Erika’s Mission District SF Guidebook
Neighborhoods
The Mission District of San Francisco is one of the most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods in the city, brimming with street art, live music, and some of the best food in the city.
Whether you want to go on a fine art stroll or a street art hunt, get some amazing coffee and pastries from Tartine, taste delicious local food, or enjoy world-class Michelin starred restaurants and bar delights, the Mission has it all.
355 locals recommend
Mission District
The Mission District of San Francisco is one of the most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods in the city, brimming with street art, live music, and some of the best food in the city.
Whether you want to go on a fine art stroll or a street art hunt, get some amazing coffee and pastries from Tartine, taste delicious local food, or enjoy world-class Michelin starred restaurants and bar delights, the Mission has it all.
Food scene
I can't get enough of their plantain chips, fried chicken sandwich, and croquetas. They also have a stunning mural on the side of the building that's worth visiting.
9 locals recommend
Media Noche
3465 19th StI can't get enough of their plantain chips, fried chicken sandwich, and croquetas. They also have a stunning mural on the side of the building that's worth visiting.
Try the Rebel Within for breakfast, and don't hesitate to try anything else on the menu. Locals are willing to stand in line to get one of their pastries, so you can't go wrong here.
137 locals recommend
Craftsman and Wolves
746 Valencia StTry the Rebel Within for breakfast, and don't hesitate to try anything else on the menu. Locals are willing to stand in line to get one of their pastries, so you can't go wrong here.
Fabulous cocktails, curated beer selection, and the bar scene you were looking for. Come hungry because their food is exceptional as well.
20 locals recommend
The Beehive
842 Valencia StFabulous cocktails, curated beer selection, and the bar scene you were looking for. Come hungry because their food is exceptional as well.
Michelin starred but humble, approachable, and absolutely delicious. Make a reservation! If you have the time, go for the tasting menu.
105 locals recommend
AL's Place
1499 Valencia StreetMichelin starred but humble, approachable, and absolutely delicious. Make a reservation! If you have the time, go for the tasting menu.
Two Michelin stars, ideal for the super foodie. It's fun and down to earth, and while your wallet will feel the sting, your taste buds will not mind one bit.
33 locals recommend
Lazy Bear
3416 19th StTwo Michelin stars, ideal for the super foodie. It's fun and down to earth, and while your wallet will feel the sting, your taste buds will not mind one bit.
There are a lot of amazing roasters and coffee shops in SF, but this is the one closest to our flat. They deliver high quality, fabulous coffee and have wonderful art on display by local artists, to boot.
295 locals recommend
Ritual Coffee Roasters
1026 Valencia StThere are a lot of amazing roasters and coffee shops in SF, but this is the one closest to our flat. They deliver high quality, fabulous coffee and have wonderful art on display by local artists, to boot.
There are two locations, and this is our favorite of the two. It's a bit larger and better for groups / families. Amazing ceviche + Peruvian delights. I recommend Polli y Papas, but truly you can't go wrong here.
203 locals recommend
Limón Rotisserie
524 Valencia StThere are two locations, and this is our favorite of the two. It's a bit larger and better for groups / families. Amazing ceviche + Peruvian delights. I recommend Polli y Papas, but truly you can't go wrong here.
Small foodie owned place. Fabulous asian fusion foods with quality ingredients. You can't go wrong with this innovative asian comfort spot.
Chic n’ Time
807 Valencia StreetSmall foodie owned place. Fabulous asian fusion foods with quality ingredients. You can't go wrong with this innovative asian comfort spot.
Arguably the best wine bar in the city (and locals will tell you there's no competition). Fabulous wine selection -- just ask the server to make a suggestion and you can't go wrong. The food is wonderful too -- so wonderful that there's almost always a line. Get there early!
55 locals recommend
20 Spot
3565 20th StArguably the best wine bar in the city (and locals will tell you there's no competition). Fabulous wine selection -- just ask the server to make a suggestion and you can't go wrong. The food is wonderful too -- so wonderful that there's almost always a line. Get there early!
Largely considered one of the top 3 ice cream shops in the city, GC offers creamy ice cream with an Asian-flavored leaning. Their bright pink facade taunts me daily, as it's well in view of the bay windows from my home office. I like basically everything they offer, but my tried-and-true favorites are Black Sesame and Salted Caya.
27 locals recommend
Garden Creamery
3566 20th StLargely considered one of the top 3 ice cream shops in the city, GC offers creamy ice cream with an Asian-flavored leaning. Their bright pink facade taunts me daily, as it's well in view of the bay windows from my home office. I like basically everything they offer, but my tried-and-true favorites are Black Sesame and Salted Caya.
You came here for burritos? Perfect. This no frills locals spot serves larger-than-life burritos that punch above their weight in size AND flavor. Don't be shy, try it!
141 locals recommend
Taqueria Cancun
2288 Mission StreetYou came here for burritos? Perfect. This no frills locals spot serves larger-than-life burritos that punch above their weight in size AND flavor. Don't be shy, try it!
Best breakfast burritos in the city (IMHO). Andrew (the owner) is thoughtful about food and has a great take on the classic breakfast burrito. Order the OG with light aoli (unless you really like sauce), no avocado, and a side of roasted habanero salsa. You're welcome. Oh, and if you want something sweet, their horchata is pretty bomb.
Breakfast Little
3275 22nd StreetBest breakfast burritos in the city (IMHO). Andrew (the owner) is thoughtful about food and has a great take on the classic breakfast burrito. Order the OG with light aoli (unless you really like sauce), no avocado, and a side of roasted habanero salsa. You're welcome. Oh, and if you want something sweet, their horchata is pretty bomb.
Sightseeing
If you want to understand the history of the Mission and its historic roots, you can't ignore this alley full of murals. Bring a camera and a coffee, and let your eyes feast on these wonderful murals!
124 locals recommend
Balmy Alley
50 Balmy StIf you want to understand the history of the Mission and its historic roots, you can't ignore this alley full of murals. Bring a camera and a coffee, and let your eyes feast on these wonderful murals!
This is the most popular alley of murals in SF, nice and centrally located in the Mission close to our flat. Bring your camera and prepare for incredible art + people watching (it's influencer central around here!)
96 locals recommend
Clarion Alley
Clarion AlleyThis is the most popular alley of murals in SF, nice and centrally located in the Mission close to our flat. Bring your camera and prepare for incredible art + people watching (it's influencer central around here!)
Very cute alt-femme gift shop (candles, books, jewelry) to grab a souvenir or gift for loved ones back home.
9 locals recommend
Needles & Pens
1173 Valencia StVery cute alt-femme gift shop (candles, books, jewelry) to grab a souvenir or gift for loved ones back home.
Insanely awesome movie programming in an historic cinema (fun fact: Mission street was the original Cinema District of SF!). Great food. Highly recommend the truffle parmesan popcorn and you can't go wrong with any of their beers.
229 locals recommend
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
2550 Mission StInsanely awesome movie programming in an historic cinema (fun fact: Mission street was the original Cinema District of SF!). Great food. Highly recommend the truffle parmesan popcorn and you can't go wrong with any of their beers.
Curiosities abound in this store that was designed for botanists, biologists, and anyone who is curious about the creatures of the world. 100% worth stopping by; it's really unique.
133 locals recommend
Paxton Gate
824 Valencia StCuriosities abound in this store that was designed for botanists, biologists, and anyone who is curious about the creatures of the world. 100% worth stopping by; it's really unique.
An art gallery run by local artists, featuring local art. Don't bring home a made-in-China souvenir; bring home local goods! They have items small to large, from jewelry to paintings and sculptures all by local artists. And you can bet that the person ringing you up is a local artist too -- ask them about their art!
12 locals recommend
City Art
828 Valencia StAn art gallery run by local artists, featuring local art. Don't bring home a made-in-China souvenir; bring home local goods! They have items small to large, from jewelry to paintings and sculptures all by local artists. And you can bet that the person ringing you up is a local artist too -- ask them about their art!
Dry Cleaning / Tailoring
Need dry cleaning? Pressing? Tailoring? The woman who owns this shop is an absolute gem who offers great service at fair prices.
7 locals recommend
Sunny Launderette
3560 20th StNeed dry cleaning? Pressing? Tailoring? The woman who owns this shop is an absolute gem who offers great service at fair prices.
Corner Stores & Groceries
Not a "real" Whole Foods, but a neighborhood staple and small business focused on providing an excellent assortment of whole foods and fresh produce.
60 locals recommend
Valencia Whole Foods
999 Valencia StNot a "real" Whole Foods, but a neighborhood staple and small business focused on providing an excellent assortment of whole foods and fresh produce.