B. Li
Latest Reviews
Constitution Hall
Excellent concert hall that while a bit small, has great acoustics and hosts an interesting medley of performances.
While it's association with the DAR can be a bit iffy for some, I still think it's a good choice for orchestra performances.
While it's association with the DAR can be a bit iffy for some, I still think it's a good choice for orchestra performances.
Cha Express
This is one of my favorite boba spots for one drink, milk tea with glutinous rice.
It's earthy, mildly sweet at 50% sugar and half ice, and most importantly, the glutinous rice isn't tightly condensed. The rice should stick together, but should also be easily separated. If it doesn't, that means it's been sitting there way too long and no one's ordering it. This place consistently has well made glutinous rice.
That being said, the hours need to be updated. They usually close early into the evening around 6PM, even on the weekend.
It's earthy, mildly sweet at 50% sugar and half ice, and most importantly, the glutinous rice isn't tightly condensed. The rice should stick together, but should also be easily separated. If it doesn't, that means it's been sitting there way too long and no one's ordering it. This place consistently has well made glutinous rice.
That being said, the hours need to be updated. They usually close early into the evening around 6PM, even on the weekend.
Liang Crispy Roll
I'm just gonna say this now, if you have a craving for 煎餅, this will not satiate your hunger. It will however taste pretty darn good.
Highly recommend the cumin lamb, basically like putting 串兒 in a rolled up蔥油餅 and eating it like a gyro. It's kinda funny cause this is literally something that Chinese college guys would whip up on the fly when they're lazy and happen to have some frozen 蔥油餅 from Ranch 99, and now it's a popular franchise backed by Jay Chou
I would recommend getting more than one if you're looking to be full. This is more of a snack than a meal. Also, don't be surprised if 25% of the menu is not available when you come in.
Highly recommend the cumin lamb, basically like putting 串兒 in a rolled up蔥油餅 and eating it like a gyro. It's kinda funny cause this is literally something that Chinese college guys would whip up on the fly when they're lazy and happen to have some frozen 蔥油餅 from Ranch 99, and now it's a popular franchise backed by Jay Chou
I would recommend getting more than one if you're looking to be full. This is more of a snack than a meal. Also, don't be surprised if 25% of the menu is not available when you come in.
Japantown
An ideal stop for anyone visiting SF or just looking for Japanese goods or foods.
The shopping center has a wide variety of Japanese goods, ranging from manga, display katanas, wagashi, kimonos, Heian-inspired art, books, etc. Every year, there's a Japantown Festival that hosts music performances, local artist galleries, and specialty food stalls. To be frank, the majority of the artist galleries will be anime related, so be mindful if you're looking for a reprint of the Great Wave or something similar.
Outside of the center in the short narrow street above is somewhat overlooked, but I'd recommend taking a closer look. Hinodeya is a well-known ramenya that specializes in chicken paitan broth and also has a delicious vegan ramen broth. There's home goods for anyone looking for a teapot or rice bowl. There's also a wagashi store at the intersection to Sutter that's well-regarded.
Take your time here, there's lots of food to try and things to see if you come at the right time.
The shopping center has a wide variety of Japanese goods, ranging from manga, display katanas, wagashi, kimonos, Heian-inspired art, books, etc. Every year, there's a Japantown Festival that hosts music performances, local artist galleries, and specialty food stalls. To be frank, the majority of the artist galleries will be anime related, so be mindful if you're looking for a reprint of the Great Wave or something similar.
Outside of the center in the short narrow street above is somewhat overlooked, but I'd recommend taking a closer look. Hinodeya is a well-known ramenya that specializes in chicken paitan broth and also has a delicious vegan ramen broth. There's home goods for anyone looking for a teapot or rice bowl. There's also a wagashi store at the intersection to Sutter that's well-regarded.
Take your time here, there's lots of food to try and things to see if you come at the right time.
Pier 3
Crowded during the day, but absolutely empty after 8PM.
In winter, when the Bay Bridge is lit up for the SF illuminations, this is a great spot to come to for some night photos. It's quiet and you pretty much have the whole space to yourself, outside of some sparsely positioned fishermen.
One thing to note though, the lamps seem to be malfunctioning at times, so rather than a picturesque pier out of some campy romance film, it feels more like a scene out of Stranger Things where you're entering the Upside Down.
In winter, when the Bay Bridge is lit up for the SF illuminations, this is a great spot to come to for some night photos. It's quiet and you pretty much have the whole space to yourself, outside of some sparsely positioned fishermen.
One thing to note though, the lamps seem to be malfunctioning at times, so rather than a picturesque pier out of some campy romance film, it feels more like a scene out of Stranger Things where you're entering the Upside Down.