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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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199 Mississippi St / (415) 882-7297 / Website
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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.
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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!
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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.
See also: A Crash-Course On The San Francisco Bay's Punk Culture And Its Most Prominent Bands
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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.
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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).
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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!
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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.
See also: Your Restaurant Guide In The Design District's Showplace Square
Photography by: Courtesy of DianeBentleyRaymond/Getty Images
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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!
View this post on Instagram
199 Mississippi St / (415) 882-7297 / Website
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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!
View this post on Instagram
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.
See also: A Crash-Course On The San Francisco Bay's Punk Culture And Its Most Prominent Bands
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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).
View this post on Instagram
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!
View this post on Instagram
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.
See also: Your Restaurant Guide In The Design District's Showplace Square
Photography by: Courtesy of DianeBentleyRaymond/Getty Images
