Guidebook for San Francisco
Food Scene
hippest breakfast in the Mission - must try their biscuit w gravy. Expect brunch lines on the weekends, so I hit it during the week.
58 personas locales recomiendan
Boogaloos
3296 22nd Sthippest breakfast in the Mission - must try their biscuit w gravy. Expect brunch lines on the weekends, so I hit it during the week.
it's not a delicatessen - it's a Mexi-catessen!
I get my blue (corn) & green (agave) corn tortillas here; try their potato taquitos, atole & you may be able to catch the women in the back making hand made tortillas.
Okay si, its been discovered I heard it was featured by Anthony Bourdain RIP, since then the small little market is gone & patio tables have been replaced outside but it is Hella Authentic!
70 personas locales recomiendan
La Palma Mexicatessen
2884 24th Stit's not a delicatessen - it's a Mexi-catessen!
I get my blue (corn) & green (agave) corn tortillas here; try their potato taquitos, atole & you may be able to catch the women in the back making hand made tortillas.
Okay si, its been discovered I heard it was featured by Anthony Bourdain RIP, since then the small little market is gone & patio tables have been replaced outside but it is Hella Authentic!
Best no frills Ice Cream in SF (it is an on going debate) .
Old school SF where you can find the true local, pre-hipstery & pre techy vibe;
just working class, diverse, & non pretentious folks . So many unique ethnic flavors; Peruvian, Filippino, Mexican & more. Rain or sunshine, or storming & lighting- there is a line out the door & you know how much Californian's hate the rain!
214 personas locales recomiendan
Mitchell's Ice Cream
688 San Jose AvenueBest no frills Ice Cream in SF (it is an on going debate) .
Old school SF where you can find the true local, pre-hipstery & pre techy vibe;
just working class, diverse, & non pretentious folks . So many unique ethnic flavors; Peruvian, Filippino, Mexican & more. Rain or sunshine, or storming & lighting- there is a line out the door & you know how much Californian's hate the rain!
I know it's touristy but I still love the iconic Boudin Bakery at Fisherman Wharf's. Tour the museum upstairs that is as much about SF gold rush history as it is about the bread.
Try the quintessential SF meal : fresh dungeness crab with Boudin sourdough & a Chardonnay from Napa or Sonoma.
If you are on a budget buy a crab sandwich for $12 from the crab stands on the street - each one make it different but all have a mound of fresh crab!
39 personas locales recomiendan
Boudin at the Wharf
160 Jefferson StI know it's touristy but I still love the iconic Boudin Bakery at Fisherman Wharf's. Tour the museum upstairs that is as much about SF gold rush history as it is about the bread.
Try the quintessential SF meal : fresh dungeness crab with Boudin sourdough & a Chardonnay from Napa or Sonoma.
If you are on a budget buy a crab sandwich for $12 from the crab stands on the street - each one make it different but all have a mound of fresh crab!
UPDATE: The famous Stinking Rose moved to this location & I have yet to go . Great design at their outside tables for people watching in North Beach & the food is good too.
18 personas locales recomiendan
Calzone's Restaurant
430 Columbus AveUPDATE: The famous Stinking Rose moved to this location & I have yet to go . Great design at their outside tables for people watching in North Beach & the food is good too.
Best Spanish tapas in the Mission - it's like traveling to the Mediterranean without the airport lines.
Try the trout, asparagus, spinach bechamel, jamon serrano appetizer, shrimp w garlic too many great dishes to pick from & it's affordable!
26 personas locales recomiendan
Esperpento Restaurant
3295 22nd StBest Spanish tapas in the Mission - it's like traveling to the Mediterranean without the airport lines.
Try the trout, asparagus, spinach bechamel, jamon serrano appetizer, shrimp w garlic too many great dishes to pick from & it's affordable!
Hearty food that celebrates the Arabic community of the Mission in a diverse non hipster-y ambiance
41 personas locales recomiendan
Old Jerusalem
2966 Mission StreetHearty food that celebrates the Arabic community of the Mission in a diverse non hipster-y ambiance
UPDATE : I have heard this place changed owners & things are not the same - sigh!
Their quality is a cut above. Their specialty is the Peking Duck w superb presentation. Michelin rated, the owner chef was the principal chef for Chinese consulate in SF. UPDATE: recently I heard this place must have changed hands because gone is the Peking Duck presentation at the table - wah!
16 personas locales recomiendan
Chili House SF
726 Clement StUPDATE : I have heard this place changed owners & things are not the same - sigh!
Their quality is a cut above. Their specialty is the Peking Duck w superb presentation. Michelin rated, the owner chef was the principal chef for Chinese consulate in SF. UPDATE: recently I heard this place must have changed hands because gone is the Peking Duck presentation at the table - wah!
Take the coastal drive on Hwy 1 to this amazing restaurant where the Russian River meets the Ocean.
On the way to Stinson Beach take a short 4 mile detour to gawk at the 180 degree view at the summitt of Mt. Tam then come back & keep going to Stinson Beach, Tomales & Bodega Bay. Return via Russian River/ Guerneville to Hwy 101 & SF to make an epic day loop.
Locally sourced fine dinning, non pretentious service & the best view!
105 personas locales recomiendan
River's End Restaurant & Inn
11048 CA-1Take the coastal drive on Hwy 1 to this amazing restaurant where the Russian River meets the Ocean.
On the way to Stinson Beach take a short 4 mile detour to gawk at the 180 degree view at the summitt of Mt. Tam then come back & keep going to Stinson Beach, Tomales & Bodega Bay. Return via Russian River/ Guerneville to Hwy 101 & SF to make an epic day loop.
Locally sourced fine dinning, non pretentious service & the best view!
Great cafe w a Latinamerican vibe full of Mission locals.
13 personas locales recomiendan
Cafe La Taza
2475 Mission StGreat cafe w a Latinamerican vibe full of Mission locals.
Healthy,nutritious,organic café w an LA in the 70's California vibe. SF gluten free prices but worth it. Open late.
15 personas locales recomiendan
Beloved Natural Cafe & Organic Juicery
3338 24th StHealthy,nutritious,organic café w an LA in the 70's California vibe. SF gluten free prices but worth it. Open late.
My favorite Thai in the City by the Bay. High end but
worth the treat!
34 personas locales recomiendan
Osha Thai Restaurant & Lounge
4 Embarcadero CtrMy favorite Thai in the City by the Bay. High end but
worth the treat!
For a special treat this place is the best Chinese food w/ an elegant ambiance. $100 fixed price menu seems like a great deal for the incredible flavor & presentation, never mind the view !
Empress by Boon
For a special treat this place is the best Chinese food w/ an elegant ambiance. $100 fixed price menu seems like a great deal for the incredible flavor & presentation, never mind the view !
Its like a wine bar cafe but for chocolate w samples of all types of chocolates from all over the world.
152 personas locales recomiendan
Dandelion Chocolate
740 Valencia StIts like a wine bar cafe but for chocolate w samples of all types of chocolates from all over the world.
Love this cafe next to Dolores Park - the food & outside tables are amazing
, when its crowded the line moves fast too or move your picnic to the park w a view !
Dolores Park Cafe
Love this cafe next to Dolores Park - the food & outside tables are amazing
, when its crowded the line moves fast too or move your picnic to the park w a view !
Drinks & Nightlife
Eclectic local hangout w/ a cuban flair.
Rumba every other Sunday.
They open at 7:30pm or whenever the rice is done :)
17 personas locales recomiendan
Radio Habana Social Club
1109 Valencia StEclectic local hangout w/ a cuban flair.
Rumba every other Sunday.
They open at 7:30pm or whenever the rice is done :)
used to be Cafe Revolution, & they managed to keep the free daily music. The Greek appetizers are really good too !
I like enjoying a glass of wine w a friend in their outdoor seating
Ivory & Vine SF
used to be Cafe Revolution, & they managed to keep the free daily music. The Greek appetizers are really good too !
I like enjoying a glass of wine w a friend in their outdoor seating
Watch a movie w gourmet dinning inside an old restored Art Deco movie house, the only one still left on Mission Street from the 1930's Golden Era of Movies. Architect Timothy Fluegert also built the Castro theater,
I was involved in the nasty fight (Latino race card included) to save this movie house from being demolished- it took 10 years & was a crash course in SF politics !
229 personas locales recomiendan
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
2550 Mission StWatch a movie w gourmet dinning inside an old restored Art Deco movie house, the only one still left on Mission Street from the 1930's Golden Era of Movies. Architect Timothy Fluegert also built the Castro theater,
I was involved in the nasty fight (Latino race card included) to save this movie house from being demolished- it took 10 years & was a crash course in SF politics !
A slice of local pre tech SF & pre gentrification Mission ; unpretentious, gay friendly- don’t miss Salsa Sundays once a month - keeping SF grungy & real !
196 personas locales recomiendan
El Rio
3158 Mission StA slice of local pre tech SF & pre gentrification Mission ; unpretentious, gay friendly- don’t miss Salsa Sundays once a month - keeping SF grungy & real !
Shopping
FULL DISCLOSURE & UPDATE: I owned this shop for over 20 years in the Mission & closed it in 2019, it was an adventure that gave me a very intimate & Spiritual connection to La Mision.
It was a Latin cultural landmark in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood this community store was dedicated to fair trade imports & preservation of Mexican traditions- get your dose of latinamericana, political, immigrant culture & take a photo with their infamous Donald Trump piñatas!
Closing my retail store was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but my importing business continues online & now I get to spend time in Mexico working, so the journey continues.
6 personas locales recomiendan
Casa Bonampak
FULL DISCLOSURE & UPDATE: I owned this shop for over 20 years in the Mission & closed it in 2019, it was an adventure that gave me a very intimate & Spiritual connection to La Mision.
It was a Latin cultural landmark in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood this community store was dedicated to fair trade imports & preservation of Mexican traditions- get your dose of latinamericana, political, immigrant culture & take a photo with their infamous Donald Trump piñatas!
Closing my retail store was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but my importing business continues online & now I get to spend time in Mexico working, so the journey continues.
UPDATE: unfortunately the Scarlet Sage moved to Upper Fillmore & ended up closing; SF businesses have not bounced back post pandemic, another painful loss to the city.
In it's hey day, it was the best herbal store for the modern urban witch. candles incense & so much more. daily tarot or other readings.
After decades in the Mission they just moved to upper Fillmore- I hope they make the transition!
18 personas locales recomiendan
The Scarlet Sage Herb Co.
1903 Valencia StUPDATE: unfortunately the Scarlet Sage moved to Upper Fillmore & ended up closing; SF businesses have not bounced back post pandemic, another painful loss to the city.
In it's hey day, it was the best herbal store for the modern urban witch. candles incense & so much more. daily tarot or other readings.
After decades in the Mission they just moved to upper Fillmore- I hope they make the transition!
This store is a Spiritual experience, complete with a meditation room. Crystals, Incense, hippie clothing & more from the Far East it is a Haight street staple whose religion is Love! You can tell it is more than just a store it is a community movement.
12 personas locales recomiendan
The Love of Ganesha
1573 Haight StThis store is a Spiritual experience, complete with a meditation room. Crystals, Incense, hippie clothing & more from the Far East it is a Haight street staple whose religion is Love! You can tell it is more than just a store it is a community movement.
Essentials
there are two Casa Guadalupes on the same block of Mission street around the corner from the house, but this one has more organic things- convenient & immigrant prices!
10 personas locales recomiendan
Casa Guadalupe II
2909 Mission Stthere are two Casa Guadalupes on the same block of Mission street around the corner from the house, but this one has more organic things- convenient & immigrant prices!
arguably the BEST natural food store in the country. Rainbow is the reason I don't move out of SF
275 personas locales recomiendan
Rainbow Grocery
1745 Folsom Starguably the BEST natural food store in the country. Rainbow is the reason I don't move out of SF
Best Middle Eastern Grocery store plus more - feels like you are in Egypt or Turkey or another exotic Arab location stocking up on essentials. Celebrates the diversity of the Mission.
7 personas locales recomiendan
Samiramis Imports
2990 Mission StBest Middle Eastern Grocery store plus more - feels like you are in Egypt or Turkey or another exotic Arab location stocking up on essentials. Celebrates the diversity of the Mission.
Getting Around
the heartbeat of the Mission District is 24th & Mission & the Bay Area's Latin community
227 personas locales recomiendan
24th St Mission station
the heartbeat of the Mission District is 24th & Mission & the Bay Area's Latin community
Nature & Parks
in the top 3 things you must do in SF for iconic views as long as Karl the Fog is not doing it's thing.
Sutro baths is a great place to see the sun set on the open ocean and grab a famous Irish Coffee invented in SF at the iconic Cliff House (restaurant bar for the views NOT the cafe)
42 personas locales recomiendan
Laberinto de Lands End
Lands End Trailin the top 3 things you must do in SF for iconic views as long as Karl the Fog is not doing it's thing.
Sutro baths is a great place to see the sun set on the open ocean and grab a famous Irish Coffee invented in SF at the iconic Cliff House (restaurant bar for the views NOT the cafe)
Get a slice of local SF life plus superb views of downtown & the Bay Bridge where the Mission meets the Castro. There is a guy that sells ganja chocolate balls or the girl dressed up as Alice In Wonderland or Heidi selling cookies, the best people keeping SF freaky.
When it is warm & sunny all the gay boys sunbathe in the speedos, hence the term "Dolores Beach" .
So glad the Easter Hunky Jesus contest is back - if you want to understand the irreverance of SF you must go!
Across the street is Mission High where Carlos Santana went to school when he hung out in the Mission after immigrating from Mexico.
I love Dolores Park cafe across the street from the tennis courts- excellent food with indoor & outdoor seating and the line moves fast.
Arguably the best ice cream in SF at Birite - look for the line for lavender & hipster scented vanilla- though I say the best in SF is Mitchell's but you tell me.
46 personas locales recomiendan
Mission Dolores Park
19th StreetGet a slice of local SF life plus superb views of downtown & the Bay Bridge where the Mission meets the Castro. There is a guy that sells ganja chocolate balls or the girl dressed up as Alice In Wonderland or Heidi selling cookies, the best people keeping SF freaky.
When it is warm & sunny all the gay boys sunbathe in the speedos, hence the term "Dolores Beach" .
So glad the Easter Hunky Jesus contest is back - if you want to understand the irreverance of SF you must go!
Across the street is Mission High where Carlos Santana went to school when he hung out in the Mission after immigrating from Mexico.
I love Dolores Park cafe across the street from the tennis courts- excellent food with indoor & outdoor seating and the line moves fast.
Arguably the best ice cream in SF at Birite - look for the line for lavender & hipster scented vanilla- though I say the best in SF is Mitchell's but you tell me.
if you want to explore a deeper SF and love nature & hiking w AMAZING 360 views of the Bay grab the ferry to this state park & hike up to the summit of Mt. Livermore. I brought my bike.
There is a mole sub species native only to this island & the racoons & deer here are left over from when the land was all together before it broke up into the bay, BUT the ranger told me in 2017 coyotes swam across from Tiburon, mainland hence the name Racoon Strait !
106 personas locales recomiendan
Angel Island
if you want to explore a deeper SF and love nature & hiking w AMAZING 360 views of the Bay grab the ferry to this state park & hike up to the summit of Mt. Livermore. I brought my bike.
There is a mole sub species native only to this island & the racoons & deer here are left over from when the land was all together before it broke up into the bay, BUT the ranger told me in 2017 coyotes swam across from Tiburon, mainland hence the name Racoon Strait !
Food scene
If you really want to get a flavor the Mission pre gentrification check out the artistic, community characters, the best people watching here right in the corazón/ the heart of the Mission, arguably the heart of the Bay Area Latino community, it's a great place to connect w locals
8 personas locales recomiendan
Café La Bohème
3318 24th StIf you really want to get a flavor the Mission pre gentrification check out the artistic, community characters, the best people watching here right in the corazón/ the heart of the Mission, arguably the heart of the Bay Area Latino community, it's a great place to connect w locals