Plan Your Visit

Boom and Bust

Eric Friedman, your guide

Your Guide

Eric F.

Meet Your Guide →

Where We Meet

Look for me at

Meet at Empire Park, 648 Commercial Street (now known as Emperor Norton Place). I arrive 15 minutes early — please join me! Look for me: 6'1", in a red City Guides jacket.

Directions to meeting point →

Transit: Montgomery Street BART or MUNI — check transit apps for more options

Parking: Portsmouth Square Garage · Map →

The tour ends at: New Montgomery and Howard

Map showing meeting location Meeting location

About This Tour

What to expect

Duration

1 hour 45 minutes

Hills & Climbing

None

Climate

Sweater or jacket recommended

Who's Welcome

All ages welcome

A Few Requests

What I need from you

Cancellation

If you are unable to join, please cancel using the link in your confirmation email so that others may attend. I cannot do this on your behalf.

City Guides Policies

  • No pets. Service animals are welcome; disruptive or uncontrolled animals may be asked to leave.
  • Maximum group size is 6. Larger groups require a private booking.
  • Complete policies are on the City Guides website.

Donations & Tipping

  • Our suggested donation is $20/person.
  • I do not accept tips: please donate generously to support City Guides!

Restrooms

Before the tour:

  • Starbucks, 565 Clay — purchase required Map →
  • Public restrooms at the top of Portsmouth Square Map →
  • SF Historical Society, 608 Commercial — free entrance, restrooms downstairs (when open) Map →

During the tour: None on this tour — plan accordingly

Food & Shopping

Near the Tour

City View Dim Sum · Map →

33 Walter U Lum Place

Dine-in or takeout; right near Portsmouth Square.

Good Luck Cafe · Map →

621 Kearny St

Bagels, sandwiches; close to the tour start.

Heartwood · Map →

531 Commercial St

Tasty American fare; Martini Lunch Special includes a martini for a penny with your salad or sandwich.

Hinodeya Ramen Bar · Map →

680 Clay St

I like the vegan ramen quite a lot.

Hon's Won-Tun House · Map →

648 Kearny St

A pork-heavy menu, enthusiastically recommended.

House of Nanking · Map →

919 Kearny St

A venerable Chinatown favorite.

Il Canto Cafe · Map →

475 Sacramento St

Burritos, sandwiches; takeout option.

Irish Times · Map →

500 Sacramento St

Traditional Irish fare; open daily.

Maison Nico · Map →

710 Montgomery St

French pastries.

Quickly · Map →

901 Kearny St

Bubble tea; no seating.

R&G Lounge · Map →

631 Kearny St

Celebrated Cantonese.

Sam Wo · Map →

713 Clay St

Authentic Chinatown fare since 1908.

Sisterita · Map →

669 Emperor Norton Place

Popular brunch spot with eggs benedict variations.

Sohunan · Map →

674 Sacramento St

Henry's Hunan's Financial District location; limited seating.

Near the End

Henry's Hunan · Map →

110 Natoma St

Weekdays only.

Sana'a Cafe · Map →

199 New Montgomery St

Authentic Yemeni coffee and treats.

Barebottle Beer Garden · Map →

Salesforce Park

Wonderful outdoor setting.

House of Shields · Map →

39 New Montgomery St

A pleasant bar with connections to the tour.

Pied Piper · Map →

2 New Montgomery St

Inside the glamorous Palace Hotel — an exquisite interior.

Ready to walk?

Book through San Francisco City Guides — look for Eric F. on the tour schedule.

Book the Boom and Bust Tour →