A Polish restaurant in the Mission? Why of course. Stuffed is a playful spot that takes its food seriously. Try the Pierogi – it’s not like what you think it is – along with one of their expanded beer selections.
Small, dark and a little dirty (in a good way), this is the very definition of a dive bar. Don’t expect any chi-chi cocktails, but they do have an excellent (and long) Happy Hour that’s totally worth hitting up when you’re in the mood.
Another non-profit bike shop set up for the good of the community. Many of the mechanics volunteer and help show people how to work on their own bikes for free. If you want to learn to do it yourself, check them out.
This is the place to go to furnish any modern apartment. They’ve got plenty to fill out every room in your house and the prices are reasonable, too. Watch for their great annual sales for even more bargains.
Venezuelan street food elevated for San Franciscan foodies. And everything on the menu is gluten-free, too! If you’ve never tried Venezuelan food before, Pica Pica is a must-visit – but come early to get a seat. They don’t take reservations.
Not feeling like a beer or a cocktail? Check out a fabulous wine bar like St. Vincent. They serve delectable food like rabbit meatballs and tasty bone marrow, but the wine is the real star. In fact, during the day, they’re your classic wine store.
Great selection of bikes and a really friendly, knowledgeable staff make this place a local favorite for bikes both new and old. They also stock a nice selection of gear and equipment too. Ride over and check them out.
Perfect pastrami, delectable corned beef hash and ridiculous rye bread. This Jewish deli is a Mission favorite whether you’re craving a Matzo ball soup or something heartier.
While small in size, it makes up for with an amazing array of specialty produce, cheeses, breads and more. The staff is always on hand to help you choose the perfect artisanal items. It’s like Foodie heaven.
An old-school classic in the Mission. This dark divey bar is one of the areas best kept secrets. No flash and dash – just great drinks, great atmosphere and great company. ½ price Happy Hour is every night from 5-9pm.
Beretta is one of the rare Mission restaurants that stays open until 1:00am. So if you’re craving a late night mean, come let the attentive staff take care of you. The crispy pizzas are fantastic as is everything on the menu.
Real, home-style Mexican food, including some superb mole. But make sure to leave room for the Torta de Tres Leches for dessert. If you’re looking for upscale but non-pretentious Mexican flavors, it’s the place to go.
With a name like Venga Empanadas, their namesake menu item better be good. Well, they certainly do deliver. Any filling you choose is sure to be excellent and their sangria is surprisingly tasty as well.
When the weather is warm and sunny (which is often in the Mission), there’s no better view or place to grab a bite to eat three doors down from Vida. Located above its namesake restaurant, Lolinda, they also have a fantastic happy hour to hit up.
This tapas bar makes some of the best paella and sangria around and its excellent location puts you right in the heart of the Mission. So once you finish with dinner, you’ll be walking distance to all kinds of nearby hot spots.
You can’t go wrong with the Lolo menu. Pick any of the inventive tapas dishes and know you’ve chosen well. They also have a wine selection that’s as good as their top-notch food. Find a table inside or out and enjoy.
With a name like Torta Gorda (loosely translated as: Fat Sandwich), you’d better be able to live up to it – and luckily they do. Their amazing Mexican sandwiches will satisfy any craving. Just make sure you come early. There’s usually quite a lunchtime line.
Ask almost any San Franciscan about La Taqueria and watch them start to drool. There’s a reason they consistently win accolades for best Mexican food in the city. If you haven’t tried their crispy tacos, you’re missing something special.
This is the place if you’re into fried chicken – and we’re not talking fast food fried chicken. Pollo Campero is the real deal. From wings and legs to sandwiches and more, if you’re craving something fried, come here.
The Grand Dame of Mission fine dining is still going strong. Make sure to reserve a table in the courtyard where you can watch old silent movies projected on a massive wall. Don’t let the movie distract you from your food though – it’s as elegant as it gets.
An underrated gem dedicated to food and beverage pairings with a focus on craft beer. The space is beautifully designed and the menu is varied and changes daily. It’s rare to wait long for a table.
Calling this place a pizzeria is like calling the Mona Lisa just a painting. It’s one of the most popular spots in SF right now, so a reservation is a must. But once you’re seated, be prepared for the best pizza and pasta of your life.
What’s more fun than a night out with friends bowling? In addition to rolling some frames, you can enjoy good food and beer as well. Make a reservation in advance. The lanes tend to fill up quickly.
When you think of the Mission, you don’t normally think of Korean food. But this places serves authentic, delicious Korean fare that is simply phenomenal. It’s not cheap, but if you’re looking for something different, it’s worth your time.
House-made pies headline this wonderful brunch spot. Of course before you get to dessert, you’ll have to try any number of scrumptious dishes from the main menu. They don’t take reservations, so plan on a short wait for a table. It’s worth it.
A bright, open Vinyasa studio offering classes from beginner to expert. They even offer a 6-week Yoga Boot Camp to get you into great shape fast. Try a 5-class starter package and see if it’s for you.
The name tells you all you need to know about this amazing gastropub: the focus is ham and oysters. Yes, they have plenty of other food that is just as delicious, plus a great beer menu, but you can’t go wrong with the signature proteins this place serves.
Barbecue and comfort food go upscale at the HiLow. This is not your picnic bench and paper towel establishment. Get ready for heritage pulled pork, coffee-rubbed ribs, and juicy, smoky brisket.
Commonwealth is a new breed of restaurant – one that showcases local, seasonal foods in creative combinations and with precision techniques. The tasting menu is truly a special event each time.
Feel like some healthy, organic food but don’t know what you’re in the mood for. Try Green Heart Foods. Their menu features a wide range of good-for-you-fare at reasonable prices.
Spacious, lovely Italian restaurant with a nice selection of classic Italian cuisine. The prices are reasonable and they can handle larger groups. For a good hearty meal that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, put Specchio on your list.
There’s no time to add up all the national awards and applause this preeminent Mission restaurant has garnered. Just know the food critics are right. Outstanding flavors. Fresh, inventive food. This place has it all.
The eclectic nature of the Mission wouldn’t be complete without at least one fantastic Indian restaurant. And Dosa delivers. The menu is primarily vegetarian and many dishes are gluten free, as well.
This place is booking up fast – and it’s easy to see why. With delicious cocktails bettered only by the selection of delectable food and incredible service, this spot for new American cuisine will be a hit for a long time to come.
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Rustic specializes in Neopolitano style pizzas, but they’ve also got oven roasted Italian subs, salads and more. Head outside and lounge on their large patio for some bocce ball while sipping sangria.
Great sushi is a dime a dozen here in San Francisco. But Maruya is really something special. From the atmosphere to the details to the amazing food, Maruya feels as authentically Japanese as you can get.
Hands down the best ramen in the city. Iza serves up steaming hot bowls of Japanese comfort food that are perfect when you want something warm for lunch. Don’t miss the rice dishes which are also tasty, too.
You might not expect a traditional Italian Market in the heart of the Mission, but Lucca’s is the real deal. Meats, fresh pasta, incredible olive oils and more. Whatever you need, the friendly staff is ready to help.
A quiet, delightful yoga studio with excellent instructors and a nice range of classes. They’re known for singing and chanting, so be ready to stretch your voice as well as your muscles.
Gourmet ice cream has never tasted so good. And we don’t mean chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Try the Stout Beer ice cream or even some Blue Bottle Vietnamese coffee. They may sound strange, but trust us, they’re so good.
This combo Italian restaurant and bar offers traditional Italian food and great cocktails to wash it down with. If you can’t get a table, sit at the bar, where they serve the regular menu as well.
Cupcakes are all the rage these days and Mission Minis makes some very fine ones. If you really need a dozen, we suggest calling ahead, but otherwise, swing in any time and pick out a few tasty flavors to enjoy.
Comedy nights, bad movies, strange theater – you never quite know what you’ll get at The Dark Room. The venue is small, but so are the ticket prices. If you’re up for anything, it’s worth your time to give it a try.
This amazing center is dedicated to beautifying our urban areas through mural art. It’s a great place to volunteer, or take their walking tour of the area’s murals – it’s truly amazing.
The namesake of the Mission, this gorgeous church conducts tours throughout the week. It’s the central piece of history in the entire area and well worth an hour or so to explore. You’ll learn more about the history of the neighborhood here than anywhere else.
Great Pilates gym with skilled instructors and lots of classes to choose from. They offer a 1-month unlimited club pass, so try that out and take advantage of all that Burn has to offer. Your body will thank you for it.
If you’re into comics, graphic novels and such, this is where you turn. They carry a wide range of titles along with an art gallery in the back. The staff knows their comics and can answer just about any question you have.
Imagine the circus meets Mother Nature. That’s about the best way we can describe Dolores Park. On sunny days you’ll find hundreds of people enjoying the weather, kids playing, performers performing and food carts galore. It’s truly a scene.
Multiple-time winners of San Francisco’s best bike shop, Valencia Cyclery is split into two parts, just a few doors down from each other. The main store sells new bikes and gear while the repair shop can handle all your current bike’s needs.
If you’re a fan of tequila, this is your place. Knowledgeable bartenders can serve you up fabulous styles of tequila you never even knew existed. Follow with their excellent tapas and unbeatable atmosphere and you cant go wrong.
Urban Putt had a dream: “Indoor minigolf in San Francisco. Throw in great food and drink, an awesome location, and an unswerving commitment to fun and you’ve got a formula for something unique and wonderful.”
Practitioners of Rolfing and massage, Inline Bodies can help your body feel good again. They offer everything relaxing massage sessions to more therapeutic work. They tend to book out a ways, so call ahead for an appointment.
Fresh juices and smoothies are on the menu here. The best part? It’s as tasty as it is good for you. Try some of their more exotic flavors like Kale Colada, Almond Delight or Tropical Valencia.
Whole Foods is like a religion and you’ll find that tons of the locals swear by their amazing selection and quality food. Like any popular place, lines can get long, but with so much great produce and organic merchandise, you won’t mind hanging out a bit.
Healthy vegan and non-GMO Mexican food – can you beat that? Probably not. They also feature a wonderful bar serving expertly-mixed libations and their famous house-made ginger ale.
Tasty, creative and playful drinks span the menu here. You can pull up a stool at the bar, but head upstairs for more seating and better people watching. They also serve surprisingly good food as well.
Another classic dive, this one caters to a really diverse crowd. The space isn’t huge, so it can fill up, but the friendly bartenders keep the drinks flowing. One thing to note: the 500 Club is a cash-only bar, so stop at an ATM before you get there.
A laid back dive bar down an alley off the beaten path, Uptown is a great place just to chill, grab a (cheap) beer and kick back with your friends. There’s pool, great music and even a piano if you want to strike up a tune.
Great décor and ambiance make this place a Mission favorite. Music and (a little) space to dance add to the party. It can get really crowded, but don’t let that deter you from getting to the photo booth in the back.
thebeautybar.com/san_francisco
Food, jukebox, pool table, patio and of course, alcohol. That’s what you’ll find at Bender’s. There’s plenty of space, so swing on by, talk to the friendly bartenders and enjoy yourself in a place that’s entirely unpretentious.
Amnesia has an extensive selection of beer, wine and soju cocktails, but it’s also a place to see some live music. They pull in a truly eclectic mix of acts – from bluegrass to belly dancing. It’s not fancy, but it is fun.
Yes, it’s a little dive-y, but they also make fresh cocktails that are nothing short of excellent. The bartenders are known for being friendly and the crowd is always fun. It’s also close to numerous other bars and restaurants, so hit it up first.
Strong margaritas, funky décor and a fun crowd all make the Latin American Club an interesting place to grab a drink. Not Latin American? No need to worry. This place caters to a diverse crowd who want to have a good time.
A great place to grab a drink and chill, Dalva serves tasty cocktails and a good time. There’s a good selection of beers and a classic jukebox. To top it off, the place is nice and dark – perfect for a rendezvous with a date.
Not feeling like a beer or a cocktail? Check out a fabulous wine bar like St. Vincent. They serve delectable food like rabbit meatballs and tasty bone marrow, but the wine is the real star. In fact, during the day, they’re your classic wine store.
This great local bookstore just moved to a more spacious location. Head over to the inviting new shop and find the perfect book for you. They’ve got something to please everyone.
Part of the new gastropub trend, SPB is a huge space with tons of seating – indoors or out. Of course even the jaw-dropping space pales in comparison to the beers on tap and the food at hand.
More than simply an amazing artisanal cheese shop, Mission Cheese also serves sandwiches, wine and even beer. Talk to the knowledgeable staff or attend one of their special cheese nights.
The name may sound a little risqué, but in fact, it’s simply another great Mission dive bar full of strong, cheap drinks, good music and lots of space for you and your friends. Make sure to check their calendar for a variety of events during the week.
If you need herbs, this is the place to come. Culinary herbs? They’ve got a top quality selection that can’t be beat. Into homeopathic remedies and need some medicinal herbs? Scarlet Sage Herb Co. has those too, not to mention a wide variety of other products.
Here’s a place that serves up twists on traditional Latin dishes. But what’ll really keep you coming back, are the margaritas. They’re strong but flavorful, made with all-organic citrus juices and a wide selection of quality tequilas.
Located right next to Foreign Cinema, this bar lets you grab a drink and watch the movies that are projected on the Foreign Cinema wall. It’s a great upscale place to enjoy a cocktail and a flick.
Grand Coffee lives up to its name. While the space may be small, the coffee itself tastes quite big. The unpretentious spot is perfect for a quick drop-in when you need a caffeine fix.
This small shop always seems to have just what people are looking for. From women’s fashions to vintage jewelry, you’re sure to find a unique piece to take home. It’s a great place to shop for original gifts as well.
Every kind of houseware accessories you could want, you’ll find at Currents – from soaps, candles and tea sets to cards, books and more. It’s such a great place to shop for gifts – not the least of which is their incredible gift-wrapping service.
This hip coffee shop doesn’t have Wi-Fi on purpose. They’d rather you hang out, listen to them spin some classic records, talk with friends and drink some fantastic coffee. The hipster factor is pretty high, if you care about those sorts of things.
A little closer to downtown, you’ll find this breakfast and brunch spot serving exceptional food. It’s unpretentious and uncrowded (at least for now), so try it soon and keep it a secret.
With its third location opening in the Mission, Café La Taza is a warm Latin American coffee and tea house that is computer friendly. Stop in for a cup of coffee and a nice lunch in their relaxing restaurant.
Bright and airy, this new American restaurant serves up amazing brunch – both classic and creative. It’s a great place to bring a small group and kick back with some Mimosas. They also serve a fantastic tasting menu for dinner.
Printing your own t-shirts can be hit-or-miss. But not here. This custom t-shirt shop puts out great quality stuff, on time and on budget. Their customer service is also legendary, so check them out next time you need some custom printing done.
Another great brunch place in the Mission. Their French toast seems to get the rave reviews, but don’t miss the Croque Provencal or the namesake Blue Waffles. It’s super casual with a great atmosphere and works for singles, families or groups.
An excellent brunch – one that people will line up down the block for. Luckily, Bar Tartine takes reservations. Enjoy the fresh, creative new American cuisine including a beet mimosa. (It sounds weird. It tastes delicious.)
Does it get any better than interesting wine and great food? This plush, red velvet bar serves up plenty of both. It can get crowded, so come early, find a seat and let the staff recommend something you’ve never tried.
When a bar is named after the freaky leader of the Muppet Show band, you know it’s got to be a little weird. But the vibe is great, the drinks are expertly mixed and the décor will certainly keep you entertained.
Known for its stunning window displays, you may be tempted just to window shop. That would be a mistake. Head into this quirky antique store with even quirkier hours and discover a range of amazing items you won’t find anywhere else.
A great space where local artists and designers can showcase fresh art and design, apparel, products, shoes and more. They sell the most current fashions at great prices and you can’t beat the attentive staff.
While small in size, it makes up for with an amazing array of specialty produce, cheeses, breads and more. The staff is always on hand to help you choose the perfect artisanal items. It’s like Foodie heaven.
More performance venue than traditional bar, The Chapel still serves incredible cocktails and drinks. Grab a seat up in the balcony if you don’t want to find yourself dancing down in the main area.
Radish features an eclectic American menu with high quality, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients taking some inspiration from the South as well. They serve food throughout the day, but they’re known for an exceptional brunch.
Shoes, clothes, and quirky home décor – Therapy has it all. It’s a great place to find something fun for that blank spot on your shelf, grab an entertaining housewarming gift, or just reward yourself with a new pair of shoes.
Walk into BellJar and marvel at all the trinkets, curious and home décor scattered perfectly throughout the store. You could spend hours wandering about and uncovering all kinds of interesting pieces. From clothing to gifts, they have many “gorgeous little things.”
Borderland is “San Francisco’s home for science fiction, fantasy, and horror books.” They also carry a wide selection of magazines and more. If you’re looking to support your local bookstore, this one is a great choice.
Famous the country over as one of the coolest theater chains around. You’re served food and excellent craft beer right from your theater seat while watching both first-run movies and special event nights. It’s not your average theater for sure.
drafthouse.com/san_francisco/new_mission
This clothing boutique specializes in exclusive Japanese Selvedge Denim for men and women. You’ll find some of the rarest (and most expensive) jeans around, but the quality is unbeatable. They also have a house line of shirts and jackets made in San Francisco.
If you still buy your music the old fashioned way, Aquarius is the place for you. The staff knows their music and their shelves are stocked with hard-to-find, obscure and indie bands you’ll be glad you found.
Self-described as a bean-to-bar chocolate factory, don’t miss the dark, white and milk delights that are a new Valencia favorite. If you are needing a sugary fix, look no further than Dandelion Chocolate.
True works of art. Each hand-crafted Mission bicycle is going to ride as beautifully as it looks. The bikes aren’t cheap, but they will last forever and definitely make you a cyclist to be envied. The service and friendly atmosphere is top notch, too.
Strange name – yes. Amazing bakery – also yes. While literally everything at this local shop is wonderful, Craftsman & Wolves is known far and wide for their “Rebel Within” – a muffin with a soft-boiled egg baked inside. It’s a must-try.
Who doesn’t like ice cream? But if you’re searching for something beyond the traditional flavors, Bi-Rite is the place to go. Scrumptious no matter which kind you choose, but we’re partial to the brown sugar ice cream. Wow.
Here’s the perfect place to grab a stellar cup of coffee and a light, tasty waffle to start your day. There’s very limited seating, so don’t expect to sit and hang out for a long time. Bur regardless, it’s a favorite of the locals.
Philz Coffee features java for everyone. Twenty hand-roasted blends are available by the pound. The lines can be long. The coffee isn’t cheap. But it may be the best cup you’ve ever had.
This neighborhood café not only serves excellent coffee, they also have food, live music and beer and wine. It’s got a great vibe that the locals appreciate and it’s becoming a favorite for both daytime and nighttime entertainment.
A San Francisco original, this juice bar serves up tasty – and healthy – juice concoctions that you’ll surely love. They’ve got a varied menu, but don’t worry. You can’t go wrong. Their juices are hearty enough as a mid-day snack, too.
A year-round farmer’s market, this is the place to find a huge variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, pastas and more. It’s only open Thursdays from 4-8pm, so plan your menu ahead of time or just browse and pick up whatever looks good.
This eclectic bakery cooks up a host of tasty, Asian-inspired treats. From honey jasmine coconut macaroons to savory bacon and cheddar-filled brioche, Sweetmue always satisfies. They also serve teas and coffees and often sell out of their baked goods on weekends, so come early.
