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Visit Union Square in San Francisco!

Jeff Howard June 15, 2021

There are many reasons to visit Union Square (opens in a new tab) in San Francisco, and this iconic section of The City has unveiled a revitalized brand identity (opens in a new tab) during the Summer of 2021. Known as the epicenter of shopping, dining, shows, and more in SF, Union Square went very quiet during the pandemic and is expected to experience a renaissance this year as life returns to normal. Stroll downtown with us just a few blocks from Trinity Place (opens in a new tab) as we check out the best art galleries, entertainment venues, events, restaurants, landmarks, and other awesome experiences to try.

Restaurants


Union Square is undoubtedly one of the best places in The City to grab a bite, and you can find a full directory with the hundreds of local restaurants here (opens in a new tab). The area is known for its multiple great steakhouses, including Bob’s Steak & Chop House (opens in a new tab), The Morton’s Steakhouse (opens in a new tab), John’s Grill (opens in a new tab), and Mastro’s Steakhouse (opens in a new tab). However, it’s not just steak to eat downtown, and you can grab fresh fish at Akiko’s Restaurant (opens in a new tab), Maru Sushi, (opens in a new tab) Sakana Sushi Bar & Grill (opens in a new tab), and Miyabiya Sushi & Grill (opens in a new tab). In the need for some excellent but inexpensive naan and curry to enjoy on a cold SF afternoon? Head to Pakwan (opens in a new tab) or Shalimar (opens in a new tab) just a few blocks from the Trinity Towers apartments at 888 O’Farrell. We may not be Times Square, but Union Square in SF has plenty of great options to grab a slice or full pie, including Del Popolo (opens in a new tab), Uncle Vito’s Pizza (opens in a new tab), and Abe’s Pizza (opens in a new tab). A very different but highly-rated & delicious option to try in the area is Tacorea (opens in a new tab), a Mexican and Korean fusion spot serving a kimchi burrito with spicy pork, cheese, and Spanish rice!

You can also check out this comprehensive list of the best restaurants surrounding the 1177 Market, 33 8th, 1190 Mission, and 1188 Mission apartments in the Mid-Market area.

Shopping


Known as one of the finest shopping areas in any major city, Union Square boasts various high-end boutiques such as Cartier (opens in a new tab), Valentino (opens in a new tab), Hermes (opens in a new tab), Fendi (opens in a new tab), Tourbillon (opens in a new tab), Saint Laurent (opens in a new tab), and many more! This section of The City continues to grow as a shopping destination. It is anchored by a large Neiman Marcus (opens in a new tab), Macy’s (opens in a new tab), Sak’s Fifth Avenue (opens in a new tab), Bloomingdales (opens in a new tab), and Nordstrom (opens in a new tab), at the Westfield Shopping Center (opens in a new tab). With Gap Inc. (opens in a new tab) and Levi’s (opens in a new tab) headquartered in SF, it is not difficult to find their stores in Union Square.

You can also visit shopping staples such as the Apple Store (opens in a new tab), Nike (opens in a new tab), Wiliam’s Sonoma (opens in a new tab), Target (opens in a new tab), and The North Face (opens in a new tab).

Landmarks

Named in recognition of the Union Army supporters who gathered at this location during the American Civil War, Union Square is filled with historical landmarks commemorating many different aspects of San Francisco. The park was originally deeded by John Geary (opens in a new tab), a Union Army general who was the first mayor of San Francisco. Perhaps the most recognizable landmark within Union Square is the Dewey Monument (opens in a new tab), which honors Admiral George Dewey (opens in a new tab) for his victory in the Battle of Manila Bay in the Spanish-American War. Pictured above, Ruth Asawa’s Fountain (opens in a new tab) features a collection of iconic San Francisco landmarks molded together using clay to create the beautiful bronze fountain. Union Square is also home to The Cable Car Turnaround (opens in a new tab), where you can watch operators hand-turn each cable car as part of the world’s last manually operated system.

Other Union Square landmarks include The Flood Building (opens in a new tab), The Westin St. Francis (opens in a new tab), Maiden Lane (opens in a new tab), Dragon’s Gate, and The Frank Lloyd Wright Building (opens in a new tab).

Art Galleries

There is no shortage of fine art in Union Square, with many galleries reopened and ready to display their unique and beautiful creations. Gefen Fine Art (opens in a new tab) boasts over 10,000 square feet of exhibition space known for its color, vibrance, and modern appearance. The San Francisco Art Exchange (opens in a new tab) (pictured above) offers renowned pop-culture photographs depicting music, film, sports, publishing, and more! Another nearby option, Weinstein Gallery (opens in a new tab), showcases an upscale and pricey selection that includes renowned artists such as “Chagall, Bauer, Calder, and Picasso, to name a few.”

Other popular galleries to visit nearby include CK Contemporary (opens in a new tab), Caldwell Snyder Gallery (opens in a new tab), Christopher Clark Fine Art (opens in a new tab), and Hang Art (opens in a new tab).

Bars & Clubs

Small local bars & clubs such as Sam’s Cable Car Lounge (opens in a new tab) took the biggest hit during the Covid shutdown, but you can expect them to come back with a vengeance this summer! Grab yourself a “Cable Car Cosmo” next time you’re in Union Square, and let the good times roll! If you’re looking to catch a game with a big group or play games on their many tables, Golden Gate Tap Room (opens in a new tab) has a drink and an activity for everyone to enjoy. Another awesome option in the area perfect for a boozy brunch is the rooftop bar Dirty Habit (opens in a new tab) located on the rooftop of Hotel Zelos (opens in a new tab).

You can also enjoy a drink at Novela (opens in a new tab), Rickhouse (opens in a new tab), The Lark (opens in a new tab), Mikkeller Bar (opens in a new tab), and Peacekeeper (opens in a new tab).

Events & Venues

Large gatherings, festivals, and, ultimately, parties are returning to San Francisco with plenty of fun events set to occur in Union Square and the neighboring Theatre District. The Curran Theatre (opens in a new tab) in Union Square plans to host Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (opens in a new tab) later this year, while The Orpheum Theatre (opens in a new tab) near Trinity Place will resume showings of Hamilton (opens in a new tab). San Francisco Playhouse (opens in a new tab) has also resumed shows and will be open for in-person events by late July. Along with the array of ticketed shows opening at Union Square’s iconic theaters, you can also attend free outdoor concerts (opens in a new tab) in Union Square each Saturday.

You can also catch a movie nearby at Century Theatres San Francisco Centre (opens in a new tab) or see a live show at the American Conservatory Theatre (opens in a new tab), Custom Made Theatre Co. (opens in a new tab), Moment Improv Theatre (opens in a new tab), or The Un-Scripted Theater Company. (opens in a new tab)

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