Mission/Bernal Heights
Surrounding
Mission Dolores—the oldest building in San Francisco—is the sunny Mission District, a whirl of colors, smells, and experiences that span the Americas. A little gritty, but a lot of fun, the Mission boasts myriad bars, restaurants, cafes, and galleries, where you're bound to see hipsters fresh off their fixed-gear bikes, indie fashionistas, foodies, young urban nightlife-seekers, and a vibrant Latin community rubbing elbows.
While there's plenty of art on display in the Mission's galleries, it's the neighborhood's public art that truly shines. Stroll up Balmy Alley and nearby lanes for a striking array of murals; the
San Francisco Women's Building and
Precita Eyes Mural Center are also great bets. On a warm, clear day, scenic
Dolores Park is packed, offering views of Downtown and a glimpse of San Francisco's trademark characteristics: gourmet food carts, mobile DJ's, a lively gay scene spilling over from the neighboring Castro district, diverse families at play, and citywide residents seeking some vital rays of sun.
Valencia and Mission streets are the area's dining and nightlife arteries, although one should strongly consider a detour on 18th Street between Guerrero and Dolores for pastries at Tartine, rustic Italian at
Delfina and its adjacent
pizzeria, and otherworldly ice cream flavors at Bi-Rite Creamery (yes, the lines
are worth braving). However, abundant trendy eateries aside, the Mission's culinary heart and soul lie in its signature Latin cuisine. Tearing into a bulging burrito at one of the area's ubiquitous taquerias is a must; we especially love
Papalote,
Pancho Villa, and Taqueria Cancun.
Nightlife
Liberty Bakery & Wine Bar
Heart
Dalva
Wild Side West
Piqueo's
Bi-Rite Creamery
Socha Cafe
Ritual Coffee Roasters
Coffee Bar
The Knockout
Pete's Corner
MaggieMudd
Amnesia
Deli Pub (The)
Laszlo
Clooney's Pub
Four Barrel Coffee
Club Malibu
VinoRosso
Space 550
Attractions
Mission District
Yoga to the People
24th and York Street Mini Park
Mission Playground
Encantada Gallery of Fine Art
Precita Eyes Muralists
Amnesia
Bernal Heights Park
Alemany Farmer's Market
Restaurants
Blue Plate
Hog and Rocks
Liberty Cafe
Humphry Slocombe
Pal's Take Away
Alice's
Zante Pizza and Indian Cuisine
Chile Lindo Empanadas
Piqueo's
Armanino Delicatessen
Playas Azul Restaurant
Mi Lindo Peru
Anthony's Cookies
Pi Bar
South End Grill 'N' Bar
Jade Cafe
La Ciccia
Sunflower Authentic Vietnamese
Udupi Palace
Valentina Ristorante
The Sycamore
Olivia's Brunch and Fine Dining
The Phoenix Irish Bar
Emmy's Spaghetti Shack
Deli Pub (The)
El Patio
VEGA
Top's Cafeteria
Coffee Bar
Angkor Borei
Andalu
Incanto
Dusit Thai Restaurant
Front Porch
Joe's Cable Car
Luna Park - San Francisco
Al's Cafe Good Food
Bar Tartine
Taqueria Cancun
Brisas de Acapulco
Moki's Sushi and Pacific Grill
Park Bench Cafe
Bi-Rite Creamery & Bakeshop
B3
Heirloom Cafe
Limon Rotisserie
Range
Hotels
Hayes Valley Inn