Polk Street (South)

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Now: The south section of Polk Street, also known as "Polk Gulch", is a real San Francisco melting pot. Every type of restaurant and shop shows up somewhere on Polk Street, and residents are more mixed in culture than in other neighborhoods. The street becomes less gritty toward the north end as it gets closer to the Marina.

Then: Since the 1800s, Polk Street has been a central commercial strip, featuring "mom and pop" shops. In the 1960s it was the active center for the San Francisco gay community.

How To Get There: A few blocks northwest of the Civic Center Muni/BART station, a walk to Polk Street from there will take you through the heart of the Tenderloin. The California Street Cable Car terminates at Van Ness, just past Polk. Parking around the area can be difficult at peak times, but you can usually find a spot if you check small sidestreets.


  • Polk Street between Pine Street and California Street

  • Maharani Indian Restaurant on Post Street at Polk Street

  • Tajine Moroccan Restaurant between Bush Street and Pine Street

  • Shalimar Indian and Pakistani on Polk Street near Pine Street

  • Victor's Pizza on Polk Street near Pine

  • Myconos Greek Restaurant on Polk Street

  • Swan Oyster Depot on Polk Street at California Street

  • Encore Karaoke Lounge on California Street near Polk Street

  • Pancho's Salsa Bar and Grill on Polk Street between Sacramento Street and Clay Street

  • Acquerello Italian Restaurant on Sacramento Street near Polk Street

  • Bob's Donut Shop on Polk Street near Clay Street

  • Red Devil Lounge on Polk Street at Clay Street

  • Miller's East Coast Deli on Polk Street between Clay and Washington Streets

  • Thai Spice Restaurant on Polk Street

  • The Crepe House on Polk Street at Washington Street

  • The Bell Tower on Polk Street at Jackson Street

  • One Half, on Polk Street near Jackson Street

  • Naomi's Antiques on Polk Street near Jackson Street

  • Lombardi Sports, on Polk Street at Jackson Street

  • Cheese Plus on Polk Street at Pacific Avenue

  • The Jug Shop on Pacific Avenue at Polk Street