Haute Secrets: Politican Scott Wiener Shares His Preferred Places in SF

Scott Wiener has been a Castro-resident for over 20 years. As a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, he also represents the neighborhood at City Hall. With degrees from Harvard and Duke, the incredibly tall politician—he’s 6 foot 7!—is a man about town who is currently running for State Senate. He’s an advocate for gay and LGBT rights, a lover of the environment, and supporter of new energy initiatives like grey water recycling systems and solar panels. Weiner recently authored legislation that grants men fully paid paternal leave, which makes San Francisco the first city in the nation to allow new parents to stay at home with their children for six weeks with full pay. Since we’re a huge fan of Wiener, we reached out to find out where he likes to hang out when he’s not campaigning. Below, learn more about Wiener’s past and find out where the politician likes to hang out.

Where were you born: I was born in Philadelphia, but moved to New Jersey when I was young where I lived until I went to college.

How long in San Francisco: I moved here almost twenty years ago after law school.

Neighborhood: The Castro, where I’ve gone from being a young gay man going out until late at night to a not-so-young gay man going to yoga early in the morning.

Occupation: I serve on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, where I work on transportation, housing, healthcare, education, LGBT, and environmental issues.

Favorite Restaurant:  I have many favorites, but one of them is Poesia, a great Italian restaurant in the Castro. Oprah ate there once.

Best Sushi: We Be Sushi on Valencia and Takara Sushi on 18th Street.

Best Italian: Poesia in the Castro.

Best dessert: Mitchell’s Ice Cream on Guerrero and Bi-Rite Creamery on 18^th Street.

Best place for a romantic date: The San Francisco Ballet followed by late dinner at Absinthe.

Best Sunday brunch: Zuni

Best place for a power business meeting: Near City Hall, I like Hayes Street Grill. If I’m downtown, John’s Grill is a great spot with a ton of history. But at the end of the day, I like to keep it simple and just meet people for coffee.

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The Parker House on Church Street. Great bed and breakfast.

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Gump’s

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Hayes Valley has some great shops where you can buy fun and funky jewelry that make great gifts.

Best Spa: Kabuki Springs and Spa

Favorite Charity Event: North Beach Citizens Spring Dinner with Francis Ford Coppola and the Human Rights Campaign dinner and auction in the fall.

Favorite Cultural Event: We have so many amazing events here in San Francisco, but as a member of the LGBT community, Pride and Folsom have always held a special place in my heart. I also love the Italian Heritage Parade.

Favorite Cultural Institution: New Conservatory Theater and SFMOMA

Best Steakhouse: House of Prime Rib

Best Pizza: Pizzeria Delfina, Slice House by Tony, and Marcello’s

Best Lunch: The Chairman food truck at Civic Center’s off the grid. City Hall makes for a great backdrop.

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Yoga Tree in the Castro

Best Massage: Salvatore Manzi

Best Limousine/Driving Service: I’m a huge public transit guy—that’s the focus of a lot of my work as an elected official, so I take Muni and BART whenever I can. I’ve been a daily Muni rider for almost twenty years, so I know how important it is for everyone in our city.

Best Museum/Exhibit: San Francisco is blessed with an amazing arts scene, but I love the Randall Museum in Corona Heights. It’s an amazing place for kids and families to learn about nature. We are currently renovating it and I can’t wait to see it open back up.

Describe your city in three words: Progressive, creative, diverse

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Military Cemetery at the Presidio

All-around favorite spot in San Francisco: Strybing Arboretum in Golden Gate Park

Best Aspect of San Francisco: As a city, we’re on the cutting edge of so many movements while honoring our past. We’ve led on key progressive policies like paid sick leave and marriage equality. In my time on the Board of Supervisors, I authored legislation expanding paid parental leave and requiring water recycling and solar panels in new developments. We’re the first City in the country to pass these policy advances, and hopefully we won’t be the last. It’s an honor to serve in elected office in this great city.