Time Out recently released their annual list of the 33 Coolest Streets in the World, and San Francisco’s Hayes Street came in at #10, making it the highest-ranked U.S. street on the list!
Hayes Street is the epicenter of SF’s trendy Hayes Valley neighborhood. Time Out names its post-Covid resurgence as a main factor in its ranking, with special reference to its mixture of old and new SF. The blend of longtime restaurant institutions and quirky, trendy storefronts make it an exciting hotspot for both tourists and locals.
Time Out specifically mentioned the following stores and restaurants as must-visits:
- Rare Device – an art gallery and gift shop with whimsical home decor, jewelry, beauty products, and more from both local and international artisans. 600 Divisadero St.
- a Mano – a bright and spacious Italian restaurant serving delicious pizza, pasta, and Italian wines. 450 Hayes St.
- Ritual Coffee – a tiny outpost of Ritual Coffee known as “The Container,” serving on-the-go drinks and treats. 432b Octavia St.
Some additional fun spots along Hayes Street include the popular Greek restaurant Souvla (517 Hayes St), wine bar/store Arlequin Wine Merchant (372 Hayes St), innovative ice cream shop Salt & Straw (586 Hayes St), jewelry store Métier (575 Hayes St), French restaurant Absinthe Brasserie & Bar (398 Hayes St), ramen shop Nojo Ramen Tavern (231 Franklin St), and newly-opened gourmet popcorn store Fluff Nugget (432 Octavia St).
If you continue west along Hayes Street you’ll eventually hit Alamo Square Park and the Painted Ladies. Then cut down a block to Fell Street to find the green strip known as the Panhandle, which will drop you right into Golden Gate Park.
SF’s Hayes Street was the highest-ranked U.S. city on the list at #10. Others included Virgil Avenue in Los Angeles at #13, Calle Ocho in Miami at #16, Wentworth Avenue in Chicago at #20, MacDougal Street in New York at #29, and Newbury Street in Boston at #31.
The top three streets in the world were Rue Wellington in Montreal at #1, Gertrude Street in Melbourne at #2, and Great Western Road in Glasgow at #3.
Time Out ranked the coolest streets in the world by quizzing over 20,000 city-dwellers in their Time Out Index Survey. Once they had a list of cool streets nominated by city residents, they consulted local experts to compile the rankings.
Do you agree with Hayes Street’s spot on the list? See the full list here.
Featured image: oliverdelahaye on Shutterstock