Neighborhood

SUTTER STREET

Bordered by Nob Hill, Chinatown and Union Square, Hotel Beresford’s eclectic, walk-friendly Sutter Street neighborhood is home to your pick of hip spots. Find everything from from laid-back bars that draw Academy of Art University students to special occasion dining at Michelin Star establishments. Union Square and the cable cars are three blocks away (five minutes on foot) and several highly rated city tours launch from just a few blocks away, too. Add to that comedy clubs, theaters and other cultural experiences within walking distance and you’ll find that boredom doesn’t exist in Hotel Beresford’s ‘hood. Read on for our Front Desk favorites and tips.

CASUAL

White Horse Tavern
$$$$
Beresford Hotel’s own White Horse Tavern is a Union Square institution, maintaining its original, award-winning 1960s design. Rumor has it that Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor reserved a table here once upon a time. Now, it is The Spot for fish and chips and a cold beer after a day of exploring.
Hogwash
$$$$
Local beer and sausage make for a winning combination at this popular, highly rated eatery. Vegetarians in your group? No problem—the meatless options are thoughtful and tasty here, too.
Ryoko Sushi
$$$$
Delicious sushi meets a quirky, underground vibe at Ryoko Sushi. Head downstairs to a low-lit space—often with a live DJ adding background beats—that’s great for fueling up before a night on the town.
Tacorea
$$$$
Tacorea—a Mexican/Korean fusion restaurant—is a popular takeout option, with only a handful of tables for dining in. Try the spicy pork and the California Burrito.

FINE DINING

Sons & Daughters
$$$$
Special occasions find a lovely setting at Sons & Daughters, which has a seasonal, nine-course prix-fixe tasting menu and an open-plan design that lets you watch the chef and his team at work.
Farallon
$$$$
Dive into Farallon for an entirely unique dining experience. Here, the seafood is fresh and the décor incorporates eye-catching-yet-elegant features like jellyfish light fixtures in the bar area, pearled seashell columns, and curved, gilded ceilings.
San Raku
$$$$
Some call Sanraku’s sushi the best in San Francisco. While it’s not a budget option, the dining room is laid-back enough to walk in on a whim (though reservations are recommended for weekend nights). Try their melt-in-your-mouth sashimi.

COCKTAILS/NIGHTLIFE

White Horse Tavern
$$$$
Beresford Hotel’s own White Horse Tavern is a Union Square institution, maintaining its original, award-winning 1960s design. Rumor has it that Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor reserved a table here once upon a time. Now, it is The Spot for fish and chips and a cold beer after a day of exploring.
Biscuits & Blues
$$$$
This intimate music venue marries exceptional blues sets with a full bar and southern-inspired cuisine like shrimp and grits, friend green tomatoes and, of course, biscuits (with honey butter).
Starlight Room
$$$$
Sometimes you just want to dance. If you prefer to dance in a swanky spot that’s 21 floors up with glittering views of the city, try the Starlight Room. Housed within the iconic Sir Francis Drake Hotel, this art deco venue draws a 30+ crowd.

STAYING FIT

Active Sports Bar
$$$$
Work up an appetite for all that eating at Active Sports Club, a Union Square fitness center with classes, a three-lane lap pool, plush locker rooms and on-site massages. A day pass is $25.

GROCERIES

Mayflower Market
$$$$
Stock up on snacks at Market Mayflower, a family-owned neighborhood grocer in Nob Hill. Though you have to go uphill to reach it, you get the downhill on the way back when it counts (i.e. when your arms are full of groceries).
Trader Joes
$$$$
A bit further afield is Trader Joes at California/Hyde, which is about 8 blocks from Hotel Beresford and has a modest parking lot. Peak times are weekdays during rush hour and Sunday mornings.

THEATERS

San Francisco Playhouse Arguably the best live theater in San Francisco is just one block from Hotel Beresford. Housed within the Kensington Park Hotel building, the San Francisco Playhouse is home to raved-about productions featuring impressive talent. Make a night of it and have dinner at Farralon first—this seafood restaurant shares space with the Playhouse.
Marine Memorial Theater Practically next door to Hotel Beresford you’ll find the Marines’ Memorial Theater, a Union Square staple that has stood in its spot since 1926. Recently remodeled and expanded, the venue sets the stage for music, dancing, artist and writer lectures and other special events.
Cheaper Than Therapy
$$$$
Go for belly laughs at the aptly named Cheaper Than Therapy, a stand-up comedy venue one block from Hotel Beresford at the Shelton Theater. Shows are held Thursday – Saturday at 10PM (bar opens at 9) and Sunday at 7PM (bar opens at 6).