Even though I've lived in SF for (almost) 7 years, I've only lived in Western Addition for the last 5 months.
I've been visiting this neighborhood for quite some time – since I was a good ol' 22 year old – and it has a super soft spot in my heart. I'm honestly pretty surprised it took me this long to live here.
And while things come and go, change happens, whatever it may be – there are still a few places that have stuck around. So, here it is. My four favorites as of late.
Eddie's Cafe
YOU GUYS. I can't say enough about Eddie's Cafe. Coming from Ohio, there were diners left and right. In San Francisco? Not so much. That's why Eddie's is such a gem and proof that people from all over love the no-frills deliciousness that is their food. With quirky mugs and breakfast under $11? Well, I'd say that's a place you gotta go ASAP. Pro tip: Get there early – there's usually a line out the door on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Waizema doubles as an Ethiopian restaurant and laid-back bar and to me, it's perfect. With its velvet wallpaper and badass pool table in the back, this place is the bees knees. Whether you're going on a first date, happy hour or for dinner, Waizema is a neighborhood haunt where everyone is welcome.
The Mill
Okay, okay. So The Mill is new-ish. But I don't care. The Mill is the perfect place that's open at 7 a.m. to grab a coffee, see a friend, or more recently, eat some badass pizza and BYOB. From 6-9, people line up to grab a slice of the delicious 'za using Josey Baker bread. They have cheese, pepperoni and a fun, seasonal vegetable type (this week's is cauliflower, tikka masala, mint yogurt) every week. So grab your ass a bottle of beer and go!
Before Rare Device came around, there was no where (really) to find charming things. Whether it was a quirky card or handmade pottery from a local designer, you couldn't really find it close. You'd have to make the trek downtown. Luckily, they're here and better than ever. I'm so in love with this store and even more than the products inside that are always changing (in the best possible way), I love the staff. They are kind, helpful, and the absolute opposite of what you'd think "boutique art store" staff would be like. Pro tip: Give yourself a good amount of time to scour through the cards, art, and general amazingness.