If You're Going to S.F.

Filed in archive Hidden Gems on August 22, 2007

The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood was the center of San Francisco's hippy culture during the 1960s and early 70s. This counter-culture is still evident, though much more for tourists than actual activity. Few people know about Haight Street's other neighborhood. Haight-Fillmore, A.K.A. Lower Haight is another neighborhood with a similar history. A predominantly African American neighborhood during the hippy days, the atmosphere was similarly anti-establishment in both of Haight's neighborhoods.

Today, Haight-Fillmore is more dangerous and poorer than its neighbor. Still, there is a lot to see and do and, well, eat. Lower Haight is known for its brilliant eateries. Pizza, soul food, international cuisine, Mexican, and so on and on and on. The nightlife scene is thriving, though the neighborhood does have its dangers, especially late at night.

Haight-Ashbury may be where baby-boomers go to reminisce about their pasts, but Lower Haight has its own attractions.