The stabbing was reported at about 8:20 p.m. near the intersection of Turk and Taylor streets.
The 53-year-old victim was approached by another man who accused him of taking his property. The suspect then stabbed the victim in the back and ran away, according to police.
The suspect had not been found as of Friday morning.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call the Police Department's anonymous tip line at (415) 575-4444 or send a tip by text message to TIP411.