For an authentic San Francisco experience, visit Clement Street in the Richmond District.
If the generic chow mein and overpriced souvenir shops of Grant Street’s Chinatown have you longing for something more authentic, explore San Francisco’s Clement Street. Located in the Richmond District, Clement Street is easily accessible by the 38 MUNI bus line.
Clement Street’s collection of restaurants, bars, and shops is celebrated by locals but rarely visited by tourists. Although nicknamed a second Chinatown, Clement Street also has Japanese, Irish, Burmese, and Eastern European influences. Prices on Clement Street are cheaper than on Grant Street, and here you’ll eat, drink and shop like a local.
Green Apple Bookstore
506 Clement Street
Buy, sell and trade at this booklover’s dream come true. The store has a large supply of publisher overstock, and it’s marked down considerably. Browse the tables and carts outside the store for more great finds. Check out the vintage maps of San Francisco and one-of-a-kind greeting cards with messages that would make your momma blush. Be sure to visit their sister stores for music, VHS, and DVDs.
Toy Boat Dessert Café
401 Clement Street
Vintage toys and sugar under one roof! Toy Boat Dessert Café serves treats like ice cream sundaes and smoothies in flavors like Peanut Butter and Cake. There’s also soups, salads or sandwiches to fill up on before you spoil your appetite. Most importantly, there are vintage and one-of-a-kind toys like Silly Putty, Pee Wee Herman watches, Troll dolls, and PEZ dispensers – including a three-pack Elvis set. For the image conscious lady in your life with a religious inclination, there’s a Looking Good For Jesus kit with make-up, a mirror and a plastic Jesus action figure.
Burma Superstar
309 Clement Street
Burmese cuisine shares similar ingredients and flavors of its neighboring countries – Thailand, India, China and Laos – but the preparation make this food distinct. Tables turn quickly at this small restaurant, so don’t worry about waiting too long. For starters, try the Tea Leaf Salad, Burmese Samosas, or Rainbow Salad made with 22 ingredients like tofu, green papaya and dried shrimp. For the main course, try Pumpkin Pork Stew, Okra Egg Curry, or Spicy Chicken with Fresh Basil.
Super Tokio
251 Clement Street
Peruse aisles of Japanese treats like Bubble Man II gum, Hello Kitty Gummy Lips, and bags of crispy rice crackers. Shop for Japanese style flatware and sake sets for a fraction of the price of anything on Grant Street. Stock up on staples like canned quail eggs, seasoned seaweed paste, and Aloe Vera dessert. Don’t forget to check out the massive collection of anime figurines – some locked up behind the counter.
The Plough and the Stars
116 Clement Street
“10 to 1 it’s Guinness time” proclaims this Zagat-rated Irish pub. Irish flags hang above a small stage where bands perform. Pull up a stool at the bar or sit at a wooden table and enjoy a pint of Guinness. The Plough also serves Speakeasy ales and lagers (a San Francisco brewery), Boddington’s and Bud for the less adventurous. Come to Happy Hour for free pool and Guinness specials.
Chinese Herbs – Medicina Natural China
918 Clement Street
If all the eating and drinking on Clement Street starts to churn something fierce in your tummy, visit Chinese Herbs. You’ll be hard-pressed to have a medicinal need that can’t be remedied here. Tiny piles of herbs rest on parchment paper on the counter. On the shelves are packages of dried ginger for digestive problems, the ever-popular Tiger’s Balm for achy muscles, and boxes of dieter’s tea to increase weight loss.
