Haight Ashbury Highlights: SF Neighborhood Recommendations

Each week this summer we will be highlighting a different San Francisco neighborhood based on those that know them best — our Loews Regency San Francisco team.  

This week’s highlights are provided by Dean Colby, who is a member of the concierge team at the newest Loews in the financial district of San Francisco.

Dean, how long have you lived in San Francisco?

I moved to San Francisco from New York nine years ago. 

What is your favorite neighborhood in the city?

This is a very hard question as there are so many interesting and fun neighborhoods. Even though the Mission, Dogpatch and Hayes Valley are upcoming and thriving, I tend to visit Haight Ashbury at least once a month.

Within Haight Ashbury, what’s your…

… favorite thing to do?

Go to Amoeba Records, which is located in a huge building that used to be a bowling alley. Nowadays, Amoeba specializes in used records (remember them?), CDs and DVD/Blu-rays, but I like to peruse the large selection of disco vinyl.

I also go to a shop called Loved to Death. It started out as an art endeavor making Victorian-themed anthropomorphic taxidermy dioramas; however, they’ve evolved into creating a line of taxidermy jewelry and accessories, which they like to call taxidermy memento mori. They also specialize in odd antiquities and Victoriana. There is no place like Loved to Death.

… favorite place to go?

Stanyan and Waller on Thursdays for the food trucks. They are sooooooo good!

If I’m in the neighborhood any other day of the week, I might opt to grab a snack (ok, you got me — cupcakes) at the new Whole Foods and take a stroll into Golden Gate Park. Visiting the Japanese Tea Garden in the park is so peaceful on a weekday.

I also enjoy the variety of architecture within the Haight district. One block away from Haight on Waller and Masonic is a row of very decorative Victorian Houses that are definitely worth seeing.

… favorite bite to eat?

Citrus Club! This casual Asian spot prides itself on noodle soups using traditional Asian recipes, substituting heavy oils with citrus, thus their name.

Locals tip: Ask to substitute (for free) chicken for the tofu, or for a small upcharge you can add delicious shrimp.

Thank you for the insider tips, Dean!