4 Best Places to Shop in San Francisco, California

Background Illustration for Shopping

Reviews Updated by

M
Dr. Bunny McFadden

With its grand department stores and funky secondhand boutiques, San Francisco summons a full range of shopping experiences. From the anarchist bookstore to the mouthwatering specialty-food purveyors at the gleaming Ferry Building, the local shopping opportunities reflect the city's various personalities. Visitors with limited time often focus their energies on the high-density Union Square area, where several major department stores tower over big-name boutiques. But if you're keen to find unique local shops, consider moving beyond the square's radius.

Each neighborhood has its own distinctive finds, whether it's 1960s housewares, cheeky stationery, or vintage Levi's. If shopping in San Francisco has a downside, it's that real bargains can be few and far between. Sure, neighborhoods such as the Lower Haight and the Mission have thrift shops and other inexpensive stores, but you won't find many discount outlets in the city, where rents are sky-high and space is at a premium.

Seasonal sales, usually in late January and late July or August, are good opportunities for finding deep discounts on clothing. The San Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Examiner advertise sales. For smaller shops, check the free SF Weekly, which can be found on street corners every Wednesday. Sample sales are usually held by individual manufacturers, so check your favorite company's website before visiting.

Bi-Rite Market

Fodor's Choice

San Francisco is one of the culinary centers of the world, and this universally adored grocery store is its beating heart. It's a farmers' market every day inside and well worth browsing around to see the bounty of Northern California, from peak summer tomatoes to local king salmon, plus all kinds of goodies from small producers. Bi-Rite also partners with craft brewers to create one-of-a-kind editions of favorite bubbles and brews. Buy a local peach or blood orange to snack on before strolling across the street for a scoop of salted caramel ice cream from Bi-Rite's equally beloved creamery.

The Caviar Company

Cow Hollow

"The Caviar Sisters" Petra and Saskia Bergstein created this sustainability-minded brand that has developed a cult following among caviar connoisseurs and chefs in the Bay Area. Their chic above-street-level boutique on Union Street allows the public to pick out some of the finest caviar products in town—and feel good about it.

Food
1954 Union St., San Francisco, CA, 94123, USA
415-580–7986
thecaviarco.com
Shopping Details
Closed Sun.

Something incorrect in this review?

The Epicurean Trader

Cow Hollow

Located around the city, this small group of markets presents a terrific selection of gourmet foods and high-quality artisanal food and drink products. Paninis, baguettes, and espresso drinks are also available for hungry Union Street shoppers. However, it's best known for the extensive selections of craft spirits and cocktail ingredients, making this the shopping headquarters for San Francisco's home bartenders.

Food
1909 Union St., San Francisco, CA, 94123, USA
888-780–1628
theepicureantrader.com

Something incorrect in this review?

Recommended Fodor's Video

Giovanni Italian Specialties

North Beach

Open for only a few years, this Italian specialty grocer---a throwback in the very best way---feels like it's been a neighborhood staple forever. The third enterprise by Tony Gemignani, along with Tony's Pizza Napoletana and Capo's, in what's quickly becoming a San Francisco pizza empire is named after the pizzaiolo's son. The shop sells Italian kitchen staples like excellent canned plum tomatoes and olive oil, as well as fresh pasta and ravioli---more than 100 pounds per day are made here for Gemignani's restaurants. Home cooks can also find all the equipment their hearts desire to make pizza and pasta. And of course, grab a slice to go.

Food
629 Union St., San Francisco, CA, 94133, USA

Something incorrect in this review?