Last week, we asked Inner Sunset locals to weigh in on their favorite aspects of life in the neighborhood, from food and drink to unique experiences you can't find outside the interior fogbelt.
Here's what many local commenters had to say about their neighborhood favorites. Have your own thoughts on the matter? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Food & Drink
"I go to Art's as often as I can," said one reader, referring to the longtime cafe at 747 Irving St. "I love a lot about the Inner Sunset, but for me, it's Art's. #hashbrownsandwich"
"Yellow Submarine followed by Hometown Creamery" is a "fantastic local one-two combo," said another. Yellow Submarine sandwich shop has been open at 503 Irving St. since 1975; Hometown Creamery debuted last summer at 1290 9th Ave.
"Whether you like scooped ice cream (Hometown Creamery) or soft serve (Twirl and Dip), the Inner Sunset has you covered," said a fan of frosty treats. "Have you tried the coffee ice cream at Hometown?" asked another. "I'm not even a fan of sweets, but good lord it's amazing. Perfect flavor and texture."
LaLe, which replaced Villa Romana at 731 Irving St. two years ago, got rave reviews from several locals.
"Love the brunch at LaLe! French toast is delicious and the staff is wonderful! Getting hungry thinking about it!"
"I love LaLe! Best food in the neighborhood. The staff is so friendly. Love it!
"Agreed! Salmon Benedict is amazing!"
"Love the farmers market every Sunday and my every Sunday treat is to stop by Lale for brunch, their weekend special Baby Dutch pancake is fantastic! Oh and Homemade corned beef hash Benedict, yum. Love supporting the small businesses in the neighborhood."
"Definitely LaLe, their Benedicts are so creative, and that ricotta stuffed French toast is my favorite French toast ever!! Plus the only Turkish coffee spot in the hood!"
"My favorite dining spot is LaLe," said another, "delicious from-scratch cooking, great family owned restaurant, love their lamb dishes, lamb chops and lamb shank are out of this world. Their daily brunch saves me time from cooking. Who makes homemade jams, but they do. Also, love the vibe of small town, many people know each other. We still have small shops like a shoe repair store or comic store that is extinguished in other neighborhood. Coffee place is the Beanery of course!"
The Beanery (1307 9th Ave.) got several mentions, as did Arizmendi (1331 9th Ave.), and Snowbird Coffee (325a 9th Ave.).
Pasquale's Pizza (700 Irving St.) got a shout-out from a couple locals: "Deeee-licious bread basket bread at Pasquale's," said one. Another agreed, adding some memories of the former Irving Street Cafe, which closed in early 2015. "Good house special pizza, been on that corner forever. I still miss the old Irving Street Cafe, always ate there with my parents on Sundays, even when there was a line out the door."
"Best thing about Inner Sunset is the park and being close to 19th for Chinese food," said another reader. "And San Tung and some good Vietnamese places." When it comes to San Tung, the ever-popular spot for dry-fried wings and more at 1031 Irving St., one other resident chose a different favorite aspect: "Wednesday nights when San Tung is closed. Sidewalk not blocked, no yelling and no sloppy drunks!"
Andronico's, the community market at 1200 Irving St., got a mention, but commenters seemed concerned by Safeway's recent acquisition of the store. "Since Andronico's was bought by Safeway, will not be stopping there anymore," said one reader. "I think the one of the best things about Inner Sunset is the still existence of small businesses. It is shame that Safeway got into the neighborhood."
Other local eateries and bars that got a nod include Sunflower Garden (1368 9th Ave.), Howard's Cafe (1309 9th Ave.), Park Chow (1240 9th Ave.), Pacific Catch (1200 9th Ave.), Crepevine (624 Irving St.) and the historic Little Shamrock (807 Lincoln Way), specifically for its backgammon.
More Local Favorites
On the Run Shoes (310 9th Ave.) got more than one mention from locals, with one calling it the "best shoe store for runners in the city" and another noting the "great selection of comfortable shoes."
"Green Apple Books on the Park (1231 9th Ave.) and Wishbone (601 Irving St.)" both got some love, with another reader affirming "Love to spend time in Wishbone," the neighborhood's longtime gifts and sundries shop.
"Botanical Gardens at GG Park!" extolled one reader, while another upped the ante: "A Roxie Market sandwich in the Botanical Garden."
"Great neighborhood with still family vibe. Love the proximity to Golden Gate Park, and museums. Peasant Pie (1039 Irving St.) is a quick snack spot," one reader weighed in. Another praised Barbara, a community-minded homeowner at the corner of 6th & Irving. "Barbara—for all she does to promote a happy, welcoming community. She is an inspiration to so many who pass by her house, some of whom take her ideas home to their own communities—all over the world."
Another reader shared a list of positives in the neighborhood:
"The great guys who own the 9th/Irving corner market, the great family who owns the 9th/Irving donut shop, Arizmendi's, Snowbird coffee shop (hey Dave and Eugene!), bottomless champagne brunch at Fresca, homemade chicken veggie soup at Crepevine, Koo Sushi, the new owners of the Rexall drugstore, proximity to GG park and museums, views from Grandview Park, Garden for the Environment, Christmas tree/pumpkin patch at 7th/Kirkham, Ritual Roasters beans at Hollow coffee shop, and oh so much more."
And another:
"I'll live in this neighborhood for as long as I can. Truly a small town in the middle of a large city. Walk down the street and always see people you know. Have your doctor, barber, and dentist all within a block of each other. A huge variety of great places to eat, and our back yard is Golden Gate Park."
And finally, noted one reader, "It isn't the Outer Sunset."
