How to spend your day in the Castro & Mission District
1. Hot Cookie
407 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Hot Cookie is home to possibly the best chocolate chip cookie I’ve ever tasted in my life. If you are ever in the Castro District, this small shop cannot be passed up. Hot Cookie features an assortment of delicious homemade cookies and desserts that melt in your mouth. I have never seen this place without a line streaming out the door and down the street.
Shop Hours
Sunday 11am - 12am
Monday 11am - 12am
Tuesday 11am - 12am
Wednesday 11am - 12am
Thursday 11am - 12am
Friday 11am - 12am
Saturday 11am - 12am
2. Orphan Andy’s
3991 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
When you step into Orphan Andy’s, you are immediately struck by a feeling of warmth and a sort of homey comfort. This little retro diner is open 24-hours, so it is the perfect place to stop for a meal anytime of day during your visit to the Castro. There is a limit of two people per booth at Orphan Andy’s, so if you decide to swing by, make sure to bring along some friends or family to engage in conversation over some inexpensive, delicious diner food. You are also welcome to just sit at the bar stools and spend quality solitary time at this restaurant. From the flowers lined along the bar, to the beautiful butterfly kites suspended from the ceiling, Orphan Andy’s is a wonderful and welcoming restaurant.
Shop Hours
Sunday open 24 hours
Monday open 24 hours
Tuesday open 24 hours
Wednesday open 24 hours
Thursday open 24 hours
Friday open 24 hours
Saturday open 24 hours
3. Mission Dolores Park
Dolores St & 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Mission Dolores Park is a “leave no trace” park located near the Castro with an amazing view of downtown San Francisco. There is never a dull moment at Dolores Park. This popular spot is always alive and buzzing with activity as flocks of different people come with food, music, and laughter. When you enter the park, you can instantly sense the heartbeat that pulses throughout, bringing a political and cultural feel to the park. Dolores Park brings all kinds of people together, no matter their differences. You will not regret stopping by to check it out.
Park Hours
Sunday 6am - 10pm
Monday 6am - 10pm
Tuesday 6am - 10pm
Wednesday 6am - 10pm
Thursday 6am - 10pm
Friday 6am - 10pm
Saturday 6am - 10pm
4. Thai House Express
599 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114
If you don’t go to the Thai House Express to witness the incredibly aesthetically pleasing decor, it’s for the scrumptious food. You are greeted kindly by the staff every time you enter the restaurant and always have a good time surrounded by bright, modern architecture. But the most special thing about the Thai House Express are the bathrooms. Rather than labeled with “Men’s” and “Women’s,” they read “Whichever.”
Restaurant Hours
Sunday 12pm - 10pm
Monday 12pm - 10pm
Tuesday 12pm - 10pm
Wednesday 12pm - 10pm
Thursday 12pm - 10pm
Friday 12pm - 10pm
Saturday 12pm - 10pm
5. Philz Coffee
545 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114
If you are looking for a laid back and trendy spot in the Castro to relax and catch up with friends or get work done, then Philz Coffee is the place to go. This chain features a tremendous variety of specialty drinks, custom blended coffees, teas, and pastries -- all with unique tastes. This cozy little cafe, located in the heart of the Castro, makes you feel warm and welcomed with festive decor and incredibly friendly staff.
Cafe Hours
Sunday 7am - 8pm
Monday 6am - 8pm
Tuesday 6am - 8pm
Wednesday 6am - 8pm
Thursday 6am - 8pm
Friday 6am - 8pm
Saturday 7am - 8pm
