Road Trip: Northern California

Northern California is one of my favorite places on the planet. I grew up there, and lucky for me I have work that brings me out every season–which scratches my need-to-move-back itch. I’m always bugging my friends to share their favorite spots, which I’m listing for you here, but since you need to go through SF to head north, I’ll give you my very very short list of favorites. Our full San Francisco Black Book is coming mid-November. —Y.E. (Most recent update November 2024)

I try to time my flights into SFO for Wed-Sun and land around lunchtime, so that I can make a stop for my favorite taco at La Taqueria. Matt and I have a fight every time we are heading towards the Mission for it, because he insists that El Farolito is so much more “the real deal.” Whatever. Since I’m usually just passing through SF and not staying for any length of time, it’s either a taco or a salad at Chloe’s if I’m landing on a Monday or Tuesday, when La Taqueria is closed–I’m super nostalgic and Chloe’s has been making their salads the same way since I used to go there in college–or a coffee at The Mill. Note to out-of-towners: if you have a rental car and it’s filled with your luggage, do not park on the street and leave your car with any valuables. I don’t like having to start with a negative, but sadly, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had friends who have had their cars broken into, in every neighborhood, and had all of their things stolen. Find a garage, or have someone stay in the car and get it to go. If I’m driving through at dinner hour, I would head to Cotogna or Zuni.