The San Francisco fog is a gray whale as per usual. But in this little city of seven miles by seven miles, the sun always seems to shine down on one neighborhood – the Mission. Here, Starbucks is nowhere to be found, people still buy vinyl, and retro-anything is ‘in.” And while densely populated by art-fag-techno-musician-geek hipsters, Valencia Street in the Mission is home to some the city’s best spots – so if you are in the area with some time to spare, spend it as a real San Franciscan would.
10:00AM
If you are in need of your first cup of coffee, you’ll have to pass on the Pike Place and grab a mug of French press at Four Barrel Coffee which is arguably the trendiest destination for espresso and coffee drinks both Folgers-drinkers and coffee snobs can enjoy. Over the counter, you’ll stare wide-eyed at plaid-clad baristas donning black plastic frame glasses, pouring steamed milk over shots of espresso to make leafy latte art. Sitting on its front bar, Four Barrel has various intimidating coffee-making contraptions like a French press, a Chemex, a pourover, an Aeropress, and a vac-pot which resemble glassware in a scientist’s laboratory. Here, a barista brews Four Barrel’s own in-house roasted coffee beans one cup at a time.
11:00 AM
Two blocks towards 16th Street and past several parked fixed-gear bikes, shuffle in your black Toms toward Clothes Contact: Vintage by the Pound. In the storefront window, the wigged mannequins don the most outlandish, neon-colored, costume-y ensembles. Inside, past a large display of leather boots and ornamented pumps, you’ll find racks of Members Only jackets, plaid button down shirts with pearl buttons, oversized sequined wool sweaters, and ruffled blouses – among other things. At check-out, clothing items that are not already priced are weighed and sold at $10 per pound. You can get an entire outfit – from peep-toe pumps to oversized sunglasses – for under $40. Who needs Urban Outfitters when there’s Clothes Contact?
After an hour and half or so of power shopping, dine at Cha Ya, a vegan Japanese restaurant. Cha Ya’s décor is simple – white walls with light wooden counters and tables. However, its understated demeanor should not tarnish your expectations of the food. With prices ranging upwards of $12, this reasonably priced mom-and-pop eatery uses the San Francisco Bay Area’s freshest produce in its delectable dishes like mushroom udon noodle soup and hangetsu (Portobello mushroom with kiwi sauce). For those a little weary of vegan fare, the Cha Ya roll (a tempura roll with yam with avocado and asparagus drizzled in a glazed soy sauce) is a safe bet – it’s fried.
2:00PM
Then, it is onward to Dolores Park after a light but satisfying lunch. Complete with tennis courts, basketball courts, and a playground, it is a favorite picnic destination among San Franciscans on the weekend. But the biggest draw is its picturesque view of the San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge. Before setting foot on its grass, be forewarned, on any given day, you might witness something strange or outright whacky like a large group of people simultaneously hoolah-hooping to “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson. While you’re soaking in what there is of the sun, get some ice cream from Bi-rite Creamery & Bakeshop that features “small batch, artesian ice cream, sorbets, and confections.” From classic flavors like mint chip to more obscure ones like salted caramel, its ice cream is not only tasty, but made from locally sourced, organic ingredients. Not only is its ice cream delicious, but also smart – Bi-rate Creamery & Bakeshop employs green practices like using biodegradable packaging for all of its products.
6:00PM
Now that you’ve savored your spicy Mexican chocolate flavored ice cream, stroll to Needles and Pens, an independently owned DIY goods store and art space, to take a gander at its home-published zines, handmade jewelry, and other homemade goods. At Needle and Pens, the items it stocks are predominately silk-screened, re-sewn, recycled, cut-up, and/or photocopied so try on a stylish dress made of vintage materials then flip through a photocopied zine at this kitschy shop.
6:30PM
It’s time for dinner. Although the interior of the restaurant, Panchitas, is not anything like the Four Seasons Restaurant, you will get very authentic food as though your long-lost Salvadorian grandmother had cooked dinner especially for you. Panchitas is famous for its pupusas, a traditional Salvadorian dish made of a thick handmade tortilla that is stuffed with cheese, refried beans, your choice of meats of either ground pork or sliced chicken, spinach and/or loroco, a vine flower from Central America. Pupusas are served with served with curtido, lightly fermented cabbage slaw with red chilies and vinegar, and a watery tomato salsa.
8:00PM
After savoring a hearty meal, head Café Du Nord, a small music venue on the periphery of the Mission district. As the home of The Dodos and The Sandwitches, San Francisco’s indie music scene is bustling with unparalleled talent. Tonight, San Francisco-based Geographer is playing, a genre-defying three piece that combines indie rock, electropop, and folk against soaring vocals.
12:00AM
Unlike New York City, San Francisco is a city that does sleep. MUNI, the city’s railway and bus system, stops running around midnight so retreat to your $1500 studio in the Haight-Ashbury district. And, sleep well.
Posted on October 19, 2011