The Haight is a culturally rich neighborhood in San Francisco that seems perpetually stuck in the 1960s. Walking down the streets, you can find a wide variety of venues, such as a vintage record store, smoke shops, risqué clothing stores and a diverse group of restaurants. The Haight is a haven for aging hippies, runaways and the homeless, but it still welcomes all visitors with open arms. Below are just a few local stores and restaurants to check out when you’re on the Haight.
Searching for a second hand store that doesn’t make you look like you’ve just walked out of your grandmother’s closet? Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads are both places where you can buy, sell, and trade your old clothes in exchange for different items.
Positively Haight Street is a bit pricey, but if you are looking for some good tie-dye, this is the place for you.
If you are searching for a t-shirt, Haight Street T-shirts is a good place to find an inexpensive rock and roll shirt, or some local sports shirts. Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, along with many more rock legends all lived in the Haight during the hippie movement; their legacies now live on in t-shirt form.
Piedmont Boutique has an eclectic assortment of every kind of spandex you could ever want (and some you probably don’t!), each in every color. It’s a great destination for a Halloween costume.
Wasteland is a mix of both secondhand and brand-new items. The front of the store is made up of trendy clothing, but the real gems are in the back of the store, which is filled with well-selected consignment pieces that won’t disappoint you.
A vintage record store that will amaze you is Amoeba Music. They have a huge range of music, any kind you could possibly imagine. Much of the music is also purchasable in vinyl record form.
Cha Cha Cha, a South-American tapas restaurant. It is a fun place to hang out and grab something to eat. The music is loud, and the guests can get a bit rowdy, but the prices are good and the food tastes great.
Asqew Grill is an inexpensive restaurant that grills meat and veggies and serves them on skewers, is the perfect place for a quick, yummy meal.
From spandex, to music, to great food, there is always a lot to see and enjoy on this unpredictable street.
