Hi there!
It’s been a minute, eh? I’ve been wanting to feel creatively inspired and after the holidays, it finally hit me what could help. Talking about one of my favorite things: San Francisco!
And when it comes to SF, there’s a lot we could discuss. I’ve lived in the city for around 9 years and have seen so much of the city change – sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.
BUT, throughout my time here, I’ve explored every (okay, almost every) nook and cranny this city has to offer.
So, what better way to be even more inspired than talk about the places I love to go to in a city that I love? You’re right. There’s nothing better.
And where I’m going to start? Where I currently live – Western Addition/NOPA! Before I start, this is just SUCH a small snapshot of my favorite places in this neighborhood. There’s so many incredible shops, restaurants, and small businesses that call this area home. SO, if you don’t pick up what I’m putting down here, use Yelp/Google. :)
1. Rare Device
What can I say about Rare Device besides how big of an addition it’s been to Divisadero Street (and NOPA!). Rare Device is home to beautiful. curated, and unique pieces that span home, art, jewelry and more! Even better is that they support local artists by showcasing their goods and products inside, too! Every month or so they change out the visiting artist exhibition and currently, my friend Erin Fong has her incredible Friendship Project Series up! It’s an ongoing series of letterpress posters, featuring collected advice on friendship. If you need a birthday gift, card or really anything, head to Rare Device (on Divisadero and Hayes).
2. Sightglass Coffee
There’s a ton of coffee spots in NOPA (shout out to Bean Bag for their Hazelnut, Matching Half Cafe for their cold brew and The Mill for their coffee and toast), but one of my favorites is Sightglass on the corner of Divisadero and Page. The coffeeshop is housed in a beautiful Victorian built in 1903 and when the time’s right, shines light throughout the building. Seriously – the natural light is bananas. I love their pour overs and fresh baked goods from different bakeries in the city (B. Patisserie and Neighbor Bakehouse!).
3. The Page
Fun fact (that I found on their website), there has been a bar at Divisadero and Page for over 70 years and since 2004, it’s been The Page. I can’t say enough good things about The Page. Why? Because it’s a bar that doesn’t pretend to be anything but itself. There’s carpet on the floors, there’s pool tables in the back, and there’s a badass beer menu. I took a lot of first dates here and I love it for a few pints. Pro Tip: Grab a beer there while you wait for a table at Ragazza across the street.
4. Perdita
OH MY GOODNESS. Perdita is the new girl on the block and I gotta say, she’s here to stay. I love, love, love the collection of amazing goodies that are housed here. From jadeite bowls and flower trays to beaded bags and tie-dye socks, this place has it all. They even have Book Clubs every month. How can’t you love that?
5. Alamo Square Park
How can you not love Alamo Square Park? It’s picturesque and the heart of NOPA (in my opinion). It’s a place where everyone congregates on the weekend. From grabbing coffee at Lady Falcon to picnicking with friends (when Karl’s not around), the grass is always greener at Alamo. It’s one of my favorite places in the city and I love the view of Sutro Tower, but also everyone’s favorite – The Painted Ladies. And, if you really are keen on ‘em, one of the homes is for sale (but at a pretty epic price point).
