Cow Hollow - San Francisco, CA

Cow Hollow began as a pasture for cattle, and served as a home for fisherman. Union Street, the area’s main drag, was once an unpaved road, which linked the rest of the city with the Presidio.

During the 1860s, wealthy residents built Victorian mansions there, including the Casebolt mansion, Mayor Ephraim Burr’s house, and William McElroy’s Octagon House. By 1891, the city was developing so rapidly that it pushed out the livestock, and Cow Hollow became residential.

During the 1950s, Union Street became a destination for shoppers. Museums include the Outdoor Exploratorium at Fort Mason, the Octagon House and the Fort Mason Center. The arts scene is represented with galleries like SFMOMA Artists Gallery and the Renegade Craft Fair, while some of the annual events include the Friends of the SF Library Annual Big Book Sale, the Pacific Orchid Exposition and the Annual San Francisco Oyster and Beer Fest.

Though its name may sound provincial, Cow Hollow actually houses lots of great restaurants. From Asian fusion to breakfast and brunch fare, seafood, American, and Thai, this area has something new to try each night of the week.

Causwells serves brunch, lunch, and dinner menus comprised of updated American classics. Small plates like roasted beets, baby garnet yams, pistachio vinaigrette, and gribiche set the stage for seasonal fish with cauliflower in brown butter sauce. An eclectic beer selection only adds to the fun in this laid-back atmosphere.

As the name implies, Pacific Catch specializes in seafood. Baja shrimp ceviche, Thai coconut shrimp, Hawaiian poke, and fish and chips can be found alongside Pan-Asian rice bowls and other goodies. Locals know to check out the gluten-free menu and chalkboard specials.

Locals also love Blackwood, providing Thai American fusion. With a ton of amazing appetizers, fried rice, curries and chef’s specials, there’s a lot to choose from. Fragrant lemon grass and basil waft from the kitchen, making it hard to wait for your plates to come through the door.

Nightlife is primarily gathered around Fillmore, Union and Lombard Streets, with bars being more popular than other venues. The Lounge at 2010 Chestnut contains a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge, while CC’s Cocktails is the place for stiff drinks and a homey vibe. Grab one of the Victorian red velvet chairs, if you can.

Finally, Bobo’s Lounge welcomes visitors with its warm, intimate lighting and upscale food choices served with local wine. Cocktails can be expensive, but it’s worth a visit for the great atmosphere.

The area’s main music venue is The Independent, with a small, intimate feel and rock, indie and hip-hop six nights a week.

The area’s other entertainment choices include BATS Improv Theatre, Magic Theatre, San Francisco Lyric Opera and San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest. The Marina and Presidio Theatres show movies, while the Palace of Fine Arts hosts periodic events like the ballet and national comedians. If you like to dance, check out the Hi-Fi Lounge or Comet Club to get your groove on.

Parking is notoriously difficult in San Francisco, and Cow Hollow is no exception. Driving is tough in congested areas like Union Street, and any parking you find will be expensive.

Most prefer to walk, since the area is very walkable; public transportation is also an option. Muni buses run in this area, and a cab is always simple to hail. You can also use your smartphone to schedule an Uber pickup.

Since Cow Hollow is located close to the water, it’s not very freeway-accessible. However, making your way to Van Ness Avenue along the neighborhood’s eastern edge will take you south and eventually onto the 101 Freeway.

There are lots of bike lanes in Cow Hollow, and the area is considered safe for cyclists.

Cow Hollow has several parks, ranging from the Marina Green Park and Black Point Battery near the water to the Palace of Fine Arts and Allyne Park next to the Octagon House. The Great Meadow Park at Fort Mason provides an opportunity for local dogs to run around with their owners.

All parks are free, dog- and kid-friendly, and even feature ways to get fitter and more active on jogging paths and through yoga classes.

The Union Street Festival happens every June; other annual events include the San Francisco Vintners Market and the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon.

As one of San Francisco’s more affluent neighborhoods, Cow Hollow tends to be more expensive than neighboring areas, and the city as a whole. It’ll cost you about $2.25 or so to get to the center of the city by Muni bus, while a beer in a local pub will range between $5 and $8. Typical monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment runs about $3,600. Since the cost of housing is more expensive, this also drives the cost of food and entertainment higher as a result. Gas typically costs about 15 percent more than the national average in this area.

One of Cow Hollow’s main attractions is its shopping. Though Union Street, where most shops are clustered, does have its chains like Sephora and Lucy, it’s known for charming boutiques selling eclectic wares.

Mingle mixes up local and nationally known designers for a cool mix of women’s clothing, jewelry, and accessories, as do Liv Fashion Boutique and Marmalade Boutique.

Cow Hollow has many supermarkets, including chains like Safeway, but most locals buy their food from small stores like Real Food Co., the Hollow Cow Market, and Valentino Market. The Fort Mason Center Farmers' Market supplies fresh produce, music, vendors, and food trucks every Sunday to a happy crowd.