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Forum Question Posted By: Replies:
San Francisco
Tenderloin?
Posted: Tue November 23, 2004 01:15 AM UTC
All of the warnings I have read on VT about San Francisco are about the tenderloin and that it is an area that should be avoided but where is it exactly? (street names?) Coming to SF in december. All other info on SF welcome ...
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 Tom400C 7 replies

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San Francisco
Re: Tenderloin?
Posted: Tue November 23, 2004 01:24 AM UTC
The main street in Downtown San Francisco, which starts at the Ferry Building in front of the SF Bay and Bay Bridge is Market street. To the left, perpendicular is 1st-10th Street and then Van Ness (known as Soma or South of Market Street).

The Tenderloin area is roughly the area North of Market Street past the downtown area before Van Ness Avenue, and below Bush Street.

To be more precise it is bordered by Bush Street, Polk Street, Market Street and Union Square.

But it isn't all that scary. It is for children walking alone but in general, you should be ok. Keep in mind, many clubs, good bars, comedy clubs, areas where there are shows (the Warfield, etc.) are nestled in or near this area.

The Worst areas in San Francisco are really the Hunter's Point District; certain parts of the Mission District (Capp Street and 14th); the east side of Potrero Hill; and Visitacion Valley between the Cow Palace and McLaren Golf Course.

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San Francisco
Re: Re: Tenderloin?
Posted: Tue November 23, 2004 04:33 AM UTC
I agree with the above.

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San Francisco
Re: Tenderloin?
Posted: Tue November 23, 2004 04:37 AM UTC
I would check out the Presidio, Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park, SF Zoo (2 grizzly bears arrived last week) and the SFMOMA museum, Haight Street, Coit Tower, oh do not miss the Ferry Building at the very end of Market Street right at the base of the Bay Bridge. Huge farmer's market, gourmet shops, people watching. Bring cash for your trip!!!

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San Francisco
Re: Re: Tenderloin?
Posted: Thu November 25, 2004 01:19 AM UTC
I agree with the poster who suggested that the Tenderloin isn't that bad. As long as you're not walking down a deserted side street/alleyway alone, you'll be fine. The Tenderloin hosts some of the best (extremely cheap) Indian food in SF. Try Shalimar (there are two, not the restaurant one, but the one run like a cafe on Jones St. I think). Also try Chutney, another fantastic restaurant.

Again, if you've ever lived in a city, and you know how to walk like you know where you're going, no one will really bother you. (This isn't to say that bad things don't happen there, of course...)

one more thing: there's also a great blues bar there as well, I just can't recall the name right now. I'll post it later if it comes to me...

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San Francisco
Re: Tenderloin?
Posted: Tue December 14, 2004 03:56 PM UTC
I lived on the fringe of the tenderloin for three months, and there is quite a marked difference in the neighbourhood within a block or two as you approach the tenderloin, and there are many good hotels a few blocks from the fringes. The Tenderloin itself is quite a rundown area, but like in many places, unless you go deliberately looking for trouble there its reasonably safe. You shouldn't have a problem walking around there by day, and some parts of it have good bars etc at night. Very late at night though some parts are quite unsavoury and best avoided.

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San Francisco
Re: Re: Tenderloin?
Posted: Thu December 16, 2004 04:29 PM UTC
Back home since tuesday. Thanks everyone for the reactions. Seen lots of homeless people and not only in the tenderloin area. You find them all over the city :( One even approached me at the corner of Powell and California St. But I have to agree with most of you. Tenderloin ain't nothing to be afraid of...

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 Tom400C [Reply]
San Francisco
Re: Tenderloin? It's Great!
Posted: Thu September 29, 2011 06:26 PM UTC
The tenderloin is marvelous! It is a great neighborhood in a great city! I go there all the time. The diversity of people, of restaraunts and clubs, of sight, sounds, and smells is unequalled anywhere! It doesn't bother me when a homeless person approaches me and demands money. I don't care when I have to step over them or around a pile of feces on the sidewalk! It's part of the diversity!
And don't be absurd about safety. Any time you go into a big city you should be prepared. I am a black belt in karate and I carry mace, pepper spray, and an umbrella that becomes a sword. I have only been attacked 3 times in the last two months while in the tenderloin and each time the attack was repelled.
So don't listen to these scaredy cats. Go into the Tenderloin and enjoy! I really like the time after the clubs close at 2 am.The the streets come alive and the diversity reaches its peak. Or if you just want to meet and interview the homeless, drug users, and criminals, wait a little later.
But don't worry, all of the above are there all the time. Just one thing you do have to be aware of: Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to duck and cover at any time. Drive-by and street shootings are very common in SF, especially during the summer. On a typical weekend there might be as many as 2 or 3 each night. So just be ready, that's all, no problem.
Enjoy the diversity!!!

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