r/AskSF • • 6h ago

Restaurant owners of SF, how's your business in the last few months?

152 Upvotes

I own a bakery, and it's been brutal since the summer. We were doing quite well last year, right up until May this year. In fact, May was our best month. Then sales dropped around 10% in June, July, and August. Maybe people travel, kids are out of school, I thought. It happened last year too, though not by 10%, but okay.

Then in September, and so far in October, sales dropped another 5%. If you own a restaurant, you know that just a 5% drop can kill you when all your fixed costs stay the same or go up (in fact, minimum wage went up to $19.61 starting July 1). I don't know the reason. Kids are back in school, right? People are back at work, right?

My only guess is that the economy is tough right now. Gas prices are high, a lot of people got laid off, so they're spending less?

How's your business doing?


r/AskSF • • 9h ago

Dim Sum Restaurants

19 Upvotes

I have a friend visiting from out of town, and she’s requested dim sum while she’s here! While I do enjoy dim sum, it’s been a while since I’ve tried any spots in the city, so I’d love to hear your recommendations.

I went to Harborview years ago and remember enjoying it, but I’m not sure if it’s still a spot worth checking out.

Our budget is flexible, and the only requirement is that the restaurant be in San Francisco.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!


r/AskSF • • 8h ago

Chill way to spend Thursday nights solo?

17 Upvotes

I'm planning to go out solo today after work. Been living in SF for a few months. Trying to find a low-pressure way to socialise and make friends, who are also in their late twenties / early thirties.

Any recommendations for places to go where conversation comes easy, and there's not much pressure to perform?


r/AskSF • • 41m ago

Drinks and a bite near Curran

• Upvotes

Going to a show tomorrow at the Curran and we have 1 hr to kill before. Where can we go to grab cocktails and small bites in walking distance that won’t be touristy.


r/AskSF • • 1h ago

Room for a night, lunch next day.

• Upvotes

Hello! We are going to Sacremento, but wanted to spend a night/half day in San Francisco. Our plan is to spend the night in San francisco(driving from the north) then do the cal academy, get lunch and head to Sacramento for what we have planned.

Are there fairly inexpensive hotels for just a night in the golden gate park area or just outside SF? Running into an issue where a lot of places require a 2 night stay. Bed bugs are my worst fear so not sure where to look as many reviews have mixed opinions on what clean means.

Is there any good lunch place in particular that aren't too touristy and has parking fairly close nearby?

TIA!


r/AskSF • • 15h ago

Bay Area nurses - UCSF or Marin health?

36 Upvotes

Hi all- wife has offers in the ER at both. Just wondering if anyone can tell me any immediate pros/cons to either union/overall job conditions


r/AskSF • • 9h ago

Apple cider slushie?

12 Upvotes

Where can I get an apple cider slushie within SF city limits?


r/AskSF • • 10h ago

recommendations for bespoke suits?

14 Upvotes

i’m looking to get a new suit, but specifically from a place that has done suits for queer people? most things off the rack don’t totally fit right because i don’t feel comfortable in the tailoring of women’s suits and i like the fit and look of way men’s suits, but unsurprisingly something off the rack and made for a man unsurprisingly fit my body right. they don’t make pre-made suits that give my kind of body the kind of silhouette i am looking for, if that makes sense. most websites and social media posts i see for bespoke suits are full of either men getting their wedding suits or women getting a suit with a traditional women’s fit. does anyone have any recommendations?


r/AskSF • • 5h ago

Where can I get small amounts of soil?

5 Upvotes

I don't want to buy a 12qt bag, do you know if any nurseries sell on request?


r/AskSF • • 10h ago

Best moules marinières, please?

9 Upvotes

I'm looking for the traditional French version.

The last few times I tried them at Chez Maman the moules were cold, the broth hot.

Thank you!


r/AskSF • • 4h ago

Where to buy a Moroccan Teapot (transit accessible)?

3 Upvotes

Current one I have is too small. I could buy one online, but I like buying things in person and making a trip out of it. I would also like to test how it pours.


r/AskSF • • 13h ago

Any tips for using Lyft Bikes to and from the King Street Caltrain Station

14 Upvotes

I live in the Outer Richmond and just got a new job where I could be taking Caltrain to work. Getting all the way across the city would be like 70% of my commute time on the bus so I've been trying out the Lyft Bikes. Does anyone have strong opinions about how well that could work?

I've got a station with good availability near my house (been testing it out just for rides around town/stalking it in the mornings). I'm fine with biking and have a helmet already.

I think my biggest concern is how many bikes are at the Caltrain station around 6PM, is it a total ghost town or would I probably be OK? EBike would definitely be preferred but I'm good with old bikes too, especially if I can just ride to a more full station a ways down my route home.

Anything else I should know or anything I don't seem to be considering that I should be? I do have a car for rainy days so backup plans are already in place too.

Thanks!


r/AskSF • • 5h ago

Leather Totes Help!

3 Upvotes

Does anyone have an idea of a shop that can sew a leather tote bag in SF or the Bay Area? I have a hide and need someone who'll do a super job. I even have an extra hide or two for barter or trade. Thanks!


r/AskSF • • 8h ago

Car Rental Options

4 Upvotes

Someone crashed into my parked car this week and it won't be finished until next Friday. Im looking to rent a car because I have to pick up my daughter from daycare in west portal everyday at 5pm so it can be little stressful having to leave work early to ride the bus all the way across town.

im wondering what the best cheapish car rental options are in the city are?


r/AskSF • • 1h ago

Where can I find dancing events around this size and level of chill?

• Upvotes

Even Lindy in the park is a bit intense for me. Are there any groups that will have maybe a couple of dozen people, during the day, and with lots of space to move around in?

Ex: these Goths dancing to Mariah Carey


r/AskSF • • 2h ago

Quane and Ames

0 Upvotes

How's everyone feel about these alleys?


r/AskSF • • 10h ago

Golden Gate Park Concert tips

4 Upvotes

First time going to a concert at GGP. What should I expect or prepare for?
I plan on getting there via public transit and bring a jacket (if it gets windy) + comfy shoes.


r/AskSF • • 15h ago

Did something happen on 8th st near Market?

6 Upvotes

There are huge bollards along the sidewalk now. Mostly blocking the entrance to the Trinity complex.


r/AskSF • • 6h ago

Alternative to DSL internet while living in a old building without cable access

1 Upvotes

Hello!

Not sure if this is the right subreddit for this however, me and my family has been using DSL for our whole lives in SF and it is frustrating slow. The building we current reside in is old and doesn't support cable internet. It is also in a area that doesn't support fiber internet. What would be a good alternative for me in San Francisco. Should I get a 5g internet plan? What would be the best plan for me personally?


r/AskSF • • 15h ago

Experience with mobile vet care?

5 Upvotes

I have multiple cats so I’ve been thinking mobile vet care might be a better option than bringing them to my local veterinarian. I’m primarily interested in well care check-up so I can get prescriptions for Bravecta fleas medicine. Has anyone used a mobile vet that you’d recommend? Anything about the experience that is significantly different than bringing them into a clinic? Thanks!


r/AskSF • • 9h ago

Plumber recs for “smart” toilet

0 Upvotes

Really hoping someone has a lead. Our house was a total gut reno and the developers put in those tankless electronic toilets with the bidet, and dryers and all these sensors. Nice in theory but unfortunately they‘re not name brand like Toto, it’s just some Chinese factory DTC brand. It‘s been a few years and they have started malfunctioning. We think the plumbing is fine and it’s an issue with the electronics or some valve or something malfunctioning. My husband tried some of the basic troubleshooting but no dice.

Desperately looking for someone who we could hire to figure out and fix the issue. The couple places we called either only service authorized name brands or one place told us they’re happy to replace the entire toilet but they will not try to fix it.

Any leads would be so appreciated


r/AskSF • • 1d ago

What are YOUR plans for Halloween?

14 Upvotes

Hi everyone! It's the return of the spooky season. As an ardent Halloween enjoyer I love this time of the year, just to roam around and explore everything that's happening in the city. Last year I didn't have enough time in hand and could only check out the Polk Street bars on the day, but I know the city offers much more things and I wanna try them all.

So I'm curious to know what are your plans for Halloween? This is partly to know the various happenings around town (which might not be found or well advertised online) and partly to see if any of these can pick my interests. I love a good costume filled events (not necessarily contests) so don't shy away any of them either.


r/AskSF • • 1d ago

9,5k quote for Invisalign in SF

31 Upvotes

I recently visited Todorthodontics in San Francisco for a consultation regarding Invisalign treatment. They estimated that my treatment would take approximately 18 months and provided me with an initial quote of $9,500 before insurance coverage. However, my insurance plan only covers a maximum of $3,000, which reduced the total cost to $6,500. Additionally, if I had signed and paid $500 at the time of the appointment, they would offer a $1,000 discount. As a result, the final amount I had to pay was $5,500. Considering your experience, I’m curious to know if this is a typical price to pay after insurance and discounts. I’m also wondering if there are any more affordable options available in San Francisco. Thank you!


r/AskSF • • 1d ago

Where to practice Lime scootering without embarrassing myself

56 Upvotes

I recently got a fancy job downtown and have been wanting to utilize Lime scooters or bikes.

However - I always fall over. I cannot for the life of me fathom how to stay upright and balance.

Yes, this is embarrassing. No I didn’t learn to ride a bike, ride a scooter, rollerblade, ice skate, or anything of the sort as a kid.

What neighborhood can I practice without streets being busy or people all over the place?

Any tips on not feeling like you’re going to die? Tips on not immediately falling sideways?

HELP!


r/AskSF • • 1d ago

Small claims court for landlord security deposit issue

10 Upvotes

​

Curious if anyone has gone to small claims court for landlord security deposit issues and has any thoughts or advice?

My landlord is now 2 months late on returning a pretty substantial security deposit. They were already late and after several reminders sent a check that bounced.

I then wrote a formal demand letter informing the landlords the check bounced and gave them 10 days to provide a cashier's check. The ten days goes by and receive nothing from them. 11 days after I sent the letter they wrote back by email asking for bank information to send a wire. Well 2 days goes by no wire so it's time to file in court.

I have everything prepped to file as far as I know. I know I can ask the sheriff office and pay for them to serve them. The case seems slam dunk to me given the failed bounced check, the email promising a wire that never came etc. my concern is how will I even collect this since it seems my former landlords are broke? They own probably 100 units in SF so they have assets but apparently no cash.

Is there any other city or government agency this should be reported to? The landlord also worked with a realtor to show the place to us originally and the realtor facilitated new tenants etc and the realtor directed me for the initial security deposit. The realtor is also completely unresponsive. I imagine they have done/ will do this to other tenants and just hope folks give up. To note, this was not a rent controlled unit and it seems much of the city's resources are for rent control units/ tenants.

Any thoughts or advice? Also welcome to message me. I've never done a court case situation like this before.