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In this three block stretch of Chestnut Street between Scott and Fillmore, you'll find one of the yuppiest areas of the Marina, let alone the entire city of San Francisco. There are seven banks, a plethora of food and clothing stores as well as barber shops, eyeglass stores, camera stores, coffee shops, cleaners, nail, hair, and beauty shops, a movie theater, and much more. After all, where else can you find super chains (such as B & J's -- otherwise known as Ben and Jerry's -- Wild Oats, Noah's Bagels, the Body Shop, the PotteryBarn, Big 5, Baskin Robbins, Peet's Coffee & Tea, Mrs. Fields, Walgreens, Starbucks, and Johnny Rockets) and specialty shops in such a small area? No where else but Chestnut Street!

I'd especially recommend Chestnut to all of those people who like to buy their clothes in boutiques. This street has some of the greatest. You'll definitely find some of the most unique clothing and jewelry stores. Stock up while you're here!

The rating system that I used to rank all of the different types of shops is shown below. Just so you know, I've decided to rate the non-chain stores and eateries. The rating system is a five star system, with five being a "must" and one being a "don't even look that way!"

Five Star Rating System
***** Outstanding
**** Excellent
*** Good
** Average
* Why Bother?

Chatchkes

Laurel's Treasures and Toys
2258 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-441-5952
Pluses: Lots and lots of quality stuff from jewelry, cards, wind-up toys, carvings, frames, etc.!
Minuses: Too much good stuff.
Don't Miss: The jewelry and hand-crafted artwork.
Prices: Fare to Moderate from $ .10 to $1,500.00
Open: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday
10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday
Rating: ***(1/2)
Welcome to Laurel's Treasures and Toys, a store that could suck you in and you'd never return home! In this small, quaint shop, you can find just about anything you need from hand carved and painted masks to toys and jewelry. They have agreat gadget for those who get angry at their computers. It is a mini, squishy computer that comes with pins to be stuck in when you feel the need to lash out at your computer. And, on your way out ladies, don't forget to pick up your copy of How to Make Your Man Behave in 21 Days or Less, Using the Secrets of Professional Dog Trainers by Karen Salmansohn.

Sakes Alive
2056 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-563-4977
Pluses: A little of everything from "perverted" toys to incense, T-shirts, cards, etc.
Minuses: It may be hard to find stuff -- cluttered store.
Don't Miss: The 18 & over section.
Prices: $ .29 to $300.00
Open: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday
11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday
10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday
Rating: ***(1/2)
This is one of wildest stores in town. As its motto says, it's got "fun gifts for kids of all ages!" You can find everything from Elvis' drivers license to candles made out of your favorite body parts. When you enter, make sure you wear a smile because you'll need one to enjoy all of the different "items" they've got here!

Clothing & Jewelry

Body Options
2108 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-567-1122
Pluses: Great, cheap women's swim suits, dresses, workout clothes, pants, casual wear.
Minuses: Not many different clothing patterns.
Don't Miss: The swim suits.
Prices: Cheap to moderate.
Open: 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday
Rating: **(1/2)
If you're looking for a suit or workout wear, or even very casual dress attire, you can find it here. Body Options definitely has a variety of clothes, although they may not be as unique as you're looking for.

Capri
2080 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-929-8868
Pluses: Beautiful clothing, jewelry, shoes, and outfits for teenage girls and older.
Minuses: Pricey.
Don't Miss: The dresses and shoes.
Prices: Expensive.
Open: 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday
11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday
Rating: ****(1/2)
Capri has a phenomenal selection of clothes for the individual. They carry shirts, dresses, pants, suits, jackets, shoes, and jewelry for that upscale lady. In this quaint store, there's great designer-name clothes. If you're going to shop on Chestnut, you must hit Capri!

Chadwick's of London
2068 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-775-3423
Pluses: Lingerie for all occasions and that special someone.
Minuses: Not enough clothes.
Prices: Moderate to Expensive.
Open: 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday
12:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday
Rating: ***
Beware: this store is too kinky for your average shopper. If you're afraid of lace and frivolity, I'd recommend that you try this store anyway. Who knows -- you may find what you never thought you needed!

Earthsake
2076 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-441-2896
Pluses: Environmentally sound house apparel, clothes, sheets, soaps, shoes, etc.
Minuses: Oatmeal and earth tones.
Don't Miss: The bath stuff!
Prices: Moderate to Expensive.
Open: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday
Rating: ***
The idea behind this store is an excellent one: "products that make a difference." You can find just about anything for the house or for you. Although, if you shop here exclusively, people may wonder why your outfits match your house!

Excessories
2032 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-563-9663
Pluses: Unbelievable jewelry, hats, glasses.
Minuses: Pricey.
Don't Miss: The necklaces.
Prices: Moderate to Expensive.
Open: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday
10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday
Rating: *****
You can't walk down Chestnut without making it a priority to visit Excessories! In here, you'll find a world of jewelry you never knew existed. You can buy rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that all match! The store also has a wide collection of hats and glasses.

Headlines
2301 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-441-5550
Pluses: Candles, jewelry, clothes, cards, pipes.
Minuses: Possibly too offbeat.
Don't Miss: The dresses.
Prices: Moderate to Expensive.
Open: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday
11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday
Rating: ***
Headlines has an eclectic mix of stuff, including cards, clothes, candles, jewelry, books, hats, lamps and furniture. And, it's all retrospective of the sixties and seventies. You can find just about anything, especially if you're wanting that "punk" look or feel. Although, it may be a little too "out-there" for you, I'd suggest that you at least try it.

Ovation
2124 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-931-5445
Pluses: Beautiful clothing, jewelry, purses, bags, and outfits for teenage girls and up.
Minuses: Pricey.
Don't Miss: The jewelry.
Prices: Expensive.
Open: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
Rating: ****(1/2)
Ovation is a fabulous store for the woman who's looking for any type of attire. Heck -- it's a great store even if you're not looking. This store carries everything you could ever need or want for your wardrobe, from dressy business suits to more casual skorts and skirts. Be careful because if you aren't, you may leave with no money.

Food & Beverage

Allstar pastry & Donuts
2095 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-441-9270
Pluses: Open 24 hours.
Minuses: Do you like donuts?
Don't Miss: The donuts.
Prices: $ .55 to $1.05 for a range of donuts.
Open: 24 hours.
Rating: ***
Personally, I'm not a fan of donuts and so the idea of an entire shop devoted to donuts is a little much. But, if you're a donut lover, here's a store for you. It's easily located and always open, so you can get your fix.

Cybelle's Pizza
2105 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-563-0620
Pluses: Awesome pizza.
Minuses: Lots of cheese on pizza.
Don't Miss: The pizza
Prices: $1.50 to $20.75.
Open: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday - Thursday
11:00 a.m. to midnight Friday & Saturday
Rating: ***
At Cybelle's , you can go crazy with any variety of pizzas. There's an Omni (salami, pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, zucchini, and spinach), a Clambake (chopped ocean clams, garlic, basil, and spices), and a Greek Goddess (pesto, spinach, broccoli, black olive, feta, and garlic) to name a few. If you aren't in the mood for one of their specialties, you can make your own or opt for something else, like salads or calzones. Whatever you do, make sure you try it.

The Grove
2250 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-474-4843
Pluses: Great Location, Happening Scene, Good Food and Drinks.
Minuses: At night often hard to be seated.
Don't Miss: Coming on a weekend and eating.
Prices: Fare to Moderate from $1.50 for coffee and drinks to $6.95 for beer, sandwiches, muffins, quiches, salads, soups, cafe faire, etc.
Open: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday - Wednesday
8:00 a.m. to midnight Thursday - Saturday
Rating: ***(1/2)
This cafe is a very "posh" place to be seen. The large, hard-wood tables add a nice touch to the fully windowed cafe. You can either sit inside or outside at a small table with your friends or at one of the larger circular share tables inside. During the day, you see many people reading, writing, or studying. At night, the scene is lively and beer-laden.

Lucca Deli
2120 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-921-7873
Pluses: Breads, cheeses, desserts, party trays, antipasti, pasta, sauces, meats.
Minuses: Bizarre homemade salads.
Prices: Moderate.
Open: 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday
9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday - Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
Rating: **(1/2)
This deli with imported goods is, according to their motto, "The Tastiest Little Deli In The World." If you're looking for a quick sandwich or some soup, or just some food to go, you can get it here. Although I'd beware -- their pre-made salads sometimes look a little old.

Ultimate Yogurt & More...
2066 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-346-4555
Pluses: Unbelievable frozen yogurt, ice cream, smoothies, and toppings.
Minuses: There are so many varieites that it is hard to choose.
Don't Miss: The GisÈ, a low-calorie frozen yogurt;.
Prices: Moderate.
Open: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday
11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday
11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday
Rating: *****
Undoubtedly the best yogurt store in the country, Ultimate Yogurt & More... is my favorite place to hang out. With over twenty or thirty different flavors of desserts and their own "flavor line," this store is the best. The yogurt is tasty, the service is friendly, and I wish I had an Ultimate Yogurt & More... store in my house! It doesn't matter if you're hungry. You need to eat something at Ultimate Yogurt & More....

World Wrapps
2257 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-563-9727
Pluses: Incredible "wraps" and smoothies
Minuses: May have to wait 10 or 15 minutes to get food.
Prices: $3.95 to $6.25
Open: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily
Rating: *****
According to them, World Wrapps is "an innovative, quick-service restaurant providing healthy and flavorful alternatives to traditional fast food." The atmosphere in this restaurant is more than enough to make anyone want to go. No matter what you order, when you leave, you'll be saying how fantastic it is and how you want to come back for more. FYI -- a wrap "goes beyond burritos by wrapping gourmet, multi-cultural ingredients in whole wheat, low fat, regular, and our original roma tomato and spinach tortillas." It's a definite must to frequent World Wrapps when you hit Chestnut.