San Francisco Profiles – San Francisco’s Sunset District with Derek

I am happy to announce a new series, San Francisco Profiles, where I interview a local on their favorite parts of their hood. I have reached out to friends who are either natives or have lived in San Francisco for a while and asked them where their favorite hangouts are. In addition, after each interview I am including additional spots to check out should you choose to visit. I get lots of people reaching out about where to go, visit and eat in San Francisco, who better to advise you than a native?

To start, I'd like to introduce you to Derek.

This is typical. Derek spends most of his time outside! So when it comes to the best places to hike or bike, he's going to have great info for you. Me, I prefer his insights on Broadway plays and eating establishments. As a fellow foodie, some are best times are just hanging out over a good meal.

Derek lives in Sunset which has two parts, Inner Sunset, and Outer Sunset. Both are great residential areas of San Francisco and feel very neighborhoody. I asked Derek to share his favorite spots in his neck of the woods.

[3] What differentiates the Sunset from all the other parts of the city?
I can’t think of a single neighborhood that boasts as much diversity and affordability when it comes to dining. In a 3 block radius in the Inner Sunset (9^th and Irving) visitors can choose from low priced Thai, Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Persian, Mediterranean, Latin, Japanese, Ethiopian, Italian, Mexican, Seafood and Pizza.

[4] Favorite coffee spot in the Sunset.
Hollow, on Irving Avenue between 15^th and 16^th Avenues is hands down the most charming coffee shop in the Inner Sunset. It’s quaint with seating for only 6 or so people and they serve one of SF’s favorite local brews, Ritual Coffee. You’ll always find a delicious selection of cookies and other treats on hand, not to mention unique handcrafted local gifts.

[5] Favorite spot for drinks.

No trip to the Sunset would be complete without a drink at one of San Francisco’s oldest watering holes, The Little Shamrock, which was established way back in 1863. They’re famous for their Irish Coffee’s, of course. Regardless of what you pick to drink, grab a spot in the back and enjoy their selection of board games for laid back entertainment.

[6] Favorite local hangout.

Always busy and buzzing on the weekends, Arizmendi Bakery is the Inner Sunset’s go-to source for fresh baked goods of all shapes, flavors, and sizes, like corn-oat molasses bread and fig-fennel sourdough. This worker-owned bakery has been supplying residents with pastries, pizzas, and breads since 1997. The locals especially enjoy the parklet set up out front which offers a great place to sit and enjoy a fresh-baked cookie.

[7] Favorite breakfast spot.
Cozy, comfortable, clean and quality are words that come to mind when I think of my favorite breakfast and brunch spot, Park Chow. You’ll find all of our favorite American comfort food selections on their menu. It’s hard to not be happy here sitting at a table downstairs next to the fireplace or under the heating lamps upstairs with the giant sunroof cracked open. If you don’t make it for breakfast or brunch, have no fear, it’s as equally as great for dinner.

[8] Favorite lunch spot.

Before heading into Golden Gate Park for a day of exploration and fun, I love picking up a fresh-made deli sandwich at the Cheese Boutique on the corner of Irving and 12^th Avenue. As you might guess, this place has an impressive selection of cheeses to choose from, and the owners Rick and Nada can make the perfect recommendation for creating a delicious sandwich.

[9] Favorite dinner spot.
Considered by many to be best Thai food in the city, Marnee Thai has two Sunset locations, one in the Inner Sunset on 9^th Avenue and one in the Outer Sunset on Irving near 23^rd Avenue. They’re both great and I’m partial to the Outer location because of its kookier décor and because you’re more likely to be seated by Marnee herself, and get her latest recommendations. Prepare yourself for delicious Thai dishes that won’t even come close to breaking the bank.

[10] One thing you always do/spot you always take friends from out of town to do/see.

I always take visitors into Golden Gate Park and up to the top of the Hamon Observation Tower at the De Young Museum. Admission to the tower is free and from the top, you get 360-degree views of the city from the middle of Golden Gate Park. The tower sits just above the treetops so it’s one of the most unique vantage points to see the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge, downtown San Francisco and beyond.

Thanks Derek!

Here are other great spots in San Francisco's Sunset District:

EAT – Breakfast/Brunch:

> Outerlands (4001 Judah St.) You'll have to wait 20 minutes but get the Dutch pancake.
> Park Chalet (1000 Great Highway) Bottomless champagne, enough said.
> Pasion – (737 Irving St.) Latin American, huevos rancheros anyone?
> Devil’s Teeth Baking Company (3876 Noriega St.) Bakery treats.

EAT – Lunch/Dinner:

> Saiwaii (2240 Irving St.) The tonkatsu ramen with spicy garlic and stewed pork belly is amazing.
> Izakaya Sozai (1500 Irving St.) Arguably one of the best bowls of ramen in the city.
> Nopalito (1224 9th Avenue) Great Mexican.
> PPQ Beef Noddle House (1816 Irving St.)  One of the most authentic bowl of pho in the city.
> Irving Cafe and Deli (2146 Irving St) Makes one of the city's best bahn mi sandwiches.
> San Tung (1031 Irving St.) Famous for its so-called “crack chicken,” or fried chicken. Great dumplings too.
> Sunrise Deli (2115 Irving St. other locations throughout the city, plus a food truck). Damn good falafels.
> The Pizza Place (3901 Noriega St.) Yes there is pizza, but don't miss the sweet potato steak fries!

DRINK – Coffee Shops:

> Drip'd (1352a 9th Ave.) Sightglass Coffee
> Trouble Coffee (1730 Yosemite Ave.) Hipster joint, great toast.
> Henry’s House of Coffee (1618 Noriega St.)  Hand roasted coffee.

DRINK – Bars:

> Social Kitchen & Brewery (1326 9th Avenue) Great beer selection.

THINGS TO DO:

> The San Francisco Zoo (1 Zoo Rd.)
> California Academy of Science (55 Music Concourse Dr.)
> Farmer's Market (on Sunday) (1315 8th Ave.)
> Ocean Beach (Great Highway)
> 16th Avenue tiled steps
> Make your own surfboard at Sunset Shapers (3896 Noriega St.)

SHOP:

> Establish Boutique (3811 Noriega St.) Trendy boutique in harmony with its environment.
> The General Store (4035 Judah) Great mix of modern design and laid-back vintage.
> Mollusk Surf Shop (4500 Irving St.) A surfing institute.
> Cheese Boutique (1298 12th Ave.) Husband-and-wife business offers over 100 cheeses

LODGING:

Sunset is mainly a residential area so lodging is a bit tough to find. There is the retro Ocean Park Motel (2690 46th Ave.) but you are probably better off renting a private home or apartment via services like Airbnb. They have great guides for both Inner Sunset and Outer Sunset that include some of their locations to rent.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

Here are other posts and guides from a few other local sources.
A curated Wanderlist for the Sunset District from AFAR
Sunset and Irving guide from San Francisco Days
The 10 Best Dishes Under $10 in the Outer Sunset from 7×7 Magazine
The 10 Best Dishes Under $10 in the Inner Sunset from 7×7 Magazine

How about you? Do you have any Sunset additions? Have you been to this area of San Francisco? Did you find this post helpful for a future trip?

More about Derek: He has guest-posted here with a great guide about Yosemite, a spot he is very fond of.  He loves sports, is a Michigan native who has adopted and embraced San Francisco as his home. He loves Broadway and chocolate, lots of chocolate. You can catch his witty banter on Twitter as well. We worked together for about three years and I absolutely adore him!

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