The Ultimate Guide To The Potrero Hill Neighborhood

By Kyrie Sismaet By Kyrie Sismaet | August 16, 2024 | Lifestyle, Feature,

Serenely nestled in the middle of the Mission District, the Design District, and Dogpatch, Potrero Hill is an incredibly scenic and trendy neighborhood renowned for its steep views and charming small businesses. Originally founded as Portero Nuevo, this southeastern portion of San Francisco saw rapid industrial growth during the Gold Rush, followed by an influx of many Irish immigrants after the 1906 earthquake, and queer artists in the 1960s.

Today, Potrero Hill remains an integral part of the city's nightlife, art, and culinary scenes, particularly known as a popular filming location in movies like Dirty Harry, Bullitt, and The Joy Luck Club for its captivating elevated views. Here is our guide to all of the must-visit spots in this picturesque and storied neighborhood.

Where To Eat

Plow

1299 18th St / (415) 821-7569 / Website

Potrero Hill is a brunch-lover's paradise. With many eateries along 18th Street, one standout is Plow, known citywide for their impeccably housemade lemon ricotta pancakes, soft scramble eggs, and pork sausage patties. We recommend getting here early, though, because a line is always around the corner to get a seat in their cozy interior with a comforting taste of their Plow special that samples all of their best items.

Chez Maman East

1401 18th St / (415) 655-9542 / Website

It doesn't get more locally beloved than Chez Maman, which began in Potrero Hill in 2002 before opening its Hayes Valley counterpart in 2012. Defined by an homestyle atmosphere that accentuates the casual "mama's cooking" cuisine, this authentic French bistro is simply lovely and will make you feel like family immediately.

Mochica

1469 18th St / (415) 278-0480 / Website

Mochica is a vibrant Peruvian restaurant family-owned by the incredible Chef Carlos Altamirano. This is a fantastic cornerstone that offers Weekend Bottomless Mimosas and Sangria, as well as the richest and generous servings of fresh ceviche, inventive tapas, paella, and of course, refreshing pisco sours.

Sunflower Vietnamese Restaurant

288 Connecticut St / (415) 861-2336 / Website

Rounding out the diversity of Potrero Hill's culinary scene, Sunflower Vietnamese is an absolutely delightful casual pick that perfectly serves up all of the most comforting cultural staples. Their Imperial Rolls Vermicelli are a satisfying crispy must, as well as their spicy Lemongrass Prawns and complex Five Spice
Roasted Chicken.

Where To Stay

Inn San Francisco

943 S Van Ness Ave / (415) 641-0188 / Website

Just a short walk away from Potrero Hill is the Inn San Francisco which boasts all of the quintessential vintage SF vibes from right within a classic Victorian home! The location of this historic lodge is precisely between the Mission and Potrero, allowing you to experience the best of both neighborhoods all within arm's reach.

Where To Relax

Tiptoes Nail Spa

300 De Haro St / (415) 626-8637 / Website

Tiptoes is located in the cutest plaza that includes delicious Torraku Ramen and El Sur Empanadas, making for the perfect shopping and luxury pampering excursion. This friendly and bright nail spa is superbly clean, kindly thorough, and pleasantly affordable, offering $35 30 minute foot massages, $25 manis, and a wide variety of Mani/Pedi specials that use natural herbs and ingredients like lemongrass, coconut, and green tea leaves.

Potrero Hill Recreation Center

801 Arkansas St / (415) 695-5009 / Website

For the outdoor enthusiasts, an easy walk up the Potrero Hill park reveals stunning views, a community center, and plenty of green space to relax, have a picnic, and take all of the best skyline photos at this hidden gem of a nature spot.

Farley’s Coffee House

1315 18th St / (415) 648-1545 / Website

Farley's is a community coffee institution, kindly serving up fresh beverages, exclusive curated merchandise, and a convivial, laptop-free atmosphere since 1989. If you need a place to take a break from modern electronics and relax with some literature, their magazine rack and spacious seating are waiting for you.

Where To Shop

Christopher’s Books

1400 18th St / (415) 255-8802 / Website

Since 1991, Christopher's Books have been the ultimate shop to find your next literary favorite. Independently-run, this delightful cornerstone will magically transport you into the cutest store that looks like something out of a beautiful movie.

Blu Dot

99 Missouri St / (415) 255-2345 / Website

Blu Dot is a recent addition to Potrero Hill, but it has instantly attracted lines out the door with their spectacularly bright showroom showcasing all of the most cutting-edge designs in contemporary home decor and furniture. This is 13,000 square feet of diverse designs certain to fit everyone's aesthetic, and if you're looking for more home shopping, the Design District is just next door!

Pawtrero Bathhouse & Feed Co.

199 Mississippi St / (415) 882-7297 / Website

Who said your pets can't get in on the Potrero Hill shopping action? Pawtrero right near the Linea Coffee Roastery and Cafe is exactly for them, carrying the most inclusive and thoughtfully-sourced nutrition, toys, and so much more. This "paw-sitively" friendly, women-founded shop began in 2002 and since then have been a trusted local haven for both owners and fur babies alike.

For Pre-Dinner Drinks

The Connecticut Yankee

100 Connecticut St / (415) 552-4440 / Website

It may not seem like it from the outside, but the Connecticut Yankee is an actual piece of living history. This casual hangout was built in 1907 and has devotedly served patrons through the Speakeasy era, the vibrant 1970's, and to today, where their genuinely cozy and vintage saloon continues to impress with their deliciously affordable lunch and dinner menus.

Where To Hit The Town

Bottom Of The Hill

1233 17th St / (415) 626-4455 / Website

If there's one place to see live music, not only in Potrero Hill, but in San Francisco overall, it's the warmly convivial and highly entertaining Bottom of The Hill. This is a historic venue that's always hosting a talented band, making for the perfect affordable weekday event that's lowkey, intimate, and may have you leaving discovering your new favorite music. Be sure to check their packed calendar!

Thee Parkside

1600 17th St / Website

Just adjacent to Bottom of the Hill is Thee Parkside, another intimate and historic venue known for their spacious outdoor patio and regular musical guests of the riveting punk, alternative rock, and electronica genres. This is beautiful local hangout where you can not only rage and mosh to your punk rock delight, but also receive a deliciously revitalizing meal afterwards with their exceptional food menu.

Lost Resort

2736 20th St / (415)655-3509 / Website

A short walk down Potrero Hill will lead you to Lost Resort, a lively island-themed bar with tiki drinks packed with refreshing tropical flavors. This is a fun and fashionable lounge with sleek Midcentury Modern furniture, a radiant patio, and creative cocktails that will make you feel like you're on your own private island.

Cultural Experience

San Francisco Center for the Book

375 Rhode Island St / (415) 565-0545 / Website

For all of the bibliophiles, The San Francisco Center for the Book will be your new favorite playground for learning all about the precise crafts of letterpress printing, bookbinding, and so much more. This is a charmingly interactive non-profit studio that offers over 300 annual workshops, exhibitions, and community events all devoted to the historic and modern arts of bookmaking, book design, and print crafts. Be sure to peruse their calendar to find an enlightening activity that entices you (though at this gorgeous center, it's all magnificently spectacular).

Hidden Gem

Milkbomb Ice Cream

1717 17th St / (408) 646-9976

Need a sweet fix after hiking up and down this sunny hill? Milkbomb ice cream is the most decadently indulgent reward. Their storefront is located in a quiet part of the neighborhood, but once you find it, you'll be blessed with the most creative Asian-inspired flavors of rich Matcha, creamy ube, and even durian, all either available in a stuffed sandwich or an over-the-top cone with candy drizzles and marshmallow brulee!

Potrero Hill Community Garden

780 San Bruno Ave / Website

The community garden may be elusive, but it does boast some of the most breathtaking views of the city with its lush garden and tranquil seating. Find your zen here as you stroll through the community-made foliage and vegetation, admiring just how commitedly active and caring this neighborhood's locals are.

From diverse food, to historical buildings and a thrilling music scene, Potrero Hill is a vibrant city gem that's naturally above all the rest.

Tags: kyrie-sismaet

Photography by: Courtesy of DianeBentleyRaymond/Getty Images

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