Want to explore the Tenderloin but don't know where to start? Follow this easy 24-hour itinerary for a day jam-packed with fun and tasty bites.
8am: Line up early to get your hands on the unicorn of pastries, the cruffin, at Mr. Holmes Bakehouse (1042 Larkin St). The croissant-meets-muffin is filled with cream in rotating flavors like honey lavender and bourbon orange.
10am: From the first transgender uprising to the golden age of jazz, learn the history of the ’hood through the photos, postcards and restaurant menus on display at the Tenderloin Museum (398 Eddy St).
11am: Fuel up for the day (or nurse a hangover) with a steaming bowl of Hanoi-style pho at Turtle Tower (645 Larkin St).
Noon: Inside Handsome Oxford (646 Hyde St), the rails are heavily curated with American workwear from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, and owner Mark Cruzada will even hand you a PBR to sip while you peruse. For more nostalgia, duck into RS94109 (835 Larkin St) to shop a vast collection of ’80s and ’90s records.
2pm: Grab an afternoon snack (or an entire loaf of chocolate sourdough bread) at Jane (925 Larkin St). Breakfast favorites like spicy baked eggs and chia pudding parfait are served all day.
3pm: Jessica Silverman Gallery (488 Ellis St) showcases the work of emerging artists from around the world. Look out for “Judy Chicago’s Pussies,” a solo show from the famed feminist artist, opening September 8.
5pm: Sip on the gin-based Bee’s Knees while you tap your foot to live jazz music at Black Cat (400 Eddy St), a trendy supper club with bars on two separate floors.
7pm: Hawaiian-inspired dishes are the focus at hip Liholiho Yacht Club (871 Sutter St). Make a reservation early and order the off-the-menu Spam!
9pm: Dance to a local band at the Great American Music Hall (859 O’Farrell St). This is where you burn off all those cruffin calories.