Need opinion from SF posters
Need opinion from SF posters
#1Need opinion from SF posters
Posted: 10/9/16 at 11:41am
Hi there! I'm going to Hedwig today for both matinee and evening performance. I don't want to go back to hotel in between so I thought I'd hang out in union square area in between. It seems like an easy walk but I understand the theatre is in tenderloin and not the nicest area. Does this sound like a logical plan and/or do you have better suggestion on how to spend the time. I figure I've got about 2.5 hrs between the shows? All suggestions welcome! Thanks.
trpguyy
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/25/05
#2Need opinion from SF posters
Posted: 10/9/16 at 12:21pm
You'll definitely be able to kill time in Union Square. Like you said, it's an easy walk. Don't pay any mind to the bums, just keep walking. You'll probably find yourself on a group of other people leaving the theater also going to Union Square. If you're really concerned about it, spend a couple bucks on an Uber.
Enjoy the show!
#4Need opinion from SF posters
Posted: 10/9/16 at 12:50pm
You'll be fine. Just walk down Market Street. There will be lots of people around, and SHNSF has security in the area (the orange jackets). Mid-Market is still sketchy at parts but it's changing rapidly as tech companies, nicer restaurants, and high income people are moving in.
Terracentric
Understudy Joined: 8/28/16
#5Need opinion from SF posters
Posted: 10/9/16 at 12:58pm
Hi, I'll be seeing Lena tonight, too. I suggest sticking to Market Street when walking to/from theater. Yes, Union Square area is a good place to kill 2.5 hrs. Let me know if you need any more info.
#6Need opinion from SF posters
Posted: 10/9/16 at 1:01pm
Basically if you walk down market street two blocks east from the Golden Gate Theater, you're on Powell, which is super-touristy and pretty safe. It's also pretty awful unless you're really comfortable in crowds. If you have two hours to do some exploring in the area, and don't feel like venturing into china town (about a 15 minute walk from the theater) or into the big department stores in Union Square, It might be a nice idea to take the time to hop on the J train at Powell station. and Visit Dolores Park and, to quote the lady in the Blonde Wig, "The newly annoying Mission District" (Specificially on Valencia Street between 16th and 20th, which will take you about twenty minutes to get to/back on Public Transit, or hop on a bus (or cab/uber/Lyft) and visit Washington Square in North Beach, which is relatively close and has a lot of good food options. If you want to stay closer to the theater, there's always the Westfield Mall.
Updated On: 10/9/16 at 01:01 PM
wyo2ny
Chorus Member Joined: 5/28/14
#7Need opinion from SF posters
Posted: 10/9/16 at 2:57pm
I don't think there's a reason to feel unsafe in this area. Just be aware of your surroundings.
Great suggestions from the other respondents. You could also walk/trolley to the piers, about a half mile from the theater. Walking along the bay-front today would be glorious. You might even be able to glimpse the Blue Angels as they perform for Fleet Week if you hustle down there after curtain.
There is a really great restaurant that serves Ethiopian food . It's called Tadu and is about a five minute walk from the theater.
Let us know what you think of the the shows. And enjoy!
#8Need opinion from SF posters
Posted: 10/9/16 at 5:28pm
And if you're into cults, get a vegetarian dinner at Ananda Fuara!
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
#9Need opinion from SF posters
Posted: 10/10/16 at 1:31pm
I feel the Tenderloin really gets a bum rap. For as much pedestrian traffic and folks that go through it daily, it's more common sense caution than being mugged every 5 seconds there.
"when I’m on stage I see the abyss and have to overcome it by telling myself it’s only a play." - Helen Mirren
Updated On: 10/10/16 at 01:31 PM
#10Need opinion from SF posters
Posted: 10/10/16 at 1:46pm
skies said: "I feel the Tenderloin really gets a bum rap. For as much pedestrian traffic and folks that go through it daily, it's more common sense caution than being mugged every 5 seconds there.
Yes. It was very anti-climatic when I got there and saw that it wasnt bad at all. At least where the theatre was. It makes sense to always use common sense but there's a lot of foot traffic and so I felt 100% fine. I think the location of the theatre and the theatre itself contributes nicely to the whole Hedwig story.
That being said I appreciate everyone's suggestions. I was going to head over to Dolores Park after the matinee but there were a group of Marines playing big band music on Powell and so I ended up sticking around. Wish I knew how to upload video on this site for you to see. It was awesome.
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