As someone here has indicated.... LA's Skid Row is far, far more desperate..... And is a much larger area. Geographically, the Tenderloin is a small section of SF.
True. The thing is that LA is SO big that one can live one's whole life there without going there or thinking about it. But SF is a much smaller city, so even though we have less homeless people and etc, it is pretty hard to ignore them. Especially when our skid row is right in the center of the city. That makes it easy to depict the whole city as a slum, which it isn't. Most cities have a hood like that. LA has a. lot more. Slummy areas then it's skid row.
Yeah but Skid Row isn’t right next to the Hollywood Sign. In LA, you can hide the problem better because everyone is hermetically sealed off in their cars.
Lived here 33 years. Appreciate. Didn’t even scratch the surface of the food scene. Chutney, Saigon Sandwich, Yemen Kitchen, Casa Mayah, 5 geniuses on every corner.
Finally a reasonable story about the tenderloin. It’s very easy to make propaganda about this neighborhood but this video shows how it really is. Thanks from SF!
I had the experience of staying near the Tenderloin for two nights (YOTEL on 7th and Market) last week. During the day, the Market St. section and the actual Tenderloin section (further North) were mostly normal. A few drug addicts and homeless here and there, but I was surprised at how full it is with people who are just living their daily lives (running errands, picking up groceries, getting coffee, etc.) I also had no idea the Tenderloin was full of so many ethnic much mom and pop shops, that's becoming a rarity as SF has gotten more expensive. I got a cheap breakfast at some Middle Eastern corner market here and it was one of the highlights of my trip just because it gave me hope that regular people can still make it in SF. I'm from Los Angeles and our worst neighborhood is Skid Row, which is 10x worse than the Tenderloin. You will not find regular people in Skid Row, It's ALL misery. I'm not going to sugarcoat it though, the area (7th and Market) was straight-up apocalyptic at night. Dozens of homeless people openly using and relieving themselves outside my hotel, a scene I wouldn't expect on a street that was mostly normal-looking during the day. Even then, it didn't feel like I was in danger at any moment walking through them. As a disclaimer, I'm a CA native who's visited San Francisco about 10 times before, and not since 2019. I had only driven through the Tenderloin but never actually walked in it until last week. Having known the Tenderloin's reputation and hearing it all over the news lately (implying that it had gotten EVEN WORSE), I was extremley concerned about what i'd be facing. Needless to say, media and TH-cam propagandist coverage was extremely exaggerated. If you're a single woman or have children, I'd still recommend you avoid this area though.
In all honestly I would say the area has gotten somewhat better especially since the pandemic. They've cracked down on dealing a lot where it's really only at night in the area you mentioned that you get people dealing on the streets like they used to do all over the areas from Leavenworth to Hyde 24/7. It's because they all gather in a large group in that area that they're able to still deal there because the dealers can blend in with the countless people hanging out there. It used to be that at night there would be dealers along 7th in front of the federal building, near the bart entrance at the civic center plaza, and near the playground by the Asian Art Museum. As far as crime and stuff the claims that it's a problem is really blown out of proportion where it's not like people get robbed walking down the wrong alleyway there and more so that violent situations sometimes happened between people who have known each other for a long time. As far as the homelessness and drug use that's a problem all around the city where it mainly ends up so concentrated in some areas of the TL and SOMA because that's where the public support resources are and those that don't live in the shelter find it easier to camp around those resources so if they need to access it they don't have to go far. So in general it has gotten better because of the crackdown on dealers making it more of a normal area rather than an open drug market, but it really hasn't changed much besides that while the open air drug market stuff really only encompassed a 2x1 section of streets at most rather than it being the whole neighborhood... When they began cracking down they did kind of move down 1 block at a time every time they were pushed further and further out of the area until they were essentially on Van Ness, but these days it's extremely hard to find people dealing out there even if you try without knowing who to look for, what time to search, and the few areas they still show up around. That being said they still do show up as the drug problem is not going to be fixed by cracking down on dealers and will only stop with proper policy changes that not only allow access via the health care system to managed drug regimens, but also in a way that doesn't end up with it just ending up being stolen for people who aren't in a situation that can't secure their belongings or sold on the streets. To say the least it's definitely a complex problem and requires systematic change to address even though it needs to start with the thing I mentioned.
Skid row’s so much worse than the tl. Larger, dirtier, much more sad, far less to do, far fewer cool places to eat, coffee, theatre, drink, etc. it just sucks. TL has way more to offer, it’s much smaller with fewer nooks to hide in. Thanks for highlighting some of the highlights
It's grown the fentanyl epidemic has forced it to spread into Downtown and down through the Mission. I am a nurse and I worked these streets helping the sick who lived here.
I used to work at a criminal halfway house down there. There were 3 homicide on the block I used to work during the year I was there. The whole experience was quite eerie, but I am glad there are good people out there keeping things together.
Thank you for the relatively positive take. So refreshing vs the nonstop SF bashing that seems to exist everywhere, by, I'm sure, people who have never even been there. Long time lover of SF myself. The open drug use and thefts are sad and sickening. Still love the city.
Thank you! I love it too. And while so much of it is so disappointing, I don't think it's accurate to say there's only one story to tell in SF right now.
I walked down Polk St at 3am last night, from Leavenworth to Market. I probably saw around 40 homeless people during the walk. I didn't feel unsafe though. Nobody even attempted to interact with me (well, except some prostitutes). Everyone is just minding their own business and getting high. It was kinda shocking to see so many people just preparing their drugs out in the open, not even trying to hide it, and many others "frozen" in that weird hunched-over position that seems characteristic of a fentanyl high.
You're brave. I don't know if I would have gone at 3am. I find it so hard to see people on drugs so openly. It feels almost dystopian. But I agree; I didn't expect to feel that safe when I visited.
Well I don't know if it's brave or just dumb, lol. Polk is also kind of on the edge of the tenderloin, so I thought it'd be fine (and it was). I don't think I would've walked down Leavenworth or Jones by myself at that time, even as a dude.
you are recommending we walk at 3:00am down polk because none of the druggies robbed you, isnt seeing druggies bad enough? San fran got you loving low expectations
You know... After 8 or 9 years of living in s.f. & Oakland/Emeryville, I really don't think the tenderloin is the "worst neighborhood" in the city. When it comes to feeling safe, or should I say unsafe, the unsafest neighborhood I've been in briefly was the south east part near the now gone candlestick stadium... That whole area is sketch... Soo sketch, 99% of folks that & stay in the city for any length of time just plain ol' will not go there.
My wife and I go to the tenderloin a lot. We see a lot of shows at the GAMH. We regularly eat at Tommys and love walking around there. Never been bothered by homeless or hit up for money. Not saying there isn't crime. Some musicians refuse to play around there due to car break ins. Still great video. Thanks for sharing a light on the good.
As someone who has lived in San Francisco since the 70s, I can tell you firsthand that it was once one of the coolest cities with an awesome art and music culture. Now it’s the opposite. The tech culture displaced the local culture that existed their previously and unfortunately, for the most part, they are some of the most bland, lame normies imaginable.
Actual SF resident here: Great video! You do a great job showing BOTH realities. The Tendy does have unhoused individuals and crime, BUT it has some of the best gems in the city! From the jazz bars, to the food stalls that existed at la comida, to some of the best bars in SF. Don’t sleep on the Tendy. If it didn’t have such an underrated perception, I feel like it would be the most expensive part of town due to its location and ease to get around.
You'll never have a problem if you just keep moving and be polite with people, its when you stop to loiter around the liquor store or smoke a cigarette on the street - its like people think your new on the streets so they ask the basics, "where are you from? where are you going? do you have any money or want any dope?" The exchange's don't have to be any scarier than that, be courteous be professional street people live there and your just passing through.
As a long time East Bay resident who works and spends a lot of time in SF, I think you nailed it! Growing up in the 90s and early 2000s the TL was known as the seediest SF neighborhood, but somehow over the past decade it’s gotten like 10x worse. But you’re right that some of the best food, bars, and shows in the Bay Area are still here. And the residents care about their neighborhood. The city needs to seriously step up, stop the crime, prostitution, littering, public indecency, and above all the unopposed and rampant drug use. Absolutely increase services to the homeless, but that doesn’t mean tolerating lawlessness. SF and the TL deserve better! P.S. I also loved Mikkeller, going back to when I visited them in Copenhagen in 2016. The SF bar was awesome, I was so sad to see them pull out of the U.S.
Same! It's honestly a large part of why I started this channel. Every story you see is almost always the same regardless of topic. I thought it might be interesting to see the other side of some of these places.
I'm from Chicago and lived in SF for years, still live in the bay too so am there often. I agree 100%. It's just general liberal hate that gets channeled for no good reason outside of dumb politics.
Another wonderful informative video Adam! I really appreciate the fair balance in this video. Don't forget that the Tenderloin is also home to Little Saigon with a lot of wonderful restaurants that serve Vietnamese cuisine. Also for some reason, you kind of remind me of *Raymond Stone* who is another similar sized TH-cam channel who is based here in San Francisco😉👍💯
Seattle is much worse, homeless encampments, crime and drug use is in lots of neighborhoods that cost over 1M+ to live in. SF was a delight compared to Seattle.
I grew up here in the 80's, and 90's.. The TL (the L's) has actually got better since then! Boedekker park use to be a junkie haven, NOW it is all cleaned up, they basically just moved the chaos down the block, cuz the rest of the neighborhood looks the way the park USED TO LOOK 👀.. I also remember the TENDERLOIN TASKFORCE, who would relentlessly do drug searches/raids all times of day, even doing FULL BODY strip searches in broad daylight, with no regards to onlookers. Its strange why they got rid of this specific Taskforce, because it did give the neighborhood a small glitch of order by deterring drug dealers and stick-up kids to think twice, but the drug -culture remains the same as it's ALWAYS BEEN IN THE L'S 💯
I’m getting ready to take my wife to a concert over there for our anniversary and I really hope everything goes well. I like this video. Nice to hear something positive about the area.
This is a great example of how issues like these are reported. There is crime, there is homelessness and drug use, and it's really sad - these people need help - but it's not some warzone. People who live there just want to live their lives, and often there's far more places of value than the news would lead you to believe. I'm from Philadelphia and constantly I hear from others about how bad Philly is, usually from people who never go to the city themselves and experience all of the good that the city has to offer.
Outta Sight is incredible! I watched this months ago and forgot to comment. Thanks again for letting people know this city is just a city and not a hellscape.
Back in 2013, I went to San Fran for the first time as an adult. After leaving Caltrain, I worked my way into the city, around Market St. Looking for anything, everything, I ended up at Larkin St. Decided to eat at Little Henry's and they made great Linguini alla Vongole, like I was back in Philly. In fact, every time I enjoyed food in San Fran, it was in the Tenderloin area. Never saw a bit of trouble, even with the camera out. Well, the only trouble was finding my way. I enjoyed being lost.
Adam! I stumbled across your videos and thought “I know him!” I really love your topics and the depth/history you go into about each. Very honest storytelling, which is refreshing these days. Keep it up! Can’t wait to see what you share next.
@@AdamDoesNotExist don’t be embarrassed! It’s clear a lot of work and thought goes into each one. I can relate though because I’ve been putting out silly shorts and some vlogs for the fun of it. Cringey to rewatch sometimes but I enjoy it and have loved learning the editing process.
@@LizBittiker I see that! You're admirably comfortable on camera. You probably wouldn't believe how long it take me to speak a single sentence sometimes. Can't wait to see what else you film!
Hi Adam! im so glad Liz told me about your channel, its awesome to see you post videos about SF with both lenses and not just all negative. SF will have a special place in my heart and it's nice when people share that genuinely.
@@MitchellFong27 Mitchell! It felt like someone had to tell the other side of the story. The negative has been adequately covered imo. Good to hear from you!!!
Good coverage in re "The TL," a designation with which I was unaware despite my familiarity with the area. But notably missing are mentions of institutions such as St. Anthony's Dining Room, Glide Memorial Church and Hyde Street Studios [founded as Wally Heider Recording], and on the level of history, Original Joe's and The Mitchell Brothers Theater ...
Original Joe's on Taylor street was incredible, best burgers on sourdough french rolls, and good Italian food. Glad it re opened in North Beach and also in Daly City!!!!! 👍
Appreciate you chronicling the culture of the TL. It is beautiful, but it is disappointing too. In 2017, the first time we came to the city for a music event at the Graham, we walked from our hotel to a merch Pop-up store and it took us straight through the TL. We had NO idea. Everything you saw in the media was right in front of us, yet, we felt "safe." We now are much more savvy about SF. We have attended events at the Phoenix (which was wonderful. We had NO idea) but unfortunately, the Phoenix is for sale, currently and we enjoyed an event at the Great American Music Hall, too. Appreciate this. 🥤
Thanks! It really is a strange place. You can make it look really terrible. And in many ways it is. But if you dig a bit deeper, there's more than meets the eye.
as someone who grew up in the bay area and have seen it start to spiral down i appreciate these videos of you showing the good parts of the bay. i promise all areas ain’t bad y’all come over to hayward!
I live in the Tenderloin. I assure you that there are three city agencies that clean the the sidewalks with soap and water daily. If you want to see large piles of debris go to Oakland. The TL is being cleaned by The City constantly as well as business owners. This is the problem when people who don't live here profile us
Stayed at the Warfield Hotel last weekend. A lot of homeless which put me off at first. Went for a walk at 1 am to grab a drink and food. Didn’t feel unsafe and had a surprisingly nice walk. Had a great time in SF during our short 2 day trip!
i honestly don't think it's the worst. I'd argue Mission around that 13th to 16th street area is much worse. Especially the area around Best Buy. It's funny though that when you go from mission to valencia, how different it is. Valencia almost feels like a different city - clean, lots of shops, the cool bike lane in the center it's interesting
When you mentioned the theatres I realized how much I’ve actually been in the tenderloin as a tourist. It’s definitely filled with many issues, but I have not dealt with any harassment even when walking through large clumps of homeless people (one time even with a bag of things I’ve bought, not the smartest decision but it’s not like I was mugged which is what some people who have never been to SF think is guaranteed to happen to you)
I live in the TL and work for a nonprofit on the same block Uncle Ralph calls home; I talk with him on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the guy who did that SF Standard piece really mischaracterized him and he was pretty upset about it. If you want to hear real stories from real people who live here, I’d love to get in touch.
Hiya Adam Thank you for the great videos with something fresh you showing about SF city. Sometime there are many great places to see in the bad neighbourhood or town.Even you can find great yummy food as well. Sad to see what been happening in San Francisco 🌉 . As usual youtube haters always be here. Best to ignored them just waste of time. Love you man" Adam" Please make more videos. I love them. Keep the good work brother. best regards all way the from Malaysia 🇲🇾.
Thank you for showing the light to a heavily criticized part of the city, there are cool spots there and it is worth going to as long as you're careful! Hopefully this brings more people to see the treasures there.
The TL is a beautiful place and everyone living there deserves dignity and love (that should go without saying). Being in the Bay, you hear a lot of people talk about the TL. Being told (or overhearing) how someone feels about the TL tells you a lot about that person's character and level of compassion for fellow human beings.
As a bay area native having just lived the past 3 years in Japan, I visited SF this past weekend and could say it wasn't easy to feel safe. My baseline definitely changed.
It's immigrants that keep the TL vital, interesting, and alive with something other than a bleak dystopia. Eateries close all the time there. But thankfully, wave after wave of immigrants, keep coming and opening new ones. It's a great place for foodies.
4:37 the reason they don’t do anything is because the items already hit the market they can’t make an arrest they wouldn’t know who stole it and who sold it
The Tenderloin National Forest -- which is just a small dead-end alley filled with plants and murals -- is a peaceful little spot worth checking out when it's open. They also occasionally host volunteers with sewing machines who mend clothing for free.
I walked from Civic Center BART to Phoenix Hotel for the summer pool parties and the 2 blocks going there were.... scary haha. But I did park near the Phoenix Hotel multiple times and my car never gotten broken into
I accidentally got stuck there and did have to walk around a lot of poop. Although no one bothered me, the peoples dogs were kinda scary and i almost got bit
A few years back on a road trip I got the cheapest airbnb I could find. Turned out it was right on the edge of the tenderloin. As soon as I got there I looked out the window and saw police pull up, but they didn’t seem to do anything. After that I walked around town for like 3 hours but to get back I had to walk through the tenderloin. I was all alone but it really wasn’t that sketchy. Everyone seemed to mind their own business
It just breaks my heart that I couldn't live in a city like SF because of how overly expensive it is, and all the homelessness and crime has given the city its bad reputation.
very late to the party but you are absolutely right about all the bomb ass food in the TL. I've lived in SF for ~7 years, 5 of which being TL adjacent. El Tesoro Taqueria on Leavenworth saved my life late nights during college, A La Turca on Geary is a beautiful, homey, DELICIOUS Turkish joint & ZZAN on Post is still to this day hands down my favorite restaurant in all of SF. & lets not forget Mensho Tokyo - also on Geary - lines out the door EVERY. DAY. If you remind yourself that feeling uncomfortable often does not equal being in danger you'll be okay walking around for the most part & you'll realize the TL can really be a foodie heaven. I would still buddy up at night, though.
It's going to take a severe and dramatic approach to clean up downtown San Francisco, and the voters are finally beginning to see the light. However, the SF homeless industrial complex will be PISSED. They hate anything that cuts off their gravy train, or exposes their lack of accountability for actually getting people off the street. But this is the move that must be made, before SF slides further into total anarchy and chaos, and joins the ranks of Detroit, Baltimore and Philly for squalor and filth.
Tenderloin was my spot in the 00s. I had many friends who lived there, and I also attended the art institute and would spend my summer days at the public library. Even though all my favorite cafes and family-owned bakeries have shut down, I still visit occasionally. I tend to stay at the hotel on the 5th. It is a bit grim walking around 4a, especially when I’m just leaving a party… but people don’t bother you. Just mind ya business and keep on walking, make sure you know where you’re going ahead of time. It’s sad… It’s not like it used to be, but I hope things get better. Now I live in Boston
I can't think of a place I would rather go. When I travel I really enjoy seeing drug using zombies, human waste, trash and needles on the streets and sidewalks, and mentally insane people wandering around screaming at the sky. Also, seeing vandalism everywhere is a huge plus. When I travel it's really a special plus if my car broken into and my stuff is stolen. This neighborhood has so much to offer!
What kind of Osprey do you have? Random but I'm in a backpack shopping mode and it looks low profile. Anyway, appreciate the genuine vid and good takes on the TL
That's the sportlite 20. It's a great little bag. I've got their tropos 32 as well, but it's just too big most of the time. Osprey's suspended mesh back is really nice though!
Underneath the homeless and crime it really is pretty cool. A ton of potential. Had a great meal there once or twice. Also I think they filmed parts of Vertigo there.
At about 5:32 you said people were cleaning the streets. In every city or town I have lived the property owner or tenant is responsible for cleaning up from their front door to half the street. Why does SF have to use public money to clean up your house.
@@All.Natural. Wait a minute. You lived in Hunter's Point, and it was so bad it was great? How does that make sense? Hunter's Point was very bad in the '80s, except that that there was a little pocket of the area that had an interesting art scene going on, and of course there was Dago Mary's Restaurant past the gate at the naval shipyard.
San Francisco is a terrifying horrible city if you think homeless folks are something besides human. You see them. They walk around and might talk to you and even more terrifyingly, might say hello. More often than not though, they see how people refuse to make eye contact with them, and leave them alone. But no one is gonna attack you, they’re not gonna make you try fent for the first time and as long as you don’t leave your car open, they probably aren’t gonna rob you. They’re just people trying to find a place to sleep, and 95% of everything you hear about them is a lie designed to keep you afraid of your fellow man.
You gotta actually go there to know the truth about the place. Thanks for informing us about it. I used to live in the tenderloin when I was a toddler, and i dont remember much of it, but its a very familiar neighborhood. I sometimes work on the edge of the Tenderloin now. Some of hotels around there are pretty nice, like the SF Hilton for example.
I would've added Bourbon & Branch probably the best historical speakeasy in the Bay, Black Cat jazz bar, Shamilar for delicious Indian/Pakistani food, and Compton's Cafeteria in the Transgender District for its historical relevance to LGBT history (the Compton's Cafeteria Riot predates the more famous Stonewall Riot). Awesome video, keep them coming!
If you ever want to make any updates on the tl let me know because I want to help and contribute in some way. I have a lot of experience with the tl and it's opposite. 30 years bouncing between the world of money, tech and wealth and the streets of the tl.
Used to live at the Essex hotel, but recently moved and I'm so glad I'm out of there. It can be a nice area to visit and it's definitely an experience living there, but there's always an air of discomfort that makes it impossible to be there without feeling a bit worried. Like one time I got off the bus a block away from my home and realized my keys weren't clipped to my pants, which at first I thought fell off on the bus before realizing I didn't even reattach them to my pants while I was in the theater, and when I was patting myself trying to find them and visibly freaking out a bit some young hooligan took advantage of the situation to try to rattle me and intimidate me where even though I'm used to BS like that I felt a bit unsafe in the instance as they seemed like the type who were looking for a fight and would gladly start one if I responded wrong. Another incident happened while I was trying to make my way to the Warfield to see Mrs. Doubtfire (great play) and while I was walking and went to check for a bus on the opposite corner from the first incident some guy walked up to me accusing me of having his shoe in my tote bag that I had over my shoulder where he tried to intimidate me by acting aggressive while telling me to open my bag to show him likely so he could try to grab whatever he saw of value before running off, which he likely targeted me as I was dressed a bit nicer than I usually would dress, and only stopped after I held my bag close while yelling that I didn't have his shoe and telling him to leave me alone. Now even though both of those incidents were definitely ones that made me feel unsafe they were not things that happened often, but at the same time I didn't really go out much because I didn't want to create opportunities for things like that to happen. So my point in general is that it's definitely an area that can feel unsafe even though it's most likely that nothing will happen as most people out there are just trying to mind their own business rather than attract attention and the police, which includes the drug dealers, but definitely be aware of the fact that the more vulnerable and uncomfortable you look out there the more likely there will be some random asshole that tries to take advantage of that vulnerability to make you feel uncomfortable whether it's because they actually have malicious/harmful intent or because they think it's entertaining/funny to scare people who feel uncomfortable out there.
Tenderloin is pretty bad, but I walk through it all the time if I'm in the city. One of my favorite restaurants in the city is there (right next to Philz cofee), and that particular street has actually improved considerably over the past few years. The thing is most of the issues involve people trying to get drugs, money, or both. Doesn't tend to be much straight up violence or anything past wigged out people. I've never really felt unsafe.
For the bar scene near the area, check out Chelsea Place. Yuki, the bar tender, is amazing and energetic. She'll make you play the tambourine to the music and scream at you if she thinks you're not having a good time. You'll always walk out smiling.
Oh wow! First, I have this to "Watch Later" (will watch tonight) but I was gonna reach out to you today. Also, I was JUST talking about the Tenderloin in Reddit. It's all about.........timing. Anyhoo, was gonna reach out to see if you're attending the A's Fans Fest this Saturday at Jack London Square. We are going! Would love to chat with ya. Have a cold one.
I lived in rhe the TL back in the early 90's and have walked all those streets at 3am and never felt unsafe. Yeah i did see someone get knifed and a couple of fights but i never felt in danger. As long a you mine your own business nobodies paying you any attention... I Love San Francisco.
I actually love the TL. It's had its ups and downs, and honestly the open-air drug dealing is nothing new. I used to rehearse my band in a practice studio at Turk and Taylor, and every single time we'd go down to the corner store to get a soda or something, we'd get followed by someone trying to sell us crack, meth, etc. It was annoying, but not particularly dangerous. The GMA and Warfield are all-time classic venues that I still go to all the time. Xenophobes miss out on great neighborhoods because they've bought into the belief that there are monsters and villains lurking around every corner, but folks, people are people. People struggle and they get better, or they don't. The focus needs to be on finding solutions to very solvable problems, not vilifying someone because they're different than you.
The Tenderloin is actually where I met people who ate cow manure and they knew how to brainwash and defile my mind…Be careful who you talk to and who try to grab your hand out there…I’m not kidding either.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 88 | คู่เอก "ป้อมเพชร vs อัสลามจอน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1ZqTVVbMgbo/mqdefault.jpg)
As someone here has indicated.... LA's Skid Row is far, far more desperate..... And is a much larger area. Geographically, the Tenderloin is a small section of SF.
Totally. I walked from one end of the other a few times this day.
@@davidrice6724 Nancy Pelousi constituents??
True. The thing is that LA is SO big that one can live one's whole life there without going there or thinking about it. But SF is a much smaller city, so even though we have less homeless people and etc, it is pretty hard to ignore them. Especially when our skid row is right in the center of the city. That makes it easy to depict the whole city as a slum, which it isn't. Most cities have a hood like that. LA has a. lot more. Slummy areas then it's skid row.
Yeah but Skid Row isn’t right next to the Hollywood Sign. In LA, you can hide the problem better because everyone is hermetically sealed off in their cars.
@@milascave2 Well I guess it will represent the Wealthy vs Poor class as the Socialism always does.
I live in the Tenderloin. I am a published author, sober since 2001. If you ever need someone to interview regarding the TL, I'm open.
Thank you! I'll let you know if I make another video.
I love that you shed a light on a neighborhood that has received all kinds of ire.
You just know that when every story about a place is the exact same... there's another side to it
It's almost a crime you didn't stop by Saigon Sandwich. A true hole in a the wall of deliciousness.
It’s elite
It’s a great sandwich place. Worth a short wait ot get your pork sandwich. Don’t worry too much about the neighnorhood.
@@richardwarren1051 it's ahight......a well-oiled gold mine I'm sure, but the sandwiches? meh, the bread is alright...carrots? but why?
@@matthewburris769 Pickled carrots are standard in banh mi.
Lived here 33 years. Appreciate. Didn’t even scratch the surface of the food scene. Chutney, Saigon Sandwich, Yemen Kitchen, Casa Mayah, 5 geniuses on every corner.
slow your roll mr. ambitious.
Finally a reasonable story about the tenderloin. It’s very easy to make propaganda about this neighborhood but this video shows how it really is. Thanks from SF!
100% You can tell absolutely any story you want in a place as diverse as SF!
I had the experience of staying near the Tenderloin for two nights (YOTEL on 7th and Market) last week. During the day, the Market St. section and the actual Tenderloin section (further North) were mostly normal. A few drug addicts and homeless here and there, but I was surprised at how full it is with people who are just living their daily lives (running errands, picking up groceries, getting coffee, etc.) I also had no idea the Tenderloin was full of so many ethnic much mom and pop shops, that's becoming a rarity as SF has gotten more expensive. I got a cheap breakfast at some Middle Eastern corner market here and it was one of the highlights of my trip just because it gave me hope that regular people can still make it in SF. I'm from Los Angeles and our worst neighborhood is Skid Row, which is 10x worse than the Tenderloin. You will not find regular people in Skid Row, It's ALL misery. I'm not going to sugarcoat it though, the area (7th and Market) was straight-up apocalyptic at night. Dozens of homeless people openly using and relieving themselves outside my hotel, a scene I wouldn't expect on a street that was mostly normal-looking during the day. Even then, it didn't feel like I was in danger at any moment walking through them.
As a disclaimer, I'm a CA native who's visited San Francisco about 10 times before, and not since 2019. I had only driven through the Tenderloin but never actually walked in it until last week. Having known the Tenderloin's reputation and hearing it all over the news lately (implying that it had gotten EVEN WORSE), I was extremley concerned about what i'd be facing. Needless to say, media and TH-cam propagandist coverage was extremely exaggerated. If you're a single woman or have children, I'd still recommend you avoid this area though.
It is sort of a tale of two cities, in many different ways. The change from day to night is wild.
In all honestly I would say the area has gotten somewhat better especially since the pandemic. They've cracked down on dealing a lot where it's really only at night in the area you mentioned that you get people dealing on the streets like they used to do all over the areas from Leavenworth to Hyde 24/7. It's because they all gather in a large group in that area that they're able to still deal there because the dealers can blend in with the countless people hanging out there. It used to be that at night there would be dealers along 7th in front of the federal building, near the bart entrance at the civic center plaza, and near the playground by the Asian Art Museum. As far as crime and stuff the claims that it's a problem is really blown out of proportion where it's not like people get robbed walking down the wrong alleyway there and more so that violent situations sometimes happened between people who have known each other for a long time. As far as the homelessness and drug use that's a problem all around the city where it mainly ends up so concentrated in some areas of the TL and SOMA because that's where the public support resources are and those that don't live in the shelter find it easier to camp around those resources so if they need to access it they don't have to go far. So in general it has gotten better because of the crackdown on dealers making it more of a normal area rather than an open drug market, but it really hasn't changed much besides that while the open air drug market stuff really only encompassed a 2x1 section of streets at most rather than it being the whole neighborhood... When they began cracking down they did kind of move down 1 block at a time every time they were pushed further and further out of the area until they were essentially on Van Ness, but these days it's extremely hard to find people dealing out there even if you try without knowing who to look for, what time to search, and the few areas they still show up around. That being said they still do show up as the drug problem is not going to be fixed by cracking down on dealers and will only stop with proper policy changes that not only allow access via the health care system to managed drug regimens, but also in a way that doesn't end up with it just ending up being stolen for people who aren't in a situation that can't secure their belongings or sold on the streets. To say the least it's definitely a complex problem and requires systematic change to address even though it needs to start with the thing I mentioned.
Skid row’s so much worse than the tl. Larger, dirtier, much more sad, far less to do, far fewer cool places to eat, coffee, theatre, drink, etc. it just sucks. TL has way more to offer, it’s much smaller with fewer nooks to hide in. Thanks for highlighting some of the highlights
Never been to skid row, but I've heard the same thing form others who have.
What a strange flex
They are both rotten dude
Skid Row has been that way for a long time. Since de-institutionalization
It's grown the fentanyl epidemic has forced it to spread into Downtown and down through the Mission. I am a nurse and I worked these streets helping the sick who lived here.
I used to work at a criminal halfway house down there. There were 3 homicide on the block I used to work during the year I was there. The whole experience was quite eerie, but I am glad there are good people out there keeping things together.
The Black Cat and Mr. Tipple's jazz clubs are in the Tenderloin. That's good enough for me.
Me too!
Thank you for the relatively positive take. So refreshing vs the nonstop SF bashing that seems to exist everywhere, by, I'm sure, people who have never even been there. Long time lover of SF myself. The open drug use and thefts are sad and sickening. Still love the city.
Thank you! I love it too. And while so much of it is so disappointing, I don't think it's accurate to say there's only one story to tell in SF right now.
If anyone tells you San Francisco is a shithole tell them to visit Stockton or Vallejo or maybe a nice day trip to Richmond in the East Bay. Lol😂😂
I walked down Polk St at 3am last night, from Leavenworth to Market. I probably saw around 40 homeless people during the walk. I didn't feel unsafe though. Nobody even attempted to interact with me (well, except some prostitutes). Everyone is just minding their own business and getting high. It was kinda shocking to see so many people just preparing their drugs out in the open, not even trying to hide it, and many others "frozen" in that weird hunched-over position that seems characteristic of a fentanyl high.
You're brave. I don't know if I would have gone at 3am. I find it so hard to see people on drugs so openly. It feels almost dystopian. But I agree; I didn't expect to feel that safe when I visited.
Well I don't know if it's brave or just dumb, lol. Polk is also kind of on the edge of the tenderloin, so I thought it'd be fine (and it was). I don't think I would've walked down Leavenworth or Jones by myself at that time, even as a dude.
you are recommending we walk at 3:00am down polk because none of the druggies robbed you, isnt seeing druggies bad enough? San fran got you loving low expectations
@@saremy127 I'm not recommending it, just sharing an experience/data point. Not sure where you got that from
You know... After 8 or 9 years of living in s.f. & Oakland/Emeryville, I really don't think the tenderloin is the "worst neighborhood" in the city. When it comes to feeling safe, or should I say unsafe, the unsafest neighborhood I've been in briefly was the south east part near the now gone candlestick stadium... That whole area is sketch... Soo sketch, 99% of folks that & stay in the city for any length of time just plain ol' will not go there.
My wife and I go to the tenderloin a lot. We see a lot of shows at the GAMH. We regularly eat at Tommys and love walking around there. Never been bothered by homeless or hit up for money. Not saying there isn't crime. Some musicians refuse to play around there due to car break ins. Still great video. Thanks for sharing a light on the good.
Glad you liked it!!
I wouldn't really consider Tommys being in the Tenderloin since it's on the opposite side of Van Ness
As someone who has lived in San Francisco since the 70s, I can tell you firsthand that it was once one of the coolest cities with an awesome art and music culture. Now it’s the opposite. The tech culture displaced the local culture that existed their previously and unfortunately, for the most part, they are some of the most bland, lame normies imaginable.
Actual SF resident here: Great video! You do a great job showing BOTH realities. The Tendy does have unhoused individuals and crime, BUT it has some of the best gems in the city! From the jazz bars, to the food stalls that existed at la comida, to some of the best bars in SF. Don’t sleep on the Tendy. If it didn’t have such an underrated perception, I feel like it would be the most expensive part of town due to its location and ease to get around.
Thank you! If SF residents like you like these videos, I can’t ask for much more. And I totally agree, geographically, the TL is in such a good spot.
I live in Polk and Market. I love it here
I used to work next door!
The video was done so well! I've been meaning to tour around here! @@AdamDoesNotExist
You can have it.
@@davidmathis-xd6nf I can? Thanks. That's a pretty expensive chunk of real e state that you just handed me.
You'll never have a problem if you just keep moving and be polite with people, its when you stop to loiter around the liquor store or smoke a cigarette on the street - its like people think your new on the streets so they ask the basics, "where are you from? where are you going? do you have any money or want any dope?" The exchange's don't have to be any scarier than that, be courteous be professional street people live there and your just passing through.
As a long time East Bay resident who works and spends a lot of time in SF, I think you nailed it! Growing up in the 90s and early 2000s the TL was known as the seediest SF neighborhood, but somehow over the past decade it’s gotten like 10x worse. But you’re right that some of the best food, bars, and shows in the Bay Area are still here. And the residents care about their neighborhood. The city needs to seriously step up, stop the crime, prostitution, littering, public indecency, and above all the unopposed and rampant drug use. Absolutely increase services to the homeless, but that doesn’t mean tolerating lawlessness. SF and the TL deserve better!
P.S. I also loved Mikkeller, going back to when I visited them in Copenhagen in 2016. The SF bar was awesome, I was so sad to see them pull out of the U.S.
Uncle Ralph doing more than the business owners and government!
@@All.Natural. Mike,the Germaninvenice TH-camr did more to bring attention to these areas,also.
I’m so exhausted of all the fear mongering “tours.” Your channel is refreshing! ❤
Same! It's honestly a large part of why I started this channel. Every story you see is almost always the same regardless of topic. I thought it might be interesting to see the other side of some of these places.
"the most dangerous place in the country" as someone from Chicago i lol'd
I agree. I've done videos in places that are more dangerous. Especially during the day, the TL feels safe enough for me.
I'm from Chicago and lived in SF for years, still live in the bay too so am there often. I agree 100%. It's just general liberal hate that gets channeled for no good reason outside of dumb politics.
It’s not even the most dangerous part of the city, anybody who says it is definitely isn’t from San Francisco and doesn’t know San Francisco
What a great video. Like so many things, "Everything you heard is true, but you haven't heard the whole truth."
Thank you for 'getting it" that's exactly what I was trying to convey!
Another wonderful informative video Adam! I really appreciate the fair balance in this video. Don't forget that the Tenderloin is also home to Little Saigon with a lot of wonderful restaurants that serve Vietnamese cuisine.
Also for some reason, you kind of remind me of *Raymond Stone* who is another similar sized TH-cam channel who is based here in San Francisco😉👍💯
Thanks! Some of the best Vietnamese food I've ever had comes from the TL!
Is Tu Lan still around?
Seattle is much worse, homeless encampments, crime and drug use is in lots of neighborhoods that cost over 1M+ to live in. SF was a delight compared to Seattle.
I grew up here in the 80's, and 90's.. The TL (the L's) has actually got better since then! Boedekker park use to be a junkie haven, NOW it is all cleaned up, they basically just moved the chaos down the block, cuz the rest of the neighborhood looks the way the park USED TO LOOK 👀.. I also remember the TENDERLOIN TASKFORCE, who would relentlessly do drug searches/raids all times of day, even doing FULL BODY strip searches in broad daylight, with no regards to onlookers. Its strange why they got rid of this specific Taskforce, because it did give the neighborhood a small glitch of order by deterring drug dealers and stick-up kids to think twice, but the drug -culture remains the same as it's ALWAYS BEEN IN THE L'S 💯
I’m getting ready to take my wife to a concert over there for our anniversary and I really hope everything goes well. I like this video. Nice to hear something positive about the area.
This is a great example of how issues like these are reported. There is crime, there is homelessness and drug use, and it's really sad - these people need help - but it's not some warzone. People who live there just want to live their lives, and often there's far more places of value than the news would lead you to believe. I'm from Philadelphia and constantly I hear from others about how bad Philly is, usually from people who never go to the city themselves and experience all of the good that the city has to offer.
I used to live an hour from Philly. I couldn't agree more.
Outta Sight is incredible! I watched this months ago and forgot to comment. Thanks again for letting people know this city is just a city and not a hellscape.
It's sooo good!
It’s really dirty and it stinks, but it’s not nearly as dangerous as it looks
Back in 2013, I went to San Fran for the first time as an adult. After leaving Caltrain, I worked my way into the city, around Market St. Looking for anything, everything, I ended up at Larkin St. Decided to eat at Little Henry's and they made great Linguini alla Vongole, like I was back in Philly. In fact, every time I enjoyed food in San Fran, it was in the Tenderloin area. Never saw a bit of trouble, even with the camera out. Well, the only trouble was finding my way. I enjoyed being lost.
Adam! I stumbled across your videos and thought “I know him!” I really love your topics and the depth/history you go into about each. Very honest storytelling, which is refreshing these days. Keep it up! Can’t wait to see what you share next.
OMG Liz! I find these videos both deeply embarrassing, and a lot of fun to make! But glad to hear you like them!
@@AdamDoesNotExist don’t be embarrassed! It’s clear a lot of work and thought goes into each one. I can relate though because I’ve been putting out silly shorts and some vlogs for the fun of it. Cringey to rewatch sometimes but I enjoy it and have loved learning the editing process.
@@LizBittiker I see that! You're admirably comfortable on camera. You probably wouldn't believe how long it take me to speak a single sentence sometimes. Can't wait to see what else you film!
Hi Adam! im so glad Liz told me about your channel, its awesome to see you post videos about SF with both lenses and not just all negative. SF will have a special place in my heart and it's nice when people share that genuinely.
@@MitchellFong27 Mitchell! It felt like someone had to tell the other side of the story. The negative has been adequately covered imo. Good to hear from you!!!
Good coverage in re "The TL," a designation with which I was unaware despite my familiarity with the area. But notably missing are mentions of institutions such as St. Anthony's Dining Room, Glide Memorial Church and Hyde Street Studios [founded as Wally Heider Recording], and on the level of history, Original Joe's and The Mitchell Brothers Theater ...
Original Joe's on Taylor street was incredible, best burgers on sourdough french rolls, and good Italian food. Glad it re opened in North Beach and also in Daly City!!!!! 👍
Appreciate you chronicling the culture of the TL. It is beautiful, but it is disappointing too. In 2017, the first time we came to the city for a music event at the Graham, we walked from our hotel to a merch Pop-up store and it took us straight through the TL. We had NO idea. Everything you saw in the media was right in front of us, yet, we felt "safe." We now are much more savvy about SF. We have attended events at the Phoenix (which was wonderful. We had NO idea) but unfortunately, the Phoenix is for sale, currently and we enjoyed an event at the Great American Music Hall, too. Appreciate this. 🥤
Thanks! It really is a strange place. You can make it look really terrible. And in many ways it is. But if you dig a bit deeper, there's more than meets the eye.
Bring friends, bring protection, leave your valuables, respect the locals, have fun.
as someone who grew up in the bay area and have seen it start to spiral down i appreciate these videos of you showing the good parts of the bay. i promise all areas ain’t bad y’all come over to hayward!
I might have to pay the roots a visit!
Philz is some of the best coffee out there... And the bars in the TL are fantastic
I do miss how you used to order directly with the person who was making your coffee, but I sill like philz!
Sounds like a charming , disarming district with great history.
I live in the Tenderloin. I assure you that there are three city agencies that clean the the sidewalks with soap and water daily. If you want to see large piles of debris go to Oakland. The TL is being cleaned by The City constantly as well as business owners. This is the problem when people who don't live here profile us
Stayed at the Warfield Hotel last weekend. A lot of homeless which put me off at first. Went for a walk at 1 am to grab a drink and food. Didn’t feel unsafe and had a surprisingly nice walk. Had a great time in SF during our short 2 day trip!
Btw some cable car advice, take the California St line instead of the Powel St lines.
i honestly don't think it's the worst. I'd argue Mission around that 13th to 16th street area is much worse. Especially the area around Best Buy. It's funny though that when you go from mission to valencia, how different it is. Valencia almost feels like a different city - clean, lots of shops, the cool bike lane in the center it's interesting
The address on my birth certificate was the California Hotel in the Tenderloin. I’m sure it was the same back in 74
The moral of this video ... "Oakland is worse".
There’s a reason why All 3 professional sports team bailed out of Oakland.
Not to mention In&Out burgers and tons of other businesses!!!!!!! 😱😱😱
Thank you for showing love to my neighborhood!
Glad to do it!
You seem to have omitted your time spent at the Power Exchange. Hopefully it will be in an upcoming video of its own.
Never heard of it!
🤣
When you mentioned the theatres I realized how much I’ve actually been in the tenderloin as a tourist. It’s definitely filled with many issues, but I have not dealt with any harassment even when walking through large clumps of homeless people (one time even with a bag of things I’ve bought, not the smartest decision but it’s not like I was mugged which is what some people who have never been to SF think is guaranteed to happen to you)
I live in the TL and work for a nonprofit on the same block Uncle Ralph calls home; I talk with him on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the guy who did that SF Standard piece really mischaracterized him and he was pretty upset about it. If you want to hear real stories from real people who live here, I’d love to get in touch.
Hiya Adam
Thank you for the great videos with something fresh you showing about SF city.
Sometime there are many great places to see in the bad neighbourhood or town.Even you can find great yummy food as well.
Sad to see what been happening in
San Francisco 🌉 .
As usual youtube haters always be here. Best to ignored them just waste of time.
Love you man" Adam"
Please make more videos. I love them. Keep the good work brother.
best regards all way the from Malaysia 🇲🇾.
Thank you!!!
@@AdamDoesNotExist you are most welcome
Thank you for showing the light to a heavily criticized part of the city, there are cool spots there and it is worth going to as long as you're careful! Hopefully this brings more people to see the treasures there.
Used to bartend in the Tenderloin. Ain't nothing tender about that shit.
LOL. One of my all time favorites
The TL is a beautiful place and everyone living there deserves dignity and love (that should go without saying).
Being in the Bay, you hear a lot of people talk about the TL. Being told (or overhearing) how someone feels about the TL tells you a lot about that person's character and level of compassion for fellow human beings.
I just moved to the Fox building here on Market. I didn't know I was around so many cool things!!! Thanks
As a bay area native having just lived the past 3 years in Japan, I visited SF this past weekend and could say it wasn't easy to feel safe. My baseline definitely changed.
Important to note that the police choose to do nothing. They COULD, but choose not to.
It's immigrants that keep the TL vital, interesting, and alive with something other than a bleak dystopia. Eateries close all the time there. But thankfully, wave after wave of immigrants, keep coming and opening new ones. It's a great place for foodies.
I've always wanted to make a documentary of SF but always hesitant of gear will get stolen. Already had my car broken into several times.
Thanks for covering the cool spots in the TL!!!
Thanks for watching!
4:37 the reason they don’t do anything is because the items already hit the market they can’t make an arrest they wouldn’t know who stole it and who sold it
The Tenderloin National Forest -- which is just a small dead-end alley filled with plants and murals -- is a peaceful little spot worth checking out when it's open. They also occasionally host volunteers with sewing machines who mend clothing for free.
You're awesome for this vid. About time somebody shows the positive side of the Tenderloin
Thank you! Doom and gloom gets a lot more clicks. But it doesn't tell the whole story!
Thanks for an informative video. I learned a lot, often areas that look bad I have found have more spirit and love in them that wealthier areas.
Yup, you just have to work a little harder in the TL
I have been going to the TL for lunch once or twice a week for the last 7 years. No issues.
Why on earth would you ever leave expensive camera equipment in any car on any part of the Bay Area. That’s ludicrous.
That Veteran's Alley is a block from my home. As a Military brat I love it!
I walked from Civic Center BART to Phoenix Hotel for the summer pool parties and the 2 blocks going there were.... scary haha. But I did park near the Phoenix Hotel multiple times and my car never gotten broken into
It's hit or miss honestly! You It's fine most of the time, but always interesting!!
The Tenderloin is a shithole. I had a guy with a pitbull pull a gun on me and rob me. On the daily you have to dodge human shit EVERYWHERE.
I accidentally got stuck there and did have to walk around a lot of poop. Although no one bothered me, the peoples dogs were kinda scary and i almost got bit
A few years back on a road trip I got the cheapest airbnb I could find. Turned out it was right on the edge of the tenderloin. As soon as I got there I looked out the window and saw police pull up, but they didn’t seem to do anything. After that I walked around town for like 3 hours but to get back I had to walk through the tenderloin. I was all alone but it really wasn’t that sketchy. Everyone seemed to mind their own business
Sounds about right!
I'm not convinced ... still looks way too bad to go down there.
LOLOLOLOLOLOL.
I just came from that area not long ago,, it felt like any other City,, I never felt threatened
Outta Sight is slammin! Great video btw, on point.
Sooo good!
It just breaks my heart that I couldn't live in a city like SF because of how overly expensive it is, and all the homelessness and crime has given the city its bad reputation.
very late to the party but you are absolutely right about all the bomb ass food in the TL. I've lived in SF for ~7 years, 5 of which being TL adjacent. El Tesoro Taqueria on Leavenworth saved my life late nights during college, A La Turca on Geary is a beautiful, homey, DELICIOUS Turkish joint & ZZAN on Post is still to this day hands down my favorite restaurant in all of SF. & lets not forget Mensho Tokyo - also on Geary - lines out the door EVERY. DAY.
If you remind yourself that feeling uncomfortable often does not equal being in danger you'll be okay walking around for the most part & you'll realize the TL can really be a foodie heaven. I would still buddy up at night, though.
It's going to take a severe and dramatic approach to clean up downtown San Francisco, and the voters are finally beginning to see the light. However, the SF homeless industrial complex will be PISSED. They hate anything that cuts off their gravy train, or exposes their lack of accountability for actually getting people off the street. But this is the move that must be made, before SF slides further into total anarchy and chaos, and joins the ranks of Detroit, Baltimore and Philly for squalor and filth.
I really hope things are going to change.
12 year sf resident.. appreciate the attempt at a positive take… but the TL is objectively bad and its residents deserve so much more. vote!
Tenderloin was my spot in the 00s. I had many friends who lived there, and I also attended the art institute and would spend my summer days at the public library. Even though all my favorite cafes and family-owned bakeries have shut down, I still visit occasionally. I tend to stay at the hotel on the 5th. It is a bit grim walking around 4a, especially when I’m just leaving a party… but people don’t bother you. Just mind ya business and keep on walking, make sure you know where you’re going ahead of time. It’s sad… It’s not like it used to be, but I hope things get better.
Now I live in Boston
I can't think of a place I would rather go. When I travel I really enjoy seeing drug using zombies, human waste, trash and needles on the streets and sidewalks, and mentally insane people wandering around screaming at the sky. Also, seeing vandalism everywhere is a huge plus. When I travel it's really a special plus if my car broken into and my stuff is stolen. This neighborhood has so much to offer!
What kind of Osprey do you have? Random but I'm in a backpack shopping mode and it looks low profile. Anyway, appreciate the genuine vid and good takes on the TL
That's the sportlite 20. It's a great little bag. I've got their tropos 32 as well, but it's just too big most of the time. Osprey's suspended mesh back is really nice though!
Underneath the homeless and crime it really is pretty cool. A ton of potential. Had a great meal there once or twice. Also I think they filmed parts of Vertigo there.
At about 5:32 you said people were cleaning the streets. In every city or town I have lived the property owner or tenant is responsible for cleaning up from their front door to half the street. Why does SF have to use public money to clean up your house.
Lol, I'm trespassed from sfo, but I'll sneak back soon. I stayed at The Columbia Hotel, which you filmed.
I used to live in the Tenderloin. It's not as dangerous as Hunter's Point.
Hunters point is really bad! I lived there in the 80s and it was great.
@@All.Natural. Wait a minute. You lived in Hunter's Point, and it was so bad it was great? How does that make sense?
Hunter's Point was very bad in the '80s, except that that there was a little pocket of the area that had an interesting art scene going on, and of course there was Dago Mary's Restaurant past the gate at the naval shipyard.
lol, that guy yelling at people @1:44 was outside the Moscone Center yelling at us during my last visit. He has a bullhorn now.
He's out there all the time! I believe his main message is - respect your parents
San Francisco is a terrifying horrible city if you think homeless folks are something besides human. You see them. They walk around and might talk to you and even more terrifyingly, might say hello. More often than not though, they see how people refuse to make eye contact with them, and leave them alone.
But no one is gonna attack you, they’re not gonna make you try fent for the first time and as long as you don’t leave your car open, they probably aren’t gonna rob you. They’re just people trying to find a place to sleep, and 95% of everything you hear about them is a lie designed to keep you afraid of your fellow man.
You gotta actually go there to know the truth about the place. Thanks for informing us about it.
I used to live in the tenderloin when I was a toddler, and i dont remember much of it, but its a very familiar neighborhood. I sometimes work on the edge of the Tenderloin now. Some of hotels around there are pretty nice, like the SF Hilton for example.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I would've added Bourbon & Branch probably the best historical speakeasy in the Bay, Black Cat jazz bar, Shamilar for delicious Indian/Pakistani food, and Compton's Cafeteria in the Transgender District for its historical relevance to LGBT history (the Compton's Cafeteria Riot predates the more famous Stonewall Riot). Awesome video, keep them coming!
If you ever want to make any updates on the tl let me know because I want to help and contribute in some way. I have a lot of experience with the tl and it's opposite. 30 years bouncing between the world of money, tech and wealth and the streets of the tl.
I don't have any plans to in the immediate future, but I'd love to at some point.
Used to live at the Essex hotel, but recently moved and I'm so glad I'm out of there. It can be a nice area to visit and it's definitely an experience living there, but there's always an air of discomfort that makes it impossible to be there without feeling a bit worried. Like one time I got off the bus a block away from my home and realized my keys weren't clipped to my pants, which at first I thought fell off on the bus before realizing I didn't even reattach them to my pants while I was in the theater, and when I was patting myself trying to find them and visibly freaking out a bit some young hooligan took advantage of the situation to try to rattle me and intimidate me where even though I'm used to BS like that I felt a bit unsafe in the instance as they seemed like the type who were looking for a fight and would gladly start one if I responded wrong. Another incident happened while I was trying to make my way to the Warfield to see Mrs. Doubtfire (great play) and while I was walking and went to check for a bus on the opposite corner from the first incident some guy walked up to me accusing me of having his shoe in my tote bag that I had over my shoulder where he tried to intimidate me by acting aggressive while telling me to open my bag to show him likely so he could try to grab whatever he saw of value before running off, which he likely targeted me as I was dressed a bit nicer than I usually would dress, and only stopped after I held my bag close while yelling that I didn't have his shoe and telling him to leave me alone. Now even though both of those incidents were definitely ones that made me feel unsafe they were not things that happened often, but at the same time I didn't really go out much because I didn't want to create opportunities for things like that to happen. So my point in general is that it's definitely an area that can feel unsafe even though it's most likely that nothing will happen as most people out there are just trying to mind their own business rather than attract attention and the police, which includes the drug dealers, but definitely be aware of the fact that the more vulnerable and uncomfortable you look out there the more likely there will be some random asshole that tries to take advantage of that vulnerability to make you feel uncomfortable whether it's because they actually have malicious/harmful intent or because they think it's entertaining/funny to scare people who feel uncomfortable out there.
Saying you're 'more likely to be a victim of a crime in Oakland' is not a very good vouch for the safety of a place.
As a norcal boy the rules in Chicago fit in the city since it's literally turned into the Chicago of the west. If your a local. Your usually safe.
Tenderloin is pretty bad, but I walk through it all the time if I'm in the city. One of my favorite restaurants in the city is there (right next to Philz cofee), and that particular street has actually improved considerably over the past few years. The thing is most of the issues involve people trying to get drugs, money, or both. Doesn't tend to be much straight up violence or anything past wigged out people. I've never really felt unsafe.
For the bar scene near the area, check out Chelsea Place. Yuki, the bar tender, is amazing and energetic. She'll make you play the tambourine to the music and scream at you if she thinks you're not having a good time. You'll always walk out smiling.
Protect tender loins
Great video 👍
Thanks!
Oh wow! First, I have this to "Watch Later" (will watch tonight) but I was gonna reach out to you today. Also, I was JUST talking about the Tenderloin in Reddit. It's all about.........timing. Anyhoo, was gonna reach out to see if you're attending the A's Fans Fest this Saturday at Jack London Square. We are going! Would love to chat with ya. Have a cold one.
That would be great! But unfortunately I can't get to the fan fest. Wish I could. #selltheteam
@@AdamDoesNotExist Ahh. Bummer. Ok. Maybe another time. Cheers! 🥤
To be honest I feel like skid row in La is way worse. I’ve been in both extensively for work.
I lived in rhe the TL back in the early 90's and have walked all those streets at 3am and never felt unsafe. Yeah i did see someone get knifed and a couple of fights but i never felt in danger. As long a you mine your own business nobodies paying you any attention... I Love San Francisco.
I actually love the TL. It's had its ups and downs, and honestly the open-air drug dealing is nothing new. I used to rehearse my band in a practice studio at Turk and Taylor, and every single time we'd go down to the corner store to get a soda or something, we'd get followed by someone trying to sell us crack, meth, etc. It was annoying, but not particularly dangerous. The GMA and Warfield are all-time classic venues that I still go to all the time. Xenophobes miss out on great neighborhoods because they've bought into the belief that there are monsters and villains lurking around every corner, but folks, people are people. People struggle and they get better, or they don't. The focus needs to be on finding solutions to very solvable problems, not vilifying someone because they're different than you.
I really like your storytelling!
Thank you so much!
Thanks for a great documentary.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The Tenderloin is actually where I met people who ate cow manure and they knew how to brainwash and defile my mind…Be careful who you talk to and who try to grab your hand out there…I’m not kidding either.
Word
A lot of beautiful and interesting architecture in The TL.