In San Francisco, no vacant space goes to waste. In fact, we’re so hung up on having room that in the 1960s, developers proposed paving the outer edges of the San Francisco Bay for more land (thankfully it was put to an end; there would hardly be a Bay Area!) The best-kept secrets of this city are justly so because they truly are hidden. An alley in the wrong part of any other town might be seedy and suspicious, but these back ways of San Francisco flourish as a shopper’s and diner’s paradise, particularly down in Belden Place.
About two blocks away from Chinatown’s famous gate on Bush is the dazzling and quirky hideaways in the shadows, lit only by the comforting glows of outdoor heaters and twinkle lights. They’re strung across these brick buildings, giving off a unique Euro vibe to the many restaurants hidden in the crevices of the Financial District. But on Belden, you’ve come across a party. It’s a party spread over eight restaurants that reside under the artificial stars.
Sam’s Grill and Brindisi lures in passerbys for their fine grilled cuisine and Italian desserts, but I hold Café Bastille to a whole other regard. You’ll discover the most remarkable things not only of this city, but of yourself, in the memories you’ll get from first experiences at Belden Place. It’s a central celebration that makes you feel like it’s all been done for you, in honor of you.
Image by sf.funcheap.com
