Zip Code: 94102

Area Name: Hayes Valley

Median Sales Price: $1,284,200

Average Household Income: $56,397

About the Area:

What’s It Like?

Twenty years ago, the thought of finding one of San Francisco’s ultra-chic corridors in Hayes Valley would have been considered absurd. Like New York City’s Times Square of old, the area, bordered by the Van Ness performing-arts district and the Western Addition around Laguna Street, was a seedy reminder for opera and symphony patrons of the city’s homeless and drug problems. But over the past decades, Hayes Valley has developed into a haven for haute couture.

Where the terms “ladies of the street” and “gentlemen of the street” once identified those who conducted an illegal exchange of various earthly sins for money, today they refer to the street’s myriad window shoppers and restaurant-goers. Where the crack houses and tenements once stood, now there are trendy fashion boutiques, SoHo-style funky art galleries, high-end interior-decorating shops, top-notch restaurants and hip nightspots.

Hayes Valley came to prominence when film director Erich von Stroheim chose the corner of Hayes and Laguna for the filming of his 1924 epic “Greed.” His affections were for a 19th-century Victorian that had been built in the early 1880s by Col. Michael Hayes as an amusement pavilion, though word has it Hayes constructed the building to lure an extension of the streetcar line to Hayes Valley. The building survived the 1906 earthquake and fire and at the time of filming was occupied only on the ground floor, by a French laundry and the Hayes Valley Pharmacy, which remained in business until the 1960s. Stroheim created signs for a dentist’s office and a photographer’s workplace for the movie, which fooled some locals into believing they were real. The film includ ed numerous shots from the top floor of the building looking down on Hayes Valley. He also used 595-597 Hayes, a building that acted as a storeroom in the 1920s, as the site of the saloon in the film.

The success of Hayes Valley’s current commercial district was boosted in part by the destruction caused by the 1989 earthquake to the Central Freeway, which had entrance ramps on Franklin and Gough streets. The freeway was an eyesore and created noise pollution that kept businesses and foot traffic away. Not long after that part of the freeway came down, the community began to transform, and commerce moved in.

Unlike some other parts of San Francisco, Hayes Valley has managed to retain a sense of community and a nonexclusive feel despite the fast build-up and high price tags. Some of the businesses that braved the less-than-savory days are still around, such as the Hayes Street Grill, now twice its original size. But many of the shops sprouted up in the ’90s, making Hayes Valley a real destination spot. The combination results in a wide diversity in clientele. While high-end San Franciscans sip $11 cocktails at Absinthe, down the street many are powering down an entire meal for around the same price at Flipper’s. Now, tourists also head here specifically for the shopping.

Sights & Culture

Octavia Boulevard & Hayes Green: Octavia Boulevard, which replaced the demolished Central Freeway, leads to a community park at the center of the neighborhood, the Hayes Green. It’s flanked by hip eateries and housing.

Hayes Valley Alleys: From the shotgun style flats and flowering vines of Lily Street to Ivy Street’s hidden garden, don’t miss Hayes Valley’s less croded side..

Octavia’s Haze Gallery: Glassworks of varying shapes, textures and colors line the interior of this corner shop. The works, all unique, are mainly produced by Bay Area, national and Italian artists. Octavia’s Haze Gallery also spotlights paintings by national as well as local artists in exhibits that change every 45 days. Closed Monday and Tuesday. 498 Hayes St.

Polanco: Polanco heads south of the border for its displays, which focus on Mexican folk arts and fine arts, as well as antiques. Established Mexican artists are represented, as are young artists, mainly from Mexico City and Oaxaca. Though special exhibitions run only every couple of months, the gallery is always filled with colorful Day of the Dead art, masks, religious crosses, ceramic plates, silver jewelry and various trinkets. Prices are reasonable, with typical Day of the Dead works costing from $5 on up. 393 Hayes St.

RAG–Residents Apparel Gallery: RAG features more than 20 Bay Area designers, mostly focused on women’s clothes, but men’s options are available. Each designer rents floor space and can post a biography with the designs. Many hail from other locales, such as Belgium, Brazil, London, and the Midwest, but all reside here now. Some of the designs are one-of-a-kind, while others are limited production. 541 Octavia St.

Food & Drink

Absinthe Brasserie and Bar: Moneyed San Franciscans, unassuming locals and show-going tourists converge on a regular basis at Absinthe. This South of France-style brasserie offers a range of American-influenced French-Italian cuisine, like grilled halibut with tomato-zucchini gratin and salt-roasted potatoes. According to owner Bill Russell-Shapiro, Absinthe is meant to evoke the essence of the Belle Époque, when the toxic green liqueur the place was named for was the subject of paintings and poetry by many famed artists. In that vein, cocktails with names like Casino and the popular Ginger Rogers are based on recipes found in early-20th-century cocktail books. Diners can choose from informal or formal dining rooms, or can eat outside. Before and after shows, the place can get quite crowded, but otherwise, Absinthe is a quiet neighborhood bistro. There is also a private dining room, perfect for sit-down dinners for up to 42 people or cocktail receptions up to 48. At 388 Hayes St., it has its own entrance and bar. 398 Hayes St.

Arlequin: At the entrance to this cheery café is a stack of condiments sporting the Arlequin label, plus tasting spoons. Combinations like fig balsamic vinaigrette or toasted-walnut fudge sauce merely whet the appetite. The Arlequin condiments are served on the café’s sandwiches, such as turkey with roasted corn chutney, as well. Innovative soups includ e cranberry bean with mascarpone, while dessert items such as basil sorbet equally please the palate. Everything at Arlequin is house-made — the cookies, the biscottis and even the granola. While the café fits about a dozen patrons inside, it has access to a community garden in back that seats about 50. 384 Hayes St.

Bar Jules: This small, 38-seat space provides a more personal dining experience, where it feels like owner and chef Jessica Boncutter is intimately involved with every aspect of the meal. Bar Jules has no set menu, but you can find the dayis offerings–a limited but tasty selection of new American cuisine–posted each morning on the website or written on two large blackboards at the back of the restaurant. 609 Hayes St.

Biergarten: An offshoot from Suppenkuche owners Fabricio Wiest and Aaron Hulme, Biergarten, as the name suggests, is a beer garden tucked along Octavia Boulevard’s pedestrian-only zone. Indulge in liter mugs of German beers along with bratwurst and soft pretzels. 424 Octavia St.

Blue Bottle Coffee Company: Caffeinated cult-favorite and local “artisanal roaster” Blue Bottle sells its organic, small-batch-roasted, super-fresh beans and brew at this tiny outlet off the main drag. The space is actually just the front few feet of an architect’s office, and the tables (two) and chairs (four) seem like they might fit into a dollhouse. The steamed milk containers hold enough for one order, and one order only. And forget ordering a mega-frappo-mocha-concoction — the menu keeps to the basics and things only come in one size. It all goes with Blue Bottle’s credo: it’s quality, not quantity, that matters. But be forewarned: once you have a taste, you’ll definitely want more. 315 Linden St. (parallel to Hayes, near Gough St.)

Boxing Room: Named for the building’s origins as a box factory, Boxing Room is about as authentic a New Orleans experience as you can find in San Francisco. The airy space–with its picture windows, exposed ceiling, large bar area and open kitchen–is laidback and homey. The excellent Louisiana cuisine, from native Justin Simoneaux, features all things fried: chicken, oysters, seafood po-boy and even alligator. 399 Grove St.

Caffe delle Stelle: It may not be in North Beach, but patrons to Caffe delle Stelle will enjoy a satisfying Italian dining experiences. Inexpensive Tuscan-based pastas such as the pumpkin or asparagus ravioli and entrees like the crab-and-shrimp cannelloni with a light caper mustard sauce combine fresh ingredients in creative ways. The distinctly Italian interior includ es stacks of pasta boxes, tomato cans, Chianti cases and olive-oil bottles for decoration. Fine wines from the Tuscany and Umbria regions of Italy dominate the wine list, though California varieties are there as well. The tiramisu is a perennial favorite. Reservations are recommended for preshow seating. 395 Hayes St.

Canto do Brasil: Some wonderful Brazilian dishes, including fried yucca root, codfish croquettes and coconut flan. Pretty space, hefty portions at reasonable prices. 41 Franklin St. (between Oak and Page Sts.)

Chez Maman: San Francisco is full of fusion dining, but French bistro and Mexican cuisine still jumps out as an unexpected combination. It’s not quite as strange as it sounds; beef tartare is served next to tacos at this spin-off of the original Chez Maman in Potrero Hill, not on the same plate. Nonetheless, you’re unlikely to eat ceviche while surrounded by whimsical French art posters at any other restaurant in the city. 401 Gough St.

Cu Co’s Restaurant: This family-run burrito joint has been in the neighborhood for more than 20 years. It is renowned for its vegetarian plantain burrito, which one local foodie blog called the best in San Francisco. You won’t be able to satisfy your late-night cravings; however, Cu Co’s is only open for lunch and dinner and is closed on Sundays. 488 Haight St.

Domo: This tiny sushi bar barely seats more than a dozen, but its innovative recipes and hip music choices have made Domo a hapenning spot that often produces an hour-long wait to eat. There are no reservations, so prepare to stand in line, and be aware that the most popular items might already be sold out. 511 Laguna St.

DragonEats: For a light lunch or late-afternoon snack, the tiny, cash-only DragonEats offers Vietnamese favorites like bahn mi sandwiches, veggie rolls and noodle bowls. Prices are cheap for Hayes Valley, but higher than one might pay for similar food in other parts of the city. 520 Gough St.

Espetus: This “churrascaria” serves grilled meats Southern Brazilian-style. Start by helping yourself to salads from a bar with at least a dozen choices, from couscous to tossed greens to tabbouleh. Next, a server approaches the table with a meat-laden swordlike-skewer and stand filled with grilled house-made pork sausages, marinated chicken legs, pork loin, lamb, sirloin steak or other meats, accompanied by tart tomato and onion salsa. The carver knows when you’re done, because you turn a dial on the table to the setting that means “no more” in Portuguese. The dinner is $28.95 and it is all-you-can-eat. The restaurant has a decent wine list and luscious caipirinhas made with Brazilian cachaca, sugar and lime. 1686 Market St. (near Gough St.)

Flipper’s: This eatery’s tagline is “a gourmet hamburger place,” reflecting its very California take on the basic burger. There’s the Flipper Dipper, glazed with teriyaki sauce, and a menu section titled “World Flippers,” including the Taste of Russia, with sautéed mushrooms, onions and Swiss cheese, the French Lovers, with melted feta and sautéed spinach and the Mediterranean Flavor, with eggplant, garlic and tomato. These flippers can be made with ground chuck, chicken breast, ground turkey, a garden-burger patty or tofu. 482 Hayes St.

The Grove Hayes: This fourth branch of the San Francisco chain offers all-day breakfast, as well as an upscale blend of comfort foods and ethnic favorites known as new American cuisine. Billing itself as “San Franciscois living room,” the Grove has a casual atmosphere that includ es a working stone fireplace, a Utah timber pavilion and reclaimed furniture. 301 Hayes St.

Hayes & Kebab: More upscale than the typical falafel joint, but more affordable than the typical Hayes Valley restaurant, Hayes & Kebab offers standard Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare. Keep room for desert, especially the homemade Kurdish baklava, a family recipe. 580 Hayes St.

Hayes Street Grill: Established in 1979, the Hayes Street Grill was the first neighborhood restaurant and the first major commercial business on Hayes Street. Back then, what is now a Hayes Valley staple was about one-third the current size and ran on a shoestring budget. Today, the straightforward decor includ es proper silverware and china. The bistro features a variety of basic but tasty grilled-fish dishes and the signature house-made whiskey-fennel sausages and crispy french fries. The crème br–leé is a hit, too. The place can get packed by 6 pm on performance nights, so it’s best to book ahead of time. Once the show crowd leaves, though, it’s possible to get a table on the spot. 320 Hayes St.

Hayes Valley Bakeworks: Hayes Valley Bakeworks gained a lot of attention upon opening for its mission of community empowerment. The chic bakery and café is staffed by trainees from local non-profit Toolworks, which helps employ homeless, disabled and at-risk individuals. Whether you can stomach the steeper prices for artisan pastries and sandwiches will depend on how you feel about the cause. 550 Gough St.

Indigo: Attentive service and moderate prices make this a popular Civic Center restaurant for arts patrons. 687 McAllister (near Gough St.)

Jardiniere: Jardiniere’s exquisite interior manages to be elegant without pretension. At its center stands a circular bar topped with mahogany and black marble and a staircase leading to a mezzanine overlooking the bar. The dome is in the shape of an inverted champagne glass, one of the featured items at Jardiniere, along with more than 20 wines. California-French entrees such as Niman Ranch red-wine-braised short ribs with horseradish mashed potatoes or the duck-confit salad starter with pomegranates and toasted pistachios dominate the menu. Jardiniere belongs to restaurateur Pat Kuleto, who is responsible also for Boulevard and Farallon. The restaurant also has a late-night menu of light fare. A jazz trio performs Sunday through Tuesday. 300 Grove St. (at Franklin St.)

La Boulange de Hayes: This spin-off of San Francisco’s La Boulangerie offers a French café experience, with brunch and lunch menus heavy on bread and sandwiches. Founder Pascal Rigo studied with French bakers near Bourdeaux and in Paris. He sold this local chain to Starbucks last summer for $100 million. 500 Hayes St.

Moishe’s Pippic: Although it might not have quite the same allure as downing a Chicago-style hot dog in Wrigleyville, this kosher deli serves a close version. For a true taste of Chi-town’s finest, opt for the Soldier Field, one hot dog and one Polish sausage topped with everything from sport peppers to sliced tomatoes. There’s plenty of Chicago memorabilia and sporting paraphernalia on the walls to keep diners stimulated as they chow down on dogs or other deli favorites, like the West 57th sandwich with hot pastrami and chopped liver. 425-A Hayes St. (near Gough St.)

Momi Toby’s Revolution Café/Art Bar: Named after one of the proprietor’s great-grandmothers, who was a head cook for Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution, Momi Toby’s draws a strong corps of regulars, some who come in twice a day. The café also serves pastries and sandwiches, such as the popular pesto-chicken focaccia. Featured artwork changes every five weeks. A few times a month, Momi Toby’s presents live music, poetry or spoken-word performances. 528 Laguna St.

O-Toro Sushi: Its name refers to the lowest section of the tuna belly, considered the best part of the fish, but O-Toro is more than just a sushi bar. This small restaurant combines traditional Japanese cuisine with local California flair, as evinced by the “Japanese tapas” section of its menu. 205 Oak St.

Patxi’s: This Chicago-style pizza restaurant offers only salad and pizza. Deep dish is the specialty, though thin crust is also available. Diners can choose from a selection of six specialty pizzas like spinach-pesto or Californian with a whole wheat crust. 511 Hayes St. (at Octavia)

Place Pigalle: Locals come to Place Pigalle for its boutique wines and microbrews, as well as the homey atmosphere. Both the front and back rooms offer comfortable couch seating, and the back room features a pool table and installations from local artists, which change monthly. The choice of music depends on the mood of the bartender. On weekends, the bar can get quite crowded, but at other times, Place Pigalle has more of a lounge vibe. 520 Hayes St.

Plaj Scandinavian Restaurant & Bar: Chef Roberth Sundell takes inspiration from his native Stockholm and mixes it with California cuisine at this elegant Scandinavian restaurant. Wood paneling and a large fireplace give Plaj (pronounced “play”) an old-world European look, but the friendly staff and smooth service maintain a relaxed feeling of accessibility. The menu–divided into vegetables, fish, meat and desserts–gives stylized updates to traditional favorites like potato dumplings and Swedish meatballs. Even the standard herring plate, now arranged with various fruits and spices, is worth reconsidering for those who normally avoid its fishy flavor. 333 Fulton St.

Rich Table: This 60-seat restaurant from chef-owners Evan and Sarah Rich offers exceptional food in a casual, rustic atmosphere. The daily changing menu includ es unique flavors even within the most simple dishes. Desserts are straightforward but very satisfying — and don’t skip the bars well-crafted cocktails. The house-made bread is worth the price tag. 199 Gough St.

Rickshaw Stop: Long, tall curtains of crushed red velvet highlight the spacious interior of this friendly, inviting music club and cool, groovy bar on a quiet block. Genuine rickshaws dot the corners of the huge downstairs room and upstairs loft, while the rest of the decor is a hodgepodge of mod furniture, lush fabrics, gentle candles and exotic hanging lamps. The crowd and the mood is somewhere between indie-rock hipster and downtown dot-com, but it’s all good, fine and down-home friendly. This is a place that’s glad to have your company — there’s not a scowl to be found. Dating from 1927, the space was formerly a commercial soundstage and before that an auto garage, but the Rickshaw crew has done a fantastic job transforming it into a funky, warm, arty and altogether inviting hangout. (Kurt Wolff) 155 Fell St.

Rickybobby: Despite the name, the only thing Rickybobby shares with Will Ferrell’s NASCAR spoof is all-American food. Here you’ll find crawshrimp grits, short rib lasagna and Sweet Potatertots. The signature dish is a double-patty beef and bacon burger, in which the two meats are ground together. Much like a day at the races, the bar has a boisterous atmosphere, with communal seating, deafening noise levels and always a movie silently projecting on one wall. 400 Haight St.

Sauce: The menu at this comfortably sophisticated restaurant is designed to elevate comfort food classics. The offerings sound appetizing, but you’ll be sorry if your eyes are bigger than your stomach. Dishes are heavy, and it’s easy to fill up early on. The best way to eat dessert is to grab 10 of your friends to join you — portions are huge and filling. Meal pacing is brisk: If you arrive before the Opera or Ballet is set to begin, you’ll make it with time to spare. 131 Gough St. (near Oak St.)

Sebo: Small plates are worth a taste at this comfortable and stylish Japanese spot, but the sushi is what really shines. Try the maguro maki roll — tuna with lemon, avocado and daikon sprouts; sweet, creamy uni and in-house seasoned mackerel, or omakase, the chef’s five- or seven-course tasting menu. Sushi chefs Michael Black and Danny Dunham were both former chefs at cult favorite, and now-closed, Midori Mushi. Beau Timken, owner of nearby True Sake, created the interesting by-the-glass-or-bottle sake list with some rarely seen treasures. 517 Hayes St. (near Octavia Blvd.)

Smitten Ice Cream: It didn’t take long for this modern ice cream shop to become a fan favorite. Using a specially designed machine by owner Robyn Sue Fisher, this shop churns out ice cream from scratch in just a minute. Choose your flavor– they offer a few choices each day–and watch the fresh ingredients come together to create a delicious scoop of ice cream. 432 Octavia St. #1A

Smuggler’s Cove: Rum’s the word at Smugglers Cove, where patrons can admire the themed decor while sipping on unique cocktails inspired by tiki bars and Caribbean drinks. 650 Gough St.

Stelline: If you’re looking for a casual, comfy neighborhood restaurant with good prices, look no further. 330 Gough St.

Suppenkuche: Winning accolades for its international scene, Suppenkuche serves traditional, hearty comfort food such as traditional German wiener schnitzel, pork chops and sausages. Though the stark white walls and basic pine-wood tables aren’t all that warming, the upbeat clientele and zesty German beers such as Bitburger, Erdinger Dunkel, Weltenburger and Franziskaner more than make up for it. There is some color in the intimate bar area, with paintings and other artwork from Germany along the walls. The great-grandson of the Red Baron is said to frequent Suppenkuche, too. Locals come early for dinner before the crowd gets too loud. 525 Laguna St. (at Hayes St.)

Straw: San Francisco may be the only Bay Area county without an annual fair, but diners can indulge all year long at Straw. The restaurant goes all-in on its carnival theme: booths are made from former Tilt-a-Whirl seats, the bathrooms have funhouse mirrors and menus are bound by old children’s book covers. The food includ es fairground fare like chicken and waffles, buffalo wings and, if you’re so inclined, a hamburger patty stuffed into a doughnut instead of a bun. There’s also a cotton candy machine, and you can try to win your dessert (maybe a peanut-butter-bacon pie) for free by playing a mid-meal game. 203 Octavia Blvd.

Two Sisters Bar and Books: Bibliophiles looking for a watering hole to call their own will love Two Sisters Bar and Books. Owner Mikha Diaz drew inspiration for the spot from a variety of sources, including bars, bookstores and coffeehouses she visited while traveling in Europe with her sister, Mary. The elegant cocktails and light appetizers portioned to share lend Two Sisters a female-friendly vibe, but gentlemen are allowed. The Books and Booze Club offers monthly get-togethers to discuss literature and drink cocktails inspired by the reading. 579 Hayes St.

Zuni Cafe: Hip local hangout. Roast chicken, hamburgers, Caesar salad and espresso granita are beyond compare. (Michael Bauer reflects on 30+ years of Zuni Cafe) 1658 Market St. (near Franklin).

The African Outlet: The African Outlet manages to squeeze an entire continent’s worth of folk art into one small shop. Every wall, including the corners, and every inch of ceiling spills with masks, statues, drums, woven fabrics, incense, clothes, beads, oils and books. Some valuable treasures, such as an Ethiopian prayer book written in the Geèz language, are displayed amid the piles of folk art. 524 Octavia St.

Arlequin Wine Merchant: This specialty wine shop, a sister establishment of Absinthe Brasserie and Bar next door, carries smaller labels, from both California and abroad, that can’t be found in other stores. Local wineries such as Elyse, Hendry and JC Cellars are represented. Prices vary widely, from $15 to $20 for a Shiraz from Australia or a Sicilian red to $230 for a Pahlmeyer merlot. Arlequin (formerly known as Amphora Wine Merchant) also carries bottles of champagne, some costing upwards of $100. Search the stock on their Web site or send a question to Wine Director Neil Mechanic, who is beloved by customers for his helpfulness. 384 Hayes St.

F. Dorian & Art Options: Ethnic art is the specialty here, including some imports from the 1800s and the early 1900s. Works hail from South America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, including a Chinese opera puppet costing $250 and carved wooden temple dancers from southern India circa the early 1900s — for $1,700 a pair. Reasonably priced items such as lacquered shell bowls from the Philippines are $10. Some local and ethnic art, plus antiques and home decoration such as mobiles, glassware and ceramics, are also sold. 370 Hayes St.

Flight 001: Brad John and John Sencion opened their travel store 3,000 miles away from their first store in Greenwich Village. Shaped liked the hull of a 747 jetliner, the stark white interior has display shelves and storage bins like those in airplanes. Globes, maps, watches and cosmetics are offered in a shopscape familiar to travelers. Luggage rests on platforms resembling weighing scales; the cashier’s booth looks like a ticket counter; molded plywood fuselage fins add a vaguely nostalgic note to the hip design. Counting on a witty, stylish product mix of travel bags (Mandarina Duck, Tumi, Rimowa and updated Samsonite), ticket holders and other colorful travel accoutrements (Tusk), they hope to jazz up the dreariest journey. 525 Hayes St.

Gaia Tree: Now it’s possible to squeeze in a facial or massage between Hayes Valley gallery hopping or shopping. Gaia Tree, a natural health and beauty salon, has two service rooms, one for massage and the other for skin care. Treatments includ e an Acupuncture Facelift, Swedish Deep Tissue Massage, and Sundari Herbal Aromatherapy Bliss. Gaia also carries body care products, ranging from the Epicurean line to stainless steel tongue cleaners. There are other sundries such as Chinese astrology charts and Red Flower candles. 575 Hayes St.

Inside: This modern home-furnishing shop specializes in reproductions of modern, classic designs by renowned furniture manufacturers such as Eames, Knoll and Nelson. 149 Gough St.

Lavish: This gift and home boutique carries the work of Bay Area artists and vintage pieces. Featured items includ e soaps by Lucyland of Oakland, ceramics by Rae Dunn, linen table runners and aprons by Lotta Jansdotter of San Francisco and aluminum alloy containers from Lunares. If you can’t find something you like, talk to Elizabeth Leu, the store’s owner. She’s interested in providing what other stores in Hayes Valley may not offer. 540 Hayes St.

Lotus Bleu: Interior designer Jeannie Fraise’s travels led to her interest in Asian textiles with French influences. The textiles and artwork for sale here reflect both French and Asian cultures, and the accessories and art use the best from both countries. 327 Hayes St. (between Franklin and Gough)

Propeller: This funky furniture shop primarily focuses on independent and emerging designers in glass, ceramics, as well as large furniture pieces. The eclectic, modern styles incorporate mixed materials and odd shapes to give the store a feeling of movement. 555 Hayes St.

Shoppe Unusual: Art, clothing, jewelry and more, all made by local artists, fill the large space, which is also available for events. 345 Gough St.

Tazi Designs: This custom design studio and retail store brings Moroccan mystique to San Francisco, with an assortment of rugs, pillows, ceramics, furniture and intricate metal lanterns. Owner Hicham Tazi also accepts custom orders for anything from mosaic tables to floor tiles. 333 Linden St. (at Octavia)

True Sake: This is the only store in the United States dedicated to selling sake, a Japanese rice wine. Owner and self-taught sake aficionado Beau Timken opened the store to evangelize his passion and introduce an alternative to wine. To invite curiosity, he hung an oversized sugidama, a traditional cedar ball hung by Japanese sake brewers, on the storefront. The cozy interior is a creative fusion of Japanese tradition and modern art, and packs in over 100 sakes from around the world, ranging in price from $9 to $200 per bottle. 560 Hayes St. (between Laguna and Octavia)

Yoga Tree: Hayes Valley now joins the current yoga craze with a third branch of the Yoga Tree chain. Yoga Tree offers a variety of yoga styles, everything from basic beginner’s Hatha yoga to the more advanced Power Flow. There is even a Yoga for Seniors class. 519 Hayes St.

Zonal: The city’s original Zonal, this location features primarily antique furniture, mostly American country style from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. The furniture retains its original paint and markings, in keeping with Zonal’s motto, “Always repair, never restore.” Aside from antiques, Zonal offers one-of-a-kind collectibles like a handmade lamp crafted from an old air vent. Zonal also carries contemporary furniture, including sofas, chairs, beds and Italian linens, though they are displayed more in its other locations than on Hayes. 568 Hayes St.

Clothing 

Alla Prima: What’s underneath when it comes to clothing can say as much about a person as the selection of outer garments. Alla Prima’s fine lingerie allows for quite a variety of self-expression, with its racks full of silks, cottons, meshes and leather, courtesy mainly of European designers. The shop carries San Francisco, New York and other American designers as well. Prices range from $30 to $250 for a bra. Other items, like robes and swimsuits, are available as well. 539 Hayes St.

Azalea Boutique: Young owners Catherine Chow and Corina Nurimba funneled their globe-trotting, shopaholic tendencies into Azalea, a place where women can purchase separates that work for home, work or the gym. Clothing and accessories range from $30 to $350 and includ e lots of up-and-coming designers, such as Madonna fave Louis Verdad, Australia’s It duo Sass & Bide, Montreal’s Kitchen Orange, and Von Dutch and Lix jeans. Whimsical shoes by Londoner Beatrice Ong and fruit-inspired jewelry by Joyce Chou’s are San Francisco exclusives. For men, the store will eventually carry J. Lindeberg and Ted Baker, among others. The space also includ es a 300-square-foot “nail bar” devoted to natural nail-treatment services. That means lemongrass soaks for pedicures, crystal files and organic, natural cuticle creams and formaldehyde-free nail polish. Tomato-red walls show off rotating art; the store will also stay open late occasionally and host special events. 411 Hayes St.

Dark Garden: Dark Garden is a haven for women partial toward wearing corsets. The women who run the shop specialize in hand-making corsets for dancers and trapeze artists as well as other costumes, and wedding dresses are their other main business. Hand-crafted corsets take six to eight weeks to complete, while wedding dresses require two to three months. The shop also carries jewelry and other accessories. 321 Linden St.

Dish: Finally making its way from across the Bay, Berkeley’s Dish now has a home among other boutiques of similar appeal. This women’s-clothing store carries name designers from New York and L.A. Prices are moderate to upscale: A Theory pink camisole fetches $200, a Rebecca Taylor jacket costs $350 and an average pair of jeans goes for $150. Pocketbooks, jewelry and other accessories fill out the inventory. 541 Hayes St.

Haseena: Specialty dresses, sweaters, sportswear and lingerie all find space in Haseena, a women’s clothing shop featuring items by popular young local designers. The back wall of candles emits a flowery scent as you rake through the racks. The labels found here includ e Sunhee Moon, Weston Wear, Emily (T-shirts) and Mary Green (lingerie). Prices fall in the midrange to upscale range for clothing as well as for accessories such as jewelry and cigarette holders. 526 Hayes St.

Lava9: Lava9 specializes in custom-made leather jackets, which can range in price from $250 to $650. Oscar Leopold, Siena Studio and Reilly Olmes are just a few designers represented. Other leather items includ e purses and pocketbooks, belts and pants. Aside from hide, Lava9 represents some local jewelers, whose works are displayed in a few glass display cases inside the small shop. 542 Hayes St.

Mac: Taking over the sprawling space vacated by Vorpal Gallery, Mac has merged its women’s North Beach and men’s Union Square stores into one. The store spotlights local designs as well as an emphasis on the Belgian avant-garde. Mac (“Modern Apparel Clothing”) adds a dash of art to its shop, which is decked out like a ’70s New York loft: There is a rock garden in front with rocks fashioned out of spun wool, and large sculpture pieces in biomorphic shapes are located throughout the store. 387 Grove St.

Nida: Nida has opened a second store focusing on casual, funky, hip clothes targeted toward young shoppers. Designers includ e Marc Jacobs, Citizens of Humanity and a number of French and Italian names. 564 Hayes St.

Nomads: This men’s clothing store has been around over a decade, featuring some high-end products like leather jackets for close to $500 and dress shirts for around $80. Brand names includ e Fred Perry, Vexel Bros. and Stussy, plus Gravis and Projekt shoes. Nomads also includ es men’s hats, sunglasses and ties, as well as Blue Marlin casual shirts sporting various emblems, such as that of the SF Seals, Cuba and the Tigers. 556 Hayes St.

Smaak: For those desperately searching for Scandinavian fashions, Smaak has the answer, carrying women’s and men’s clothes primarily from Sweden, Denmark and Finland. The designs range from simple to elegant, and many are in bold colors, such as Finnish orange-and-white polka-dot dresses. 528 Hayes St.

Ver Unica: Moving from Noe Valley to Hayes Valley, Ver Unica takes with it its high-quality vintage stock. Covering many eras, from 1910 to the ’80s, Ver Unica carries names like Gucci and Pucci, as well as a few new designers. The shop is also known for its dead-stock pieces — vintage clothes that have never been worn. Accessories such as vintage shoes, jewelry and purses are available. 437B Hayes St.

Zeni: Attracting everyone from club kids to opera singers, this men’s and women’s apparel shop carries enough of a range to suit all wallets and tastes, from an Anna Bui leather dress for $700 to a $39 tank top. Zeni offers its own line of affordable, young-contemporary clothes, as well as garments and sunglasses from top designers such as Gigli, Dita and Armand Basi. Clothes are cut to order. 567 Hayes St.

Footwear

Bulo Women’s Shoes: Bulo Women’s is distinct from the main store across the street, located next to the competition, Gimme Shoes. Bulo’s selection of hip and stylish casual and dress shoes focuses on Italian brands like Graffia and Nannini. There are some accessories, as well, like wallets and jewelry. 418 Hayes St.

Gimme Shoes: The Hayes Valley location of this chain emphasizes Italian-made fashion shoes — namely, designer labels for both men and women. Some casual walking shoes are available, but it’s mostly dress shoes with midscale to upscale prices. Basic men’s shoes cost from $170 to $350, while some women’s boots run almost $600. Beyond shoes, Gimme offers Katharine Hamnett sunglasses, watches from London, belts, Italian leather bags and jewelry by local artists. 416 Hayes St.

Paolo: For those in search of classic Italian leather shoes, Paolo features many one-of-a-kind styles for men and women. These high-end shoes don’t come cheap, ranging in price from $150 to $700 a pair. Paolo, which has a location on Sutter Street, also designs handbags, gloves, and belts. The shop’s walls are lined with large masks of all different fabrics, created by artists from Venice. 524 Hayes St.

Lodging

Hayes Valley Inn: What used to be a seedy residential hotel was transformed a few years ago into a cozy 32-room, European-style neighborhood hotel. Hayes Valley Inn’s rooms are small but comfortable. Bathrooms are shared on each floor, and there is a communal kitchen with full amenities. Rates fall in the $60 to $100 range, with Continental breakfast includ ed. 417 Gough St.

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