We’ve distilled the endless treasure-trove of the best things to do in San Francisco to a tidy list of essentials.
What’s the deal with Dogpatch?
Artists, designers, musicians and creative entrepreneurs flock to this still affordable neighborhood full of repurposed industrial buildings to make their dreams come true and the products of their labors of love can be seen all over the Dogpatch. Just stroll down the main drag, Third Street, and you'll encounter a unique chocolaterie, a boutique to buy custom-made clogs, furniture stores full of wares made by local artisans and bakeries that peddle fresh-from-the-oven bagels. Despite the tech-focused culture that has taken over the rest of the city, the Dogpatch has kept its historic laid-back vibe and strong sense of community.
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If you only do one thing...
See what’s going on at the Dogpatch Arts Plaza, a new creative hub that turned a once dead-end street into an 8,000-square-foot public outdoor art gallery for large-scale installations and live concerts.
Get cultured
Minnesota Street Project boasts 35,000 square feet of gallery space and 22,000 square feet of subsidized studio space. It is a haven for local artists, housing some of the best contemporary art in town.
Go shopping
Head to Industrious Life, a boutique store specializing in new and vintage furniture, to buy a famous Bucket Stool by Yvonne Mouser, a local artist and designer. The portable chairs can serve as a seat or a side table, and their signature handles make them easy to transport to the park, the beach or wherever you might beed a quick sit. Fashion-lovers must stop at Bryr’s Third Street workshop, where designer Isabel Schofield makes an exclusive handcrafted line of stylish high heel clogs.
Eat here
Besharam. Photograph: Courtesy Besharam
At Besharam, chef-owner Heena Patel serves traditional Indian cuisine with a Californian twist. Take, for example, the signature chopped salad made with with kale, romaine, peas, radish, sesame seeds and raita dressing.
Ogle the high ceilings and exposed brick at neighborhood favorite Serpentine while you wait for your crab fritters and spicy braised ribs.
For the breakfast crowd, Daily Driver offers homemade organic bagels with cultured butter.
Drink here
School Night. Photograph: Orange Photography
Sip a pisco sour on a weeknight at School Night. Located inside event space The Pearl, bar patrons have access to the gorgeous rooftop space when private events aren't taking place.
Professional somms are happy to help you pair a white with your kampachi crudo or choose a red to match the Dixon lamb dish at new-to-the-'hood wine bar Ungrafted.
Love beer? Head to Magnolia Brewing for a hearty IPA or Harmonic Brewing for lighter pilsners and fruity sour ales.
Waterfront bar Ramp offers weekday $1 oysters paired with its signature Michelada, made with Modelo and a Tajin rim.
How to get to Dogpatch
From downtown San Francisco, the Dogpatch is accessible via the T-Line on Muni; Exit 20th Street or 23rd Street. From Silicon Valley, catch Caltrain and exit on 22nd Street.
What else is nearby?
Watch Steph Curry and Co. work their magic up and down the spanking-new court at Chase Center. The Mission Bay stadium also offers amazing eats and drinks from local spots like Bakesale Betty, Tacolicious, Tony G's pizza and other favorites.