The Inner Sunset is home to some of San Francisco’s oldest businesses, many of which bear signs reflecting small-town character and evoking an era before formula retail, when products were repaired before they were replaced and Amazon was just a river.
For your Friday enjoyment, we've taken a photo safari to bring you 10 of our favorite signs from the Inner Sunset. Enjoy!
1. Pasquale’s Pizza, 700 Irving Street
This neighborhood institution has been serving up pies on Irving Street for over 50 years, and it has the sign to prove it.
2. Reliable Rexall: A Compounding Pharmacy, 801 Irving Street
Established in 1932, this pharmacy produces prescriptions that are customized for each customer's needs and preferences.
3. Aristocrat DeLuxe Cleaners, 901 Irving Street
Now that’s a suit you can trust!
4. F & H Vacuum Repairs, 947 Irving Street
A+ for the use of what appears to be an actual vacuum cleaner.
5. Sunset Shoe Repair, 621 Irving Street
This shop has been operating for the last 114 years, making it the oldest business in the Inner Sunset.
6. Art’s Café, 747 Irving Street
Established in 1989 by two Korean immigrants, the sign for this neighborhood staple does a top-notch juxtaposition of fonts.
7. Judah 9th Avenue Liquors, 1400 9th Avenue
According to a Yelper, this is "the best corner store in the Sunset." This sign gets an honorable mention because the “9” appears to be a backwards “P”, which would make sense if they were using hanging letters, but remains an enigma since it’s written in paint.
8. Donut World, 1399 9th Avenue
Apart from the Loop convenience store at 19th & Lincoln, Donut World is the only Inner Sunset business that's open 24/7.
9. Oasis Travel & Tourist Agency, 843 Irving Street
The fact that this old-school travel agency is still alive and kicking is a testament to a loyal customer base.
10. Irving Variety, 647 Irving Street
Irving Variety closed in 2013 after 53 years in the same location. Since then, the space has been divided in two for the new tenants, an art gallery and a bubble tea lounge.
Did we miss you favorite Inner Sunset sign? Let us know in the comments.
