The Tenderloin

The Tenderloin… Sigh… Last time I was there I had just had an amazing meal, I was walking to a MUNI stop. It was stll light, though not for to long, maybe an hour,
I stepped over a small steam of wet running slowly over the sidewalk from the wall. Across the street a couple were outside, rough looking, smoking.
There was a guy passing me, younger, fit. He commented he could never bring his babies here. They would cry.
The Tenderloin is like that. It’s been a rough area so long it still feels that way even now when gentrification is definitely here. Cool new places to eat next to fast-​food place. Couples out for dinner walking past groups of the homeless.
To an extent San Francisco is like that. The Tenderloin is just more extreme. It is changing. As I was writing this I realized how long it’s been here since someone here wanted to know if I was lonely or wanted to get stoned.

Look, I’m not going to kid anyone and say this is Pac Heights or the Upper West Side. The Tenderloin is gritty for sure (many reviews have already called it out). And there have been many nights where I’ve had to walk home with purpose. But the architecture of many buildings is amazing and many still are being restored.
The food is incredible, not just in Little Saigon but along Geary and on Larkin there are new restaurants and on O’Farrell there’s great Indian and Thai /​Laotian. There seem to be awesome little galleries and stores sprouting up. Plus, all of those boutique cocktail joints that get raved about on Unilocal?That’s right, they’re in the Tenderloin too.
So, yes, the Tenderloin is an area where you want to keep your wits about you. But it’s a lot like Chelsea in NY or H St in DC in the 90s. Yeah, it’s a neighborhood where you went to get hookers or drugs. But it’s also where you go to see art and get great food and drinks at reasonable prices. So come here and enjoy before the rents and condo prices get insane.

I have never experienced anything quite like The Tenderloin in San Francisco. I thought prior to this that Skid Row took the cake for sketchy U.S. city neighborhoods. However, the majority of people in Skid Row are just down on their luck and need help. The majority of the people in the Tenderloin are there because of drugs, prostitution, gangs, etc. This neighborhood is not safe and it’s sad the city will not do anything to help solve the problem. Do not walk alone here. Do not walk at night here. Avoid it entirely if possible until the city finally wants to stand up and help this area and these people. That may be never, which is very sad.

Call me crazy for this 5 star rating (many would). I thought long and hard before I starting writing, so here it goes.
You have to be of a certain ilk to experience the Tenderloin. I returned a second time and yet I am compelled to return yet again. My suggestion would be to go with an alpha male that is a lumberjack type and has his defensive skills honed. With that said, off we go. Should you have
the courage and compassion to go to ground zero, you will be educated on the curse card that these people have been dealt in life. It humbled me deeply to see what I saw (read below, all is true). BUT, these are human beings, they will most likely live out their lives here. They need their drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, whatever, to get through the day. All I say, is that I am grateful that I was not chosen to be here (again, I am talking about the few streets that are ground zero). I would be so fascinated to hear their stories, that is if their minds are not all screwed up to talk. They were not born this way. Again, these are human beings. Yes, you can run away and ignore this facet of life but it will never go away. The need basic shelter, food, medicine, personal hygiene and their fix. It doesn’t matter to them that you point the finger, they will do whatever it takes to survive and this;is what makes this district RAW. This place is a heartbreaking fact of life. I HAVE THE UTMOST RESPECT for the people that work here and hold no judgement. Do you have the balls enter this world… I think not. Most people don’t have the balls to even walk through it, so what do they do. they intimate they are too good to SEE this! I would suggest ALL (young and old) walk through and see what goes on in life, they might set their ego aside and learn about compassion. true compassion which is not easily acquired when you see what you see here. For those of you, go back to your reality shows.
The images that have settled in my mind are some of my most memorable ones. definitely stories to tell. For those who are too fragile to feel, head on down a few blocks and go to Fishermans Warf and be the consummate tourist. I feel it should be hilighted in every tourist brochure, but we don’t like the feeling of being uncomfortable to see the ugly side of life so we just ignore these broken souls.
The upshot is that a few silly blocks away, is some of the most expensive real estate in the world, best architecture, incredible food that these people have been bestowed the privelage to take part in. Where these two neighborhood converge (a block or two way from ground zero), there is a small mix of homeless and the few that have not hit rock bottom with and all others intermingling which makes these streets alive and rich with counter cuture.
Go feel this place… if you dare. The fashion here is simple, full coverage, drabby colors, no heels, good solid shoes just in case you feel the need to step up the pace, very little makeup, tussled hair, no flashy attention getting accessories, and show a strong demeaner So go and see something you may have never experienced in life, you will walk away with much to think about

I’ve lived in New York City for about 25 years and recently bought a place in the Tenderloin to live part of the year. My brother has lived in the neighborhood for years so I knew what I was getting into. I completely agree with K.S., it is a really great and diverse neighborhood with a lot to offer. There are a lot of homeless people in the neighborhood and drug dealing and using is sometimes done in open view, so if that is going to freak you out you probably should avoid the neighborhood. Otherwise, use good common sense and you will be okay and likely will have a great time.

Character galore! Loved roaming the loin over the last 4 days. It has a bit of the hard side of life but I appreciated it all because I met so many great people! The food was excellent, the street art was phenomenal, and the everyone were so nice and hospitable. Don’t judge a book by its cover, get out and explore and enjoy the beauty of this charasmatic district in San Francisco!

I have lived in this neighborhood for about seven years. It’s not the Marina. It’s gritty, and I don’t recommend walking alone at night after 2 am. However, the grittiness that deters many people is what has allowed this neighborhood to retain a secret magic, if you know how to look.
You should begin your Tenderloin adventure on a full stomach. The best soul food, Vietnamese food, and Yucatecan food are right here, with plenty of other food options from around the world, including a few hip spots that found home here. We also have two Philz Coffee locations, so you don’t have to walk far for a perfect cup of coffee or tea to accompany your stroll.
During the day, the Tenderloin has the ability to transform, and the characters who dot our streets seem more endearing than scary. Many are poor. So what? Instead of sneering at people with less than you, look up toward the sky! Have you noticed all the untouched architecture here? It’s one of the few San Francisco neighborhoods left with original architectural details that haven’t been demolished for condos. Charm still remains here. Mysterious remnants of San Francisco history are everywhere.
Gertrude Stein’s lover, Alice B. Toklas, was born here. Valerie Solanas (who shot Andy Warhol) died here. We have community gardens, murals, a world class museum, universities, the largest library, the theater district, and the most beautiful and established performing arts venues, like the Great American Music Hall, the San Francisco symphony, and many many others. We’re centrally located in the geographical heart of San Francisco. And rent is still more affordable here compared with other neighborhoods. To see the Tenderloin at it’s best, come during one of our cultural festivals, Pride weekend, or Sunday Streets.
At night, it feels safer to walk closer Van Ness or Polk if you are alone. Walk with a purpose, don’t flaunt your money, and nothing bad should happen. I am a 90 pound female and nothing bad has happened to me in the seven years I’ve lived here, but do exercise common sense. Don’t leave valuables in your car. Don’t be distracted on your iphone. Don’t engage in conversation with men, just keep walking. Bring a walking buddy when possible.
It takes a certain type of person to appreciate the Tenderloin. It requires having the ability to live among some weird characters and understanding that you must share this space with them because they belong here just as much as you do. It requires not being racist. It requires being able to see beauty in the unconventional, and respecting the urban experience. It requires an adventurous attitude and an open mind. You might just decide to live here too!

Listen to all the other reviews and stay as far away from this neighborhood as you can, especially at night. We ended up here after seeing a show at the Orpheum Theater. We followed a large crowd up Hyde St from Market, thinking it safe to stick with the crowds on the walk back to our hotel in Union Square. But after a block the crowd all disappeared to their cars, and we were 2 women left alone walking at midnight.
I have been in my fair share of bad neighborhoods, but this place made any previous bad neighborhood I had ever been in feel like Mayberry. We were surrounded by druggies, prostitutes, people peeing in the streets, and I honestly, 100% thought that I might never make it back to my hotel.
We walked fast, kept our heads down, and walked in the streets to avoid people on the sidewalks. We luckily found a cab, who gave us a stern lecture on being in this neighborhood, but we were so thankful to him. I couldn’t sleep for hours my adrenaline was pumping so hard. Take a cab if you think you might be anywhere near this neighborhood!

Most underrated AND UNDERPRICED (for rent) area in San Francisco. The crime statistics are misleading because they include mostly non-​violent crime including drugs, and even violent crime is almost always between people who know each other.
Lived here for about 10 months with no confrontational incident other than that one time a guy looked at me all paranoid (I was walking behind him), then walked behind me asking me how I like it when people walk behind me all sketchily, and that I shouldn’t just walk behind him like that because it makes him nervous.
I’m asian and some strangers said «konichiwa». Some might say that’s racist, but I say, give them a break: they’re so high on drugs and busy trying to scrape by without a home that their knowledge of what’s politically correct must be outdated by decades.
My girlfriend hurt her foot and I was helping her back to my apartment late at night around 10 or 11 pm, and she was limping quite badly. We were lavished with kindness and compassion, and multiple people stopped to offer to help. So the next time you walk around the Tenderloin all afraid of those «sketchy hobos and ghetto drug addicts», just remember that scene from Toy Story 1, where Buzz’s leg is broken and a bunch of creepy-​looking toys come out. Woody and Buzz are frightened to death by the toys’ appearances, but as it turns out all they want to do is help. Let this be a life lesson that fear of the unknown is not always justified.
Disclaimer: your mileage may vary depending on what part of the neighborhood you’re in, as well as your gender or size. I am an average-​sized male, so I don’t know if I would’ve been harassed as a female. Also, I was living in basically drug central where everyone is always coming to buy drugs on the sidewalk, so the streets were always populated. This makes it unappealing for squeamish people, but I assure you it’s much safer than having empty streets. Put yourself in the shoes of a criminal: do you mug someone when a bunch of ghetto people are standing nearby and pray that none of them want to be a hero, or do you do it when no one is around?
P. s. a real con is that it really does always smell like s*** all the time.

I rarely write a review about areas, but I felt inclined to about the TL. San Francisco is a fabulous city, but the Tenderloin is one of the worst places in the country. The homeless are much more aggressive here than in Washington DC and New York. Quite simply avoid it at all costs. There are some great bars and restaurants on the border. I recommend taking Über to these.

What a disgusting city. People peeing and pooping in the streets. Not too far away is a group of race baiters. Look up on YouTube the most hateful group in America. What a cesspool. Can’t wait until the weekend is over and I’m back to sunny LA.

I’ve lived in San Francisco for 16 years and have my share of Tenderloin stories, Lol! In fact, I used to live on the edge of the Tenderloin in an area known as Lower Nob Hill. BUT believe me, this neighborhood was no Nob Hill experience.
Recently, I had to stay in one of my landlord’s hotels in the Tenderloin while they did work in my apartment. One night I ordered pizza and the delivery driver would not come in the hotel, because he was afraid to leave his car outside. I had to pay with my credit card in the street, which attracted lots of unwanted attention. A woman asked me to share some pizza and then went screaming her head off in the streets about what a «selfish bitch» I was, because I wouldn’t share my meal. She was clearly mad and/​or on something.
Another favorite story: When I lived in the Lower Nob Hill neighborhood, I had a freaky experience when I was moving out of my apartment. A friend was helping me and went upstairs to get one more thing. He had my phone and the keys. So, as I was waiting outside for him, this Eastern European guy came walking down the street all drugged up, staring at me. He stopped, stared me up and down, and said, «I want to get with you.» OMFG. He wouldn’t leave me alone, and he started saying, «What’s wrong with you?! What’s wrong with you?! He thought I was a prostitute standing outside waiting for business!!! And I wasn’t even dressed like prostitute — I was wearing jeans, a modest top that covered my body, and casual black boots. I was literally shaking in my boots as I had no way to get back in my building. My friend came down shortly after, but in retrospect, I’m lucky nothing bad happened to me.
Tourists should definitely avoid this area even during the day.
I used to walk from my place in Russian Hill to my school downtown and back home again several times a week. What I would do is walk up Powell or Mason to Sutter, Bush, or Pine and walk home down one of those streets to Polk to avoid Geary, Jones, etc. I have walked all over the city for years and years and have rarely had a bad experience, because I know what places to avoid. However, I think a certain amount of luck is involved! I have had weirdos get in my face, which can be rather terrifying. Ignoring them and avoiding eye contact has worked for me thus far, lol.
I have also volunteered in the Tenderloin, which was quite a rewarding experience. Normal, hard-​working people and children do live in this neighborhood even though all you really see is the trash in the streets.

Run! Run away as fast as you can! So scary! Saw a naked woman pooping in the middle of the sidewalk in the middle of the day! By far the most terrifying place I’ve ever been to — and I’ve spent extended amounts of time in 3^rd world countries! It’s dangerous, dirty, and depressing if you aren’t busy being scared.

Can I tell you how glad that I am that I read these reviews AFTER my walk, and not before?
Yes, I knew the TL wasn’t such a hot place. I knew that when I lived in the Bay Area 15+ years ago.
But like most of the city, I expected some sort of ‘revitalization’ to have occurred. And it has… in every part of the city EXCEPT here.
I was finishing up an hour-​long walk through the city and around 6:30 a.m. found myself walking down Turk. Realizing I was not in a nice place, I changed my route to Eddy instead. I guess that was… better? Umm, no.
The sidewalks were not a friendly place, so I opted to walk in the middle of the street. Fast. Very, very fast. Made no eye contact, just. wanted. out.
Market Street couldn’t come soon enough, let me tell you that.
My advice: look at your map ahead of time and avoid the area at all costs. Maybe it’s «better» in the broad daylight? But I don’t think so. No. Thank. You.
Visitors — or anyone — has no need to come here.

After living in the TL (Hyde and Ofarrell), I have realized that I truly enjoy the neighborhood. I love the buildings and hidden gems in the area. If you are looking for a quiet and suburban feel, this is not for you. Some great spots include Redford, Chambers, Lers Ros, Osha Thai, Lahore, Aria, Huxley, Lee’s, Ngoc Mai, Jones, and more! Just be alert and you will be fine… its downtown!

TOURISTS PLEASE READ:
If you’re from out of town, do not come here.
Do not stay near here.
I booked a hotel on the edge and walked through to my conference. Mistake. I’ve been in rough neighborhoods and been in sketch situations and can typically put my head down have. Never have I felt so unsafe. This place smells of urine and there are drug deals happening in the open. At 7:15 am, a «gentleman» started walking alongside me just staring with his face almost up against my ear for what felt like an eternity, even though it was just a portion of the block.
Wish I had taken a cab.
I sincerely hope this post helps someone avoid making the same mistake I did.

I love my neighborhood. Home to the largest number of historic buildings, most beautiful (if abused) architecture, the densest population by a mile (and therefore the most lively… albeit sometimes intimidating street life). The city is making a big effort to reclaim the area, turning it into the «Uptown Arts and Entertainment District». Many small «hip» businesses and art galleries have heard the call, already transforming large pockets of abandonment. Weekends the neighborhood comes alive. Live music spills out onto the street, galleries host some of the most cutting edge openings… and the food… the food… some of the best ethnic/​boutique restaurants in the city. The Tenderloin has a lot to offer but like most things «San Francisco», you really have to be in-​the-​know to get the biggest bang for your buck.
Rules to Live By:
The gems are hidden. So plan your visit strategically… don’t wander around like a little lost lamb.

Avoid the Civic Center and its environs after dark… and at-​all-​cost after 2am.
Acknowledge people but don’t stare. The neighborhood has the largest number of SRO’s (single room occupancies) in the city. The people here are poor, not fancy. That doesn’t mean they’re (necessarily) a threat to you.
Don’t be a jerk.
Don’t pull out your $ 500 phone.
Don’t get drunk and stumble down the street alone.
Groups are always a good idea.
You drove here? Don’t. Your car and what is in it is in more danger than you. PLUS they street sweep almost every night (thank god) so it’s double-​dumb.
Don’t come here for prostitutes or drugs. You’re just asking for it… literally.
Ladies… I am a firm believer that you can wear anything you want… just be forewarned you may be propositioned by folks who think you’re working.
Lastly, don’t be afraid… it makes you a target. If you scare easy, it’s ok, just bring taxi fare.

BEWARE
The neighborhood has yet been gentrified. It is a neighborhood of displaced people who will eventually get displaced again, and again, and again.
At night there’s always drug busts. Lots of people who are strung out on some kind of illegal drug walk the streets just like in the Michael Jackson video Thriller. They weren’t lying when they say the freaks come out at night. I’ll have to admit, every time I’m driving through the neighborhood I get a random barefooted person run into oncoming traffic. It saddens me and at the same time it freaks me out. They put drivers in a bad situation. The only thing that allows me to speak highly of the tenderloin would be the good eats hidden behind the uninviting neighborhood.
Better get use to the waft of urine and Asian food looming through the air.

As the saying goes… «Ain’t nuthin’ tendah about the Tenderloin!»
It’s sad, but so true.
The Tenderloin is known for its seedy characteristics and reputation. The streets are in poor condition and heavily laden with crime, illegal drug trade, prevalent homelessness and severe poverty, prostitution, and petty violence.
Despite the resistance to past gentrification, the Tenderloin now has newly built condos and perhaps much more to come on the horizon. Cost of living is probably cheaper in this district due to the nature of the environment, but I do foresee some changes coming in fairly soon.
After all, they seemed to have done the same thing to the Fillmore and the Mission.
However, this might not be so favorable for the natives that currently reside here. The good news is that there will always be selected areas throughout San Francisco zoned for low income housing to accommodate the current residents. I will have to say that it is quite pricey to dwell in San Francisco in the first place. Period.
In the late 1970s, after the Vietnam War, the Tenderloin received an influx of refugees. The Tenderloin houses Little Saigon which creates diversity in this area, not to mention popular banh mi coffee shops and Vietnamese restaurants and other Southeast Asian cultural exchanges. Just don’t mind the drugged out bums laying on every corner. Ain’t nothing, but a G thang. What whaaat.
It’s a tough neighborhood, but it has its gems. There are some nice restaurants peppered throughout this location. Just be able to discern the places you want to go to, but don’t disregard that this place is straight up HOOD!
Remember to pack your pepper spray. Kthxbai!

I want a t-​shirt that says «I walked through Tenderloin in the dark hours of the night and survived.»
OMG is this place scary! Crenshaw ain’t nothing compared to the Tenderloin.
I guess skid row/​downtown area of LA would be a better comparison to the TL but at least that area is getting cleaned up and is experiencing a resurgence. I don’t see that happening in the TL anytime soon.
I’ve survived many nights in LA leaving bars that border skid row only slightly afraid for my life. We entered the TL, with luggage in hand, at 4 am, as we were trying to make it to the metro, to catch our plane. Our cute boutique hotel bordered the TL, and our dumb iPhone’s decided to route us straight through the TL, in the darkness of the night.
We were already running late, and didn’t have time to backtrack out of there, so we held our breaths, tried to hide the labels on my Versace luggage and YSL handbag, looked straight, and walked as nonchalantly as we could through the heart of it all.
It didn’t help that some random dude came up to us, and told us to get out of there, and that he was going to find a cab to take him home. It looked like he had just stumbled out of a bar, and seeing us noobs with luggage in tow, he probably felt he should warn us. But Sir, at this point I’m way more scared of you, and what you are going to do to me, than someone who isn’t talking to me. You kinda look seedy yourself there. Thank you for the warning.
We walked through TL on our way to the metro saying that if we saw a cab we’d jump in it. Of course, there were no cabs because no sane person who could afford a cab would be in the thick of the TL at this hour. We walked from one end of the TL to the other passing by hordes of seedy characters and homeless people and we survived! Nobody else harangued or harassed us. We breathed the biggest sigh of relief.
Want to add excitement to your life and create everlasting memories of San Francisco? Walk through the Tenderloin. Do it at night. If you survive, we’ll go get t-​shirts made together cause I’m proud of that sh*t! Wooooooo! Life is good! I survived the TL!