On a warm Sunday, Sebastian and I traversed the beautiful San Francisco hills to find our new favorite eateries. We ended up finding a few new "bests." Our first stop was Neighbor's Corner in the beautiful Eureka Valley of SF. Neighbor's Coffee is undeniably a cute place to grab a cup of coffee. However, the drink itself didn't wow us enough to warrant the trip. If you do find yourself in the area, their breakfast sandwiches are a must try. The shop convinced me that boiled eggs do belong in a sandwich without being smothered in Mayo!

Next, we stopped at Arsicault Bakery, where we braved a 30-minute line for what we hoped would be the best pastries in town. Worth it? Absolutely. We tried the Kouign Amann, Plain Croissant, Chocolate Croissant, and a Savory Scone—all impeccably made.

The croissant was everything it should be: impossibly flaky, perfectly chewy. But the real standouts? The Chocolate Croissant, with its rich, molten center, and the Kouign Amann, its caramelized crust giving way to buttery layers. If you go, get both. And if you don’t like waiting in line—bring someone who does.

The star of the show was definitely Black Bird Bookstore and Café—a bookstore, outdoor patio, and coffee shop all rolled into one. I could easily spend hours in that space. The atmosphere? Unmatched. The coffee itself is just okay, but the setting more than makes up for it. With its charming bookstore and proximity to the ocean and Golden Gate Park, it’s a must-stop if you’re in the area.

After a day of climbing San Francisco’s hills and chasing the best bites, we left with full stomachs and a list of new favorites. Some stops impressed with their food, others with their atmosphere—but each added something to the experience. From perfectly flaky pastries to the quiet charm of a neighborhood bookstore café, the city proved, yet again, that there’s always something worth discovering.

Sincerely,

Shaye Story