Taqueria Cancun
This palce constantly wins awards and they deserve it. Best burritto around. But not all Taqueria Cancuns are created equal. This is the best of the three locations in San Francisco. The burritos aren't as heavy and it's got the most table space. The carnitas are fantastic at this one too.
Asian Art Museum Of SF
Now located at civic center this museum straddles new and old perfectly. The lay out is a little confusing but the collection is great. It's not just the old but has plenty of modern stuff. THe recent geisha exhibit was fantastic. The exhibits don't stay long, so be sure to check back often.
Red Vic Movie House
Don't you hate how it costs ten bucks to see a movie now? Not at the Red Vic. It's Five dollars for a matinee and they show an eclectic selection of stuff that won't be at the multiplex. The decor is pretty basic and the screen isn't huge but the popcorn is great. It's sort of like watching your favorite movies in a cozy dark little cave.
Panhandle Guitars
This store is TINY. They have next to nothing and its all pretty expensive. It's really only guitars too. A couple small practice amps, a few bases and a few effects pedals, but really mainly a guitar store. It specializes in 60's and 70's vintage guitars and the stuff is nice, but you could spend well over a thounsand dollars. Not for browsing or finding a steal.
Bottom Of The Hill
This seems to be every ones favorite club in San Francisco and I have to admit, I don't really like it very much. The door price is always expensive, the bar isn't that great, the atmosphere is okay, but there's no place to sit and talk if you don't feel like listening to the show. They book some good underground bands sometimes, but the Hemlock Tavern is better.
Haight Ashbury Music Center
This place has a few interesting things. Some bizarre amps in the back and some really nice vintage acoustic guitars. It can be a little hard to get the staff to notice you and they are not particularly friendly if you don't like like you're going to be spending big bucks. It is a little pricey for a fairly standard selection.
Robot Speak
For synth enthusiasts and electronic music dorks this is the spot you have to check out. The selection is small but they carry some interesting things from software to vintage synths. The staff knows their stuff and are willing to answer questions and give advice. I went in looking for a memory card for my ancient sampler, and although they didn't have it (it's a really strange type) they were able to point me in the right direction.
PROS: Great staff.
CONS: Small.
Sports Basement
This palce is a huge sporting goods warehouse. If you are looking for something in particular check this out. If you want to browse and ask questions it may be hard to get the help you need. So you should figure out what you need before hand and you can probably find it here at the right price.
Cole Garage
Every one who has sent their car here swears by this place. Never a single complaint. They will quote you a fair price. They will tell you exactly what is wrong, how urgent the problem is and they won't try to talk you into anything. The service is fast and they are reliable. No nonesense. perfect.
Urban Ore Building Materials
A mecca of junk and I mean that in the best way possible. It's a warehous the size of an airplane hanger full of everything. Old toilets, scrap wood, books, furniture, clothes, a player piano (!), stoves, toys, electronics. Everything. You could build your dream house here. It's great just to walk around in. Perhaps my favorite place in the bay area.