fishskis

Actually, Dovima, I am not sure I understand your seemingly hostile attitude, but let me clarify a few things since you do not know me:

I love Tartine. I have been there many times, and while there is usually a line, it moves quickly. Tartine is far from a bummer for me, in fact, I love it. But thank you for acting like you know me. Next time you are there be sure to try the croque monsieurs, probably the best version anywhere.

I have often walked and cabbed to Tartine. I am a walker. I often walk as much as ten miles in a day in new York or Paris or London or San Francisco. On this particular day, I was driving to multiple destinations with someone, and Tartine was one of our desired stops.

Regarding your sarcastic comment about the Mission being unsafe, To get from the Mission to Union Square, there are unpleasant and potentially unsafe areas, namely in the Tenderloin. I am from New York, and travel all over to many places, including some considered dangerous by others. Every single friend and hotel concierge I have spoken to about walking downtown has cautioned me about certain parts of the Tenderloin, particularly at night or alone.

fishskis

To Clarkgriswold: I do not know what the food bank situation is in San Francisco, but it certainly seems commendable that so many hungry people are being fed. That does not change the fact that the constant barrage from aggressive panhandlers and mentally troubled people, particularly in and around Union Square and Tenderloin, is unpleasant and threatening. I do not understand why you would think it odd that it bothers me and affects my desire to spend time in one of the greatest cities there is. It would strike me as odd if it did not bother someone.

sf7307

I live in San Francisco, and last night we were in the Civic Center area - although they were not threatening at all, the number of homeless people on the street and in the Muni station was astonishing even to me - the only place I've been surprised more by the number of homeless people is on State Street in Santa Barbara.

PeaceOut

We stayed in Union Square for three nights a few months ago. I, too, was bothered by the number of aggressive panhandlers. We were followed and yelled at every single time we walked a few blocks.

My sisters live in the Bay Area, and came in to meet us for dinner in Union Square. They both said they rarely come to that neighborhood, and they were also surprised at the rough treatment they received on the street. One sister was walking with my DH to her car after dinner, and a beggar kept harassing them. She finally turned around and gave him her leftover box, and he cursed at her.

I also noticed we did not see any sign of police patrolling the neighborhood. Not on foot, in cars, on motorcycles or horses, like our city does. It is a mistake to let people be harassed on the street.

easytraveler

Peaceout: there are definitely police patrolling the streets - especially to hand out traffic tickets for minor infractions.

dovima

"To get from the Mission to Union Square, there are unpleasant and potentially unsafe areas, namely in the Tenderloin."

Why on earth would anyone have to walk through or close to the Tenderloin to go from Union Square to the Mission, or vice versa? I mean really, just look at the map! Something about your comment just doesn't add up. You seem to be a little fixated on a neighorhood that is easily avoided.

You could also: 1) Take BART to 16th and Mission and walk up to Tartine or 2) Take the F line to where Valencia meets Market and walk there. But wait - then you'd have to walk past 16th street, unsavory as it is.

Gee, thanks so much on the croque monsieurs recommendation!

Over and out.

fishskis

To quote Dovima: "Why on earth would anyone have to walk through or close to the Tenderloin to go from Union Square to the Mission, or vice versa? I mean really, just look at the map!"

Fantastic advice. On Google maps, input pedestrian directions from the Prescott Hotel to Tartine, and you will see a route that takes you right through the Tenderloin, and then to Market Street, which can be quite unpleasant at night as well. Something about your comment just doesn't add up; you seem fixated on this.

I am not a local, and I am not an expert on walking routes in your city; nor do I know the exact technical boundaries of the Tenderloin. I do know, however, that between the Union Square area and the Mission are some unpleasant and potentially threatening, possibly unsafe areas; this is a fact that every hotel concierge I have spoken to about this has confirmed and/ or cautioned me to avoid.

Thank you again for the hostility and sarcasm.

sf7307

>>

I live here and I don't disagree with this statement. It's changing now that the mid-Market area is being populated with businesses, new construction and residences, but it's an area of the city I would avoid if possible (not always avoidable). But I live here and know my way around, a tourist would not. Years ago, one of those "not to scale" maps suggested a route between Union Square and Golden Gate Park that looked short and safe enough, but after enough people got mugged, they changed the map!