Welcome to The City: 7 Interesting Places to Meet People in SF
March 19, 2015San Francisco, the City of Love, opens its arms to every type of person and predilection, and yet sometimes real-life connections can seem hard to come by. When life feels like it’s zipping by faster than a bike courier at dinnertime, take some time to slow down and meet your neighbors. From restaurants featuring communal dining to local watering holes, we’re bringing you some of the best places to forge SF friendships at your own speed.
Originally, the word companion meant, “one with whom you share bread.” Sharing a meal is still one of the best ways to bond, and Marla Bakery makes it easy to break bread with friends and strangers alike. Each month they host Sunday Supper, a family style meal where all guests share a table, featuring the week’s best produce and fresh Marla Bakery loaves.
3619 Balboa St. @ 37th
Photo by Chloe Valdez
Perhaps the best place to meet new people is at the rock climbing gym—climbers always need a partner to belay them. Be prepared to put your trust in a stranger, and for other climbers to cheer you on as you reach the top. Partnering up with people is a fast way to friendship.
2295 Harrison St. @19th
Photo by Chloe Valdez
The Dog Park
San Franciscan’s often joke that there are more dogs in the city than children, and they might be right! People here are serious about their four-legged friends, and the number of dog parks in San Francisco is a testament to that. Bring Fido to Duboce Triangle or Alamo Square and bond with other “parents” while your dogs play.
Duboce Park
Scott St. @ Duboce
Photo by Chloe Valdez
If you are artistically inclined, Workshop SF is a great place to meet like-minded folks. With the motto, “drink beer, make stuff,” you know that any class you take, from fermentation to silkscreening, is going to be good.
1798 McAllister @ Baker
Photo by Chloe Valdez
Everybody loves our boys in orange, and going to a baseball game alone is not weird or unusual at all—it’s dedication. Come out to support the team, and cheer, yell and wave with everyone around you. There are no barriers here at AT&T Park, everyone wants the same thing: Let’s Go Giants!
24 Willie Mays Plaza @ 3rd
Photo via wikipedia
Spend a sunny afternoon drinking beer and eating Bavarian pretzels at Biergarten, Hayes Valley’s all outdoor bar. Beer here is served from a shipping container and all the tables are communal, encouraging patrons to get to know their neighbors.
424 Octavia @ Fell
http://biergartensf.com/
Photo via Biergarten’s Instagram
Instagram Meetups
Not exactly one place in particular but a roaming array of spots in The City based around one of the most popular apps. Since San Francisco is home to Instagram, the wildly popular photo sharing app, why not meet other people ready to take their ‘grams to the next level. Make connections IRL (in real life) and consider joining an Instagram meetup. Check sites like instagram.meetup.com or keep an eye on hashtags like #igerssf for organized photo walks through the city.
Photo by Chloe Valdez
Looking to meet new people or have some suggestions of your own? Tell us all about it on Facebook.
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