The best places to go in the East Cut, by vibe
Cinematic views of the Bay Bridge from the top of Rincon Hill. A utopian landscape of Salesforce Park floating through a forest of new high rise buildings. The East Cut neighborhood is definitely a vibe. This fast growing part of downtown San Francisco is any urbanist’s fantasy land.
Amid the awe-inspiring mega structures of Salesforce Tower and the Transbay Terminal an odd tranquility and human scale lives along the streets of this part of the city. Explore elevated gardens slicing through downtown and find your way down to the city’s world class waterfront. Small open spaces, public art installations and local businesses bring people together to enjoy the public life of one of the most metropolitan parts of San Francisco. Cocktails at Prospect. Tesora – medium sweet, medium creamy – at Philz Coffee. Mango sticky rice at Lao Table. This is your guide to the best places to go in the East Cut, broken down by vibe.
Read more about the neighborhood’s history and the new identity it has forged in recent years.
Buzzing
Let the good times roll! This is for people looking for popular, adventurous, spontaneous, and very social spots.
Lao Table
Laotian
- upscale
- innovative
- chill
- delicious
Natoma Cabana
Natoma Cabana brings the ultimate indoor-outdoor garden party to San Francisco. With tropical vibes, wicker furnishings, and lush greenery, it’s the perfect spot to sip on craft cocktails, beer, or wine. Whether you’re unwinding after work or catching up with friends, this laid-back hideaway has all the right ingredients for a good time.
- social
- happy-hour
- chill
- drinks
Equinox Beale Street
Fitness Club
- buzzing
- cool
- folk
- friendly
SoMa Garden SF
Soma Garden is a new socially responsible destination for food, drinks, and music.
SOMA Garden is your new destination for responsible social distancing gatherings featuring gourmet street food, crafted cocktails, and music. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm starting on September 12, 2020.
- social
- drinks
- music
- garden
SF Iron
Fitness Center
- fun
- intense
- community
- energetic
Quiet Energy
For when your mood is more introspective and calm. Enjoy experiences that are cozy, comforting, and serene.
Guy Place Mini Park
Guy Place Mini Park is a hidden gem in San Francisco’s bustling Transbay neighborhood. This peaceful 3,500-square-foot green space is packed with lush plants, towering trees, and even a pet-friendly fountain. The artistic steel fence adds a unique touch, telling the story of Rincon Hill’s history. It’s a perfect spot to relax, recharge, and enjoy a little nature in the city.
- park
- green
- sunny
- artsy
DUPLICATE/CLOSED/NEW NAME Local Kitchen & Wine Merchant
THIS PLACE IS NOW FIRESIDE PIZZA
Local Kitchen & Wine Merchant brings global flavors to San Francisco with seasonal dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and the freshest local ingredients. True to its name, everything from the produce to the cheese is sourced from Northern California. With a stellar wine list, craft cocktails, and California beers on tap, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and indulge.
- unique
- lovely
- delicious
- affordable
Socola Chocolatier
Chocolate shop
- modern
- fun
- colorful
- sweet
Dreamy
For those who are living the dream, shining and living who they are out loud, but also kicking back in beautiful art spaces, hidden gems, buying from cool shops and peaceful, purpose-free experiences.
Salesforce Park
Salesforce Park is a unique 5.4-acre public park perched atop the Salesforce Transit Center in downtown San Francisco, a verdant oasis blending urban design with nature. This “living roof” features a meandering walking trail encircling diverse botanical gardens, each representing a different region of the world, fostering a sense of tranquility amidst the city’s skyscrapers. Visitors can enjoy expansive lawns, interactive art installations like Ned Kahn’s “Bus Fountain” which synchronizes with the buses below, and a children’s play area. The park serves as a vital community space, regularly hosting a wide array of free public activities including fitness classes (yoga, HIIT, cardio dance), live music performances, storytelling sessions, and cultural events in its amphitheater, ensuring there’s always something engaging for all ages and interests.
It’s easily reachable via the free Salesforce Gondola from ground level at Salesforce Plaza, as well as escalators and elevators from within the Transit Center.
While dogs are generally not permitted to protect the delicate flora and fauna (service animals are an exception), the park encourages picnicking (with outside food and non-alcoholic beverages allowed) and provides ample seating, making it an ideal spot for relaxation, recreation, and taking in panoramic city views. Its operating hours vary seasonally: May 1 to October 31, it’s open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; November 1 to April 30, it’s open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- tranquil
- public
- vibrant
- walk
100 First Street Sun Terrace
Located in SF’s Financial District, 100 First Street Sun Terrace is a hidden gem with a chill city vibe, featuring outdoor seating, modern design, and the Linear Fountain—perfect for lunch breaks, coffee hangs, and relaxation.
- unique
- public
- walk
- lunch
La Fromagerie Cheese Shop
Cheese & Wine
- delicious
- fresh
- lunch
- favorite
CorePower Yoga
CorePower Yoga on Fremont Street in San Francisco offers heated yoga classes with a vibrant, high-energy vibe. Enjoy a variety of class styles, expert instructors, and spa-like amenities in a welcoming, empowering community for all levels. Perfect for those seeking strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.
- yoga
- balanced
- energy
- community
Old School
For those into landmarks, reviving older things, feeling retro, nostalgic, sentimental, traditional, and sightseeing at popular old spots.
Playtime
