Haight Street Life Hacks

Haight Street Life HacksAmy Stephenson/Hoodline
Amy Stephenson
Published on March 18, 2014
We love this neighborhood. We also know that living in (what we've heard is) the third most popular tourism destination in the city comes with certain ... complications. Here are some tips and tricks we've developed over the years to make things easier.

Target Merchandise At Goodwill Prices: Ever notice that the Goodwill sometimes has bulk quantities of goods from Target? Everything from shoes (often all in the same size) to handsoap. This is because, according to the Goodwill employee we pestered with questions, the Goodwill purchases salvage items from Target. That is, items that Target has deemed too damaged to sell, or too last season to continue selling. Often, the items are sold for way less than half than you'd get them new at Target, and you often can't even tell what the "damage" is. 

How To Have A Dog Without Having A Dog: For a super dog-friendly city, it's hard to find an apartment that will let you keep a pooch. To remedy this tragedy, we recommend that dog-less people head to the Pandhandle between 5pm and 7pm. We refer to this window as Dog Happy Hour, because everyone who owns a dog in the neighborhood is out playing. Our advice: go sit on a bench and take in the romping. Petting ensues.

The Market Is Slammed But I'm Hungry: You probably know this, but just in case you don't, you can call the Haight Street Market and ask for the deli. Place your sandwich order, show up in fifteen minutes, and presto, no waiting. 

Why Is Ice Cream So Expensive?: Speaking of HSM, here's a True Fact, supported by Arithmetic. Pints of Ben and Jerry's (if you don't feel like trekking to Cole Valley for the good stuff) are cheaper at Haight Street Market than they are at Ben and Jerry's. Significantly. 

I'm Trying To Get Work Done But I'm Climbing the Walls: Great. If you need to focus, skip the Haight Street cacophony and head to NoPa. We recommend Sacred Grounds at Hayes and Cole, or Bread and Butter (formerly Emma's) at Hayes and Ashbury.

I Forgot To Eat Dinner: And now it's 1:30 a.m. and everything is closed and I don't want to eat a Snicker's from the corner store. Well, you're in luck. Best of Thai Noodle at Haight & Masonic serves food until 2a.m. And let's face it, you could do worse than pad thai after the night you've had. 

I'm Moving And I Need Boxes: Everyone always says to go to liquor stores. Those people are wrong. The really good boxes are at bookstores. And lucky you, you have one right on your streetBookstore boxes are bigger, stronger, and more plentiful than liquor store boxes. You're welcome.

Speaking Of Liquor Stores, I Forgot To Buy A Gift For This Thing I Have To Go To: Well, head over to Liquid Experience and talk to Firras Zawaidh. He's the tall guy, with the shaved head. He is truly a wizard at recommending boozy gifts. You can say things like "I know they like Bulleit, but I want to get them something fancier." Firras will give you three options, at different price points, usually one locally produced, all based on the flavor profile of Bulleit. He's truly magic.

Okay, that's what we've got. We know there are others. What are your Haight Street Life Hacks? Share 'em in the comments.