Mission

Hipster central — and proud of it. Although it can be slightly, ahem, gritty, the Mission is the cultural and culinary center of the city. Downright delicious neighborhood restaurants, quirky galleries, and the always-entertaining Dolores Park give the hood its unique, urban character.

EXPLORE ANOTHER NEIGHBORHOOD:

Tartine Bakery

600 Guerrero St 415-487-2600

It’s hard to pinpoint one reason to love Tartine: Is it the flies-off-the-counter fresh-baked bread; the buttery morning buns; the ooey-gooey breakfast bread pudding; the giant, steaming lattes; or simply the people watching out the cafe’s corner windows? The answer: all of the above.

Photo: Courtesy of Tartine Bakery

Latin American Club

3286 22nd St 415-647-2732

If you like cocktails (like super-strong margs in pint glasses) served with a side of kitsch, Latin American Club is your jam. Hanging pinatas and a soft red glow envelop the lively, bustling crowd that gathers here.

Photo: Sutha Kamal / Flickr

826 Valencia

826 Valencia St 415-642-5905

Unearth buried treasures (pun intended) at this pirate supply store/writing center for kids founded by Dave Eggers. All of the eye patches, maps, glass eyes, and more sold at the store benefit the writing center — and no, we arrrrrghn’t kidding.

Photo: Courtesy of 826 Valencia

Beretta

1199 Valencia St 415-695-1199

Cocktails are a spectator sport at this always jam-packed, softly lit Mission standby. Expect to watch the bartenders muddle, shake, and stir until their creations are just right. Thin-crust pizzas, Italian small plates and an attractive crowd add to its appeal.

Photo: Courtesy of Beretta

Dolores Park

Dolores St

On sunny weekends, hilly Dolores Park is literally filled to the brim with a mix of hipsters, Castro-ites, and weirdos soaking up the Mission warmth. Concerts and movie showings are also regular fixtures.

Photo: nguy1 / Flickr

COMMENTS

Posted by jsvivs on Nov 5, 2009 1:46:04 PM

very good point! glad you made it and i completely agree. would love to see more harder to find - whole in the wall - "tucked away" interesting spots that sf locals are spending their time at. ie. small, hardworking, and fun local businesses. this list is great, but i'd like more variety.

Posted by kiki94110 on Oct 8, 2009 4:35:35 PM

This list is a bit predictable. It reads like a tourist article from Travel & Leisure mag. How about mixing it up with a good taqueria (Vallarta - down in the heart of the Mish on 24th street), a lesser known but fun park (Precita - tucked away behind Bernal Hill), or a great bookstore (Dog Eared - on Valencia). These places are super original and could use some love too.