Not that long ago, Bernal Heights wasn’t even called out on some city maps—you just had to know it was a neighborhood in the Mission. But these days Bernal has a distinct identity as a first choice among young alternative types seeking a less pretentious version of Noe Valley—i.e., a place that’s kid friendly but without the momfia and stroller brigades. The influx of grupster homeowners has created an alterna-baby boom, with stay-at-home dads strolling Cortland with front-packs and tattooed lesbian moms sharing teething tips over coffee.

Bernal is also home to another type of parent: the my-dog-is-my-child breed. Pet-adoption signs are posted with nanny ads on bulletin boards, and the Woofer Times is stacked by Yoga for Kids fliers. But while the rest of the Bay is embroiled in canine-vs.-child territorial squabbles, Bernalites have found a way to compromise: kids got Holly Park (pups must be leashed), and Bernal Hill has gone to the dogs.

Both sets of parents are as proud and protective of their neighborhood as they are of their babies. Just look at all the different neighbor-hoodies and the turnout at local potlucks and festivals—not to mention the heated debates over proposed changes like the renovation of the Cortland library or the construction of a Home Depot. “From the long history of community involvement comes a level of sophistication,” says Bernal supervisor Tom Ammiano, a longtime resident, “but it definitely also causes some headaches.”

HANGOUTS
Margaret Ashwell gave the former Charlie's dive bar an L-Word makeover, drawing in the ladies with Victorian chaises, candelabras, and giant gilt mirrors at the Chaise Lounge. 309 Cortland Ave.

Hipster parents with babies in tow are flocking to VinoRosso's regular Wine and Whiners nights, featuring Italian and Napa vintages, prosciutto, and pacifiers. 629 Cortland Ave.

Bartender Tina Fagnani says the potlucks spilling out into the tiered garden at Wild Side West are basically town meetings. 424 Cortland Ave.

THE TALK
It was a difference of only 11 spaces, but in an area known for its re-activism, the city's decision to turn parking into parkland at Bernal Hill was like Helen setting sail. Critics say the change would give only locals access, "turning Bernal Heights into Pac Heights," and causing congestion on nearby streets. But despite the torrent of letters, phone calls, petitions, blog postings, banners, and picketing, the city got its way.

WHAT IT COSTS
...to rent: $1,000 for a garden studio at 3966 Folsom St.
...to buy: $899,000 for a 1,474-square-foot house at 184 Ellsworth St.

ONLY HERE
The only rule at Bernal Hill's Illegal Soapbox Derby is that every makeshift vehicle must have a beer holder. The bike messengers and Web gurus who race down Bernal Hill at upward of 30 miles an hour draw crowds of spectators each fall, in part due to MTV's coverage back in 1994, when Real World's Puck joined the fray.

SHOP FRONTS
Maternal Heights mamas shop at Chloe's Closet for new and used kids' clothes, Robeez booties, and "94110" baby tops. 451A Cortland Ave.

Vintage aprons, Saucy Girl soaps, and opal pendants packed into Heartfelt attract tweens and nesters. 436 Cortland Ave.

Pet owners rely on Bernal Beast whether their critters need a Pride Parade­worthy miniature pink Harley-Davidson hat or a $12 self-service bath after a day on the hill.
509 Cortland Ave.

NAMASTE
Hatha, Ashtanga, prenatal, Jivamukti, Pilates—the instructors at Bernal Yoga keep everyone in downward dog. 461 Cortland Ave.

ON THIS SPOT
Rumor has it that the bright red houses scattered on the hillwere hangouts for the Hell's Angels back in the 1970s, when Cortland was oneof their stomping grounds.

THE GRUB
Vegans are sweet on the dairy-free sundae options at Maggie Mudd's, which include black sesame and chocolate cardamom "ice cream" plusmarshmallow sauce and chocolate sprinkles. 903 Cortland Ave.

Moki's Sushi and Pacific Grill has moved across Cortland, but it stillserves maki rolls so large, they are a two-bite affair. 615 Cortland Ave.

Ever since the neighborhood's first upscale restaurant, Liberty Café, opened 10 years ago, it has had a loyal following for its chicken potpie and banana cream pie. Bernalites don't mind the wait at the no-reservationsspot, thanks to the wine flights served in the courtyard out back. 410 Cortland Ave.