe Martini made with vodka, coffee, and black liquor.
Red Jack Saloon is a laid-back bar ideal for catching the game or just catching up with friends. NBC describes it as a slice of Boston in San Francisco. If you’re looking for an active bar experience, head to Red Jack for darts and pinball.
Indie Wine and Beer Bar serves up sliders, tacos, and flatbreads in a charming space with views of the Bay Bridge. Nibble on a charcuterie plate assembled with locally-sourced cheese and meats or feast on a platter of oysters topped with bull’s blood.
What to Do
The Exploratorium at Pier 15 is an interactive museum of science and technology. Exhibits include topics like illusions, tornadoes, shadows, and light. Don’t miss the tactile dome, a sculpture in total darkness that you’ll need to explore using only your sense of touch. The Exploratorium is a fun experience for all ages, but Thursday nights are closed for Adults only.
Coit Tower is a 210-foot tower in Telegraph Hill. If you’ve ever seen it you’ll probably recognize it as a landmark, but did you know you can climb the steps? It’s a great bit of exercise to climb up the 13 flights of steps for a beautiful city view, but there’s also an option of taking an elevator to the top. Take a much needed break at Pioneer Park after your climb.
Walk along the piers. Pier 27 is a great place to take in the waterfront views while watching cruise ships traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and Beyond. We also enjoy hanging out at the Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery (pier 15) which offers views of the city and ocean with an option to rent the venue for events. If you’re looking to take a short boat trip, stop by pier 33 and board a ship heading to Alcatraz.
Find the hidden Filbert Street Steps for a scenic climb from the waterfront to Coit Tower. The mini jungle is home to a flock of parrots, stunning views of the Bay Bridge, and several spots to stop for photos. It’s definitely one of the most unique experiences in SF that you can take in a total of 400 steps.
The Greenwich Steps are another hidden gem that doubles as a brief workout. The views here are even better than the Filbert Street Steps since you can catch views of Treasure Island, Yerbe Buena Island, and the Bay Bridge. You can also find a sculpture garden.
