Potrero Hill
Bathed in sunshine but out of the limelight, this largely residential neighborhood enjoys its low-key status. Many of the families have lived here for generations, and some of the businesses along the main commercial street have occupied the same storefronts for 30 years. The area is a mix of industrial and arty – the Anchor Steam brewery is here, as well as a top-notch art school and a plethora of interior design showrooms. Though not as overtly hip as the neighborhoods that border it (SOMA and the Mission), trendy new places have recently been cropping up, like an organic taqueria and an eco-friendly wine bar.
topSights
Anchor Brewing
1705 Mariposa Street
Tour reservations: (415) 863-8350
The Anchor Brewing company has been brewing its hand-crafted Anchor Steam beer in San Francisco since 1896. The company moved into its current location, a 1937 Art Deco building that was formerly a coffee roastery, in 1979. Free, public tours and tastings are offered twice each weekday (reservations required – tours tend to fill up months in advance).
topRestaurants
Aperto
1434 18th Street
Tel: (415) 252-1625
A neighborhood institution since 1992, serving consistently delicious, reasonably priced Italian food.
Chez Maman
1453 18th Street
Tel: (415) 824-7166
Down the street from parent restaurant Chez Papa, this friendly, casual bistro offers simple but satisfying Provençal dishes. Try the mussels.
Chez Papa Bistrot
1401 18th Street
Tel: (415) 824-8205
This local icon serves authentic Provençal fare in a warm, convivial setting.
Dos Piñas
251 Rhode Island Street
Tel: (415) 252-8220
With its brightly painted walls, this taqueria has a friendly, beach-holiday atmosphere. Delicious, authentic, inexpensive Mexican food.
Hard Knox Café
2526 3rd Street (at 22nd)
Tel: (415) 648-3770
Southern homestyle cooking in a small, friendly place that feels airlifted right off the bayou. Portions are huge and satisfying (be sure to try the cornbread and award-winning fried chicken).
Just For You
732 22nd Street (at 3rd)
Tel: (415) 647-3033
Huge, delicious breakfasts and homemade breads. Try the beignets (and don’t use your cell phone, or the owner will confiscate it!).
Papito
317 Connecticut (between 18th & 19th)
Tel: (415) 695-0147
All-organic Mexican bistro, serving inventive items like duck-confit tacos.
Piccino
1001 Minnesota Street
Tel: (415) 824-4224
A Dogpatch favorite since it opened in 2006, Piccino moved into its spacious new location a few doors down in 2011. Along with their renowned thin-crust pizzas, the menu now features a range of small plates and entrees.
Plow
1299 18th Street
Tel: (415) 821-PLOW
This popular spot serves breakfast and lunch only. The menu changes frequently, but the cider-brined pork chop and fried-egg sandwich are standouts.
Rocketfish
1469 18th Street
Tel: (415) 282-9666
Interesting sushi and Japanese dishes, full-service bar. Great happy hour deals.
Skool
1725 Alameda Street (at De Haro)
Tel: (415) 255-8800
Fish-focused, innovative cuisine with international influences (but a Japanese edge), like sea urchin flan and Erynggi mushroom fries. Sleek, modern surroundings, great happy hour specials, and a large patio perfect for Sunday brunch and alfresco cocktails.
Umi
1328 18th Street
Tel: (415) 355-1328
Great sushi, excellent sake menu, innovative small plates, enclosed patio.
Yield
2490 3rd Street
Tel: (415) 401-8984
Located in the post-industrial Dogpatch neighborhood, this was the first wine bar in San Francisco to focus on environmentally friendly wine. The staff is very welcoming and the small bites are delicious.
topCafés, Bakeries and Desserts
Farley’s
1315 18th Street
Tel: (415) 648-1545
Named after the owner’s grandfather, this sunny café was founded to create a focal point for the community. Great coffee and an excellent selection of magazines.
Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous
699 22nd Street (at 3rd)
Tel: (415) 970-0750
Artisan ice cream shop in the up-and-coming Dogpatch district. Innovative flavors change frequently and include Old Fashioned (Maker’s Mark and Cherries), Candied Violet, and Ballpark (Anchor Steam beer, peanuts and chocolate-covered pretzels).
topShopping
Most of the shops are tucked between the restaurants on Potrero Hill's two-block main drag (18th Street between Connecticut and Texas). But you'll also find some worthwhile retail shops amid the designer-district showrooms and Dogpatch warehouses.
Arch
99 Missouri (at 17th)
Tel: (415) 433-2724
Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat noon-5pm. Closed Sun.
“Amusing Tools, Serious Toys.” Arch has a complete selection of discount art tools and supplies, as well as beautiful stationary, pens, frames, and quirky gifts like wooden models and mini designer chairs.
Big Daddy’s Antiques
1550 17th Street (entrance on Wisconsin)
Tel: (415) 621-6800
Email: sfinfo@bdantiques.com
Winter Hours: Mon-Sat, First Sun of the month 9am-5pm; After 5pm by appointment only
Wandering around this vast warehouse, you’ll come across all sorts of interesting finds, many very large in scale – from wine racks and wooden carousel animals to birdcages and crocodile skulls.
Christopher’s Books
1400 18th Street (at Missouri)
Tel: (415) 255-8802
Open Sun-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm
A neighborhood fixture since 1991, this independent bookstore has a well-chosen selection of fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, cookbooks, art, travel, and special interest. The staff is very friendly, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for they’re happy to order it.
Collage Gallery
1345 18th Street
Tel: (415) 282-4401
Open Mon, Thu-Sat noon-8pm, Tue-Wed 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm
The owner sells her handmade collages at this charming shop, along with a lovely assortment of locally made jewelry, unique housewares, antique clocks and other treasures.
Dandelion
55 Potrero Avenue (at Alameda)
Tel: (415) 436-9500
Open Tue-Sat 10am to 6pm (Mon during holiday season)
Free parking off Alameda Street
This eclectic shop has been around for 43 years, the last 18 at this Potrero Hill location. The secret to their success is a sophisticated but playful mix of housewares, décor, and gifts in a wide range of prices, from Art Nouveau glassware and Japanese teapots to books on art, design, travel and gardening.
Kate's Closet
1331 18th Street
Eclectic, charming consignment boutique that also offers new clothing from a selection of local designers.
Restoration Hardware Gallery
188 Henry Adams Street
Tel: (415) 865-0407
Open Sun 12pm-5pm, Mon,Tue, Fri 9am-6pm, Thu 9am-7pm, Sat 10am-7pm
Behind a rather imposing exterior are several spacious rooms displaying the retailer’s elegant but comfortable line of furnishings.
Rickshaw Bagworks
904 22nd Street
Tel: (415) 904-8368
Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm
San Francisco has a huge bike culture – and they love their messenger bags! Rickshaw Bagworks, in the Dogpatch neighborhood, lets you custom-create your own bag from a variety of sizes, styles, colors, and fabrics. The company makes laptop sleeves, wallets and folios as well.