Ask HN: Hacker / Entrepreneur related things to do when in San Fran

[shunter]

Hi HN,

I'm going to be down in San Fran for a week at a conference. Outside of the normal conference activities, I'd like to try to connect with the scene, people, and get to know a little about the life of an entrepreneur / hacker in San Fran.

Places to go, people to connect with, suggestions and thoughts are all appreciated.

Thanks

[adrydzak]

I visited San Francisco for the first time over this most recent summer on vacation and got my best advice from a friend who works in the area- he suggested visiting co-working spaces or "entrepreneur" popular coffee shops as the best way to make connections or network outside of getting a introduction from a friend of a friend.

The list of locations he suggested to me are the following: Coworking: http://wiki.coworking.com/w/page/16583935/SanFranciscoCowork...

Coffee: Fourbarrel Coffee: http://fourbarrelcoffee.com Coupa Cafe in Palo Alto: http://www.coupacafe.com/ Coupa Cafe on the Stanford Campus: http://www.coupacafe.com/locations/stanford-green-library/ The Summit: http://www.thesummit-sf.com/

It is quite awkward to just "drop in" and cold visit these places, but I found that attending during an event made for a perfect occasion to network.

Also, have you tried just reaching out to any startups you are interested in? I was able to visit several just by contacting them ahead of time (important), explaining what I wanted clearly (introduction, advice, etc) and then setting up a lunch or tour.

[caycep]

i like to pretend i'm a hacker by ordering expensive drinks at the y combinator cafe in the mission....i am hoping the skill around me will rub off by osmosis or something

[not-giving-up]

(1) don't call it "San Fran".

[mikeburrelljr]

What, are we in 2nd grade? Call it whatever the fuck you want. /rant