Don't let the grittiness of Tenderloin turn you off from checking it out. Though there's no denying that it's one of the rowdier parts of
San Francisco, it's not an entirely sketchy neighborhood. Its grittiness gives way to awesome underground spaces, an indie fashion scene, and, of course, an electric nightlife. The cuisines at Little Saigon are as flavorful as Chinatown itself, while the shops here highlight local creativity at its finest. If you want to see a different, slightly darker, but fascinating side to the Bay Area, you'll want to check Tenderloin out!
Where is Tenderloin in San Francisco?
While it's infamous as a gritty
neighborhood in San Francisco, there's no denying Tenderloin's very central location. The area is right smack in the middle of the city, surrounded by other prominent districts. Tenderloin even lies right next to Union Square, the city center, so that should tell you just how central the neighborhood truly is. Union Square is directly to its northeast, while the Mission District is to its east, the Civic Center is to its south, Japantown is to its west, and Nob Hill is to its north. It's easy enough to get to and from these areas when you're in Tenderloin.
Is it Safe in Tenderloin, San Francisco?
The biggest question people commonly have about Tenderloin is whether it's safe or not. Unfortunately, the answer is usually the latter. Despite its central location downtown, Tenderloin has always stood out as one of the most dangerous parts of the city. Not only does it often have high
crime rates in San Francisco, but its signature gritty vibes don't help, either. The district suffers from its open-air drug market and organized crime, among many others. So while Tenderloin undoubtedly has many fun attractions, it's not exactly the best place to stay, especially for families with little kids.
What's The Vibe in Tenderloin, San Francisco?
As already mentioned, Tenderloin has long been regarded as one of the grittiest parts of San Francisco. Despite its central location, the place never lacked its many dangers and safety concerns. Homelessness, drug-dealing, and organized crime remain rampant here, making it an unsuitable place for most, especially families, to stay. Nevertheless, this is all just one side of Tenderloin. The other boasts an exciting culinary scene and awesome nightlife, perfect for enjoying San Francisco's many urban pleasures. Little Saigon, for instance, boasts Vietnamese cuisine. While indie art galleries and local shops highlight the city's creativity.
Is it Expensive in Tenderloin, San Francisco?
Arguably, the best thing about Tenderloin is that it's far from the most expensive neighborhood in San Francisco. With
the city's high living costs and booming tech industry, the Bay Area rose to become one of the priciest cities in the US. So, for a central location that doesn't cost that much, it's no wonder Tenderloin remains a popular place despite how gritty it is. The average rent here, for example, is only $2,030.00 per month, a far cry from the city-wide average of about $3,400.00 per month. And if you eat here, you'll usually only have to spend about $10.00 to $25.00 per meal.
What to See in Tenderloin, San Francisco
Tenderloin admittedly doesn't have that many famous landmarks. It does, however, boast more than a couple of cultural hotspots. The Great American Music Hall on O'Farrell Street stands as the most prominent of them. This historic and ornate concert venue has featured countless iconic artists and acts over the years, including Duke Ellington, Ry Cooder, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and more. Equally as enchanting is the Tenderloin Museum inside the Cadillac Hotel, which shows and teaches the district's fascinating history and how it has long been misunderstood by the city and the rest of the world.
What to Do in Tenderloin, San Francisco
Despite its negative reputation, it's no surprise people keep on visiting or even staying in Tenderloin. While it's not exactly the number one neighborhood that people who
move to San Francisco usually consider, it remains a common choice for many. Why? Because there's much to do around here! You can check out modern and street art in the indie galleries, shop at the local boutiques, dine in the popular eateries, and catch a show at the prominent music halls and entertainment venues in the area. You'll never be bored here, which is probably why several people, unfortunately, even sketchy characters, frequent Tenderloin.
The Best Restaurants in Tenderloin, San Francisco
Despite what kind of district it is, there's no denying that Tenderloin features an exciting culinary scene. Again, it's one of the few reasons why people keep going back to the gritty neighborhood despite how dangerous it is. But even you would risk it all if you could enjoy a meal in such hotspots as Mensho Tokyo SF on Geary Street, Kiln on Fell Street, or even the Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters on Bush Street. Don't forget about Saigon Sandwich on Larkin Street, too, with the famous Bánh mì. It's a must-try for any foodie worth their salt in San Francisco.
Make sure to check out any or all of Tenderloin’s best eateries listed below:
- Brenda's French Soul Food on Polk Street
- Kiln on Fell Street
- Kokkari Estiatorio on Jackson Street
- Mensho Tokyo SF on Geary Street
- Rich Table on Gough Street
- Saigon Sandwich on Larkin Street
- Sons & Daughters on Bush Street
- Taniku Izakaya on Geary Street
- Taylor Street Coffee Shop on Taylor Street
- Tratto on Geary Street
What to Know About Renting in Tenderloin, San Francisco
As mentioned previously, Tenderloin isn't all that expensive a place. Even the average rent here, which is only $2,030.00 per month, is much lower compared to other neighborhoods, even the ones that directly surround it. On one hand, this is good considering that
renting a luxury apartment in San Francisco usually costs an arm and a leg. The average rent in all of the Bay Area is about $3,400.00 per month, after all, which is already pretty expensive in the grand scheme of things. But on the other hand, there's still no denying how gritty the place is, and that you're better off living somewhere else in the city.
Despite its gritty nature, Tenderloin remains one of the most exciting neighborhoods in San Francisco. The area boasts local creativity and an indie spirit, showcasing a different side of the Bay Area that you won’t find anywhere else.
