By Alea Wilkins By Alea Wilkins | October 4, 2023 | Lifestyle, Feature,
Dogpatch remains one of SF's most interesting neighborhoods, especially as new eateries, shopping and galleries emerge.
Bryr crafts its shoes on-site.
Besharam
Inside the Minnesota Street Project, this eatery, led by Heena Patel, marries the bold flavors of her native India with ingredients from local farmers’ markets. The result is a lively collection of dishes. The restaurant’s name means “shameless,” a sassiness that comes through the plates, which bear the inscription “spicy food for spicy girls.” 1275 Minnesota St., 415.580.7662, besharamrestaurant.com
The Ramp
Seaside eats and funky beats rule at The Ramp. Transformed from a public boat launch and bait shop in the ’50s to a hole-in-the-wall seafood joint, The Ramp serves its locally famous brunches (the house Bloody Mary is a must-try) alongside other yummy dishes like fish and chips. Dine on the lawn beneath canopies and enjoy live music, including Salsa Saturdays. 855 Terry Francois Blvd., 415.621.2378, rampsf.com
Kin Khao
Tucked within the Parc 55 Hilton, Kin Khao is the dream project of chef and owner Pim Techamuanvivit. Born and raised in Bangkok, she wanted to bring quality Thai cooking to the Bay Area—and she earned a Michelin star in the process. With family-style dishes, vibrant cocktails and an upscale yet unpretentious dining room, Kin Khao lives up to its name—“Let’s eat.” 55 Cyril Magnin St., 415.362.7456, kinkhao.com
The Sea Star
Led by award-winning bartender Alicia Walton, the libations team at this beachy bar is worth its salt. Ask for recommendations or choose from the extensive and amusing menu, featuring cocktails like the Sips Ahoy with Tito’s vodka and notes of Thai basil, ginger and lemon. Nonalcoholic mixed drinks also make the list, and for late-night bites, The Sea Star serves slices from Long Bridge Pizza. Bring family, friends and four-legged pals to the dog-friendly bar. 2289 3rd St., 415.552.5330, theseastarsf.com
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
Third Rail
Spearheaded by barkeep Jeff Lyon and chef Phil West, Third Rail pairs refreshing, citrusy beverages with salty, housemade jerky. Taste traditional beef jerky infused with a peppery blend, or try a more inventive take with espresso and chili. Pair it with a cocktail like the Third Rail, a light drink with bourbon and Lillet. Vegan jerky made from shiitake mushrooms ensures there’s something for everyone. 628 20th St., 415.252.7966, thirdrailbarsf.com
Neighbor Bakehouse
A quaint to-go bakery with citywide renown, Neighborhood Bakehouse is known for its elegant and delicious creations. Sourdough breads and sweet and savory pastries are made by owner and baker Greg Mindel, who was nominated for the 2019 James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker. Seasonal specialty items make each visit unique, but guests are particularly fond of menu staples like the ginger pullapart and traditional croissants. Among pastries and breads, find internationally-inspired treats like black sesame rice cereal treats and milk tea blondies. 2343 3rd St., 415.549.7716, neighborsf.com
Ungrafted
A wine-centered resto with upscale American eats, the team at Ungrafted are masters of flavor. The family-friendly yet refined restaurant is run by sommeliers and married couple Rebecca Fineman and Chris Gaither, and the menu is in the hands of executive chef David Aviles. Sample small plates like lox-style fries with everything seasoning, a spring onion yogurt for dipping and cured trout, or try large dishes like hanger steak served with potatoes and black truffle. 2419 3rd St., 415.814.2129, ungraftedsf.com
Chris Eliares, owner of Dogpatch Barber and Shave
Bryr
Capitalizing on the tendency of San Francisco’s terrain to destroy stilettos, England-born designer Isobel Schofield launched this sunny shoe studio in Dogpatch to create customized wood-soled sandals, clogs and booties. Options include heel height and more than 12 leather hues. Although the soles come from Europe, Schofield and her staff make all the shoes on-site. A one-month turnaround time is typical. 1080 Illinois St., 415.800.8093, bryrstudio.com
Hugomento
Shop chic ceramics and storied art at curator Hugo Lai’s Hugomento. This boutique art gallery subscribes to the Japanese philosophy of wabisabi, in which beauty is found in imperfection. Expect a fabulous rotation of works from artists not found anywhere else, including pieces by Mitch Iburg, Dennis O’Leary, Carol Nelson and Marco Minetti. 795 22nd St., 415.505.7609, hugomento.com
MAC Modern Appealing Clothing
Run by SF’s “first family of fashion,” this uber-chic retailer boasts brands straight from the runways. Shop curated pieces by Dries Noten, Dema and Comme de Garcons, independent brands and local designers. Expect a fabulously upscale experience, including walls lined with incredible artwork. 387 Grove St., 415.863.3011, macmodernappealingclothing.com
STASHED SF
This flagship sneaker and streetwear apparel haven offers the latest and greatest in contemporary brands—think Jordan and Nike kicks, Endseen fragrances and fashion-forward clothing and accessories from Maison Margiela, Human Made, Oakley and Off-White. The storefront emphasizes cultural history, museumquality curation and customer service “for the go-getters, the expressionists, the curious.” 2360 3rd St., 415.854.5940, stashedsf.com
ICA San Francisco is new to the neighborhood.
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
The recently opened LUMA Hotel San Francisco is an independent hotel designed by San Francisco-based Hornberger + Worstell. It includes large-scale public art installations by local artists (including Jim Campbell), a rooftop bar and lounge with breathtaking views of the Bay, 299 contemporary and exquisitely designed guest rooms and suites, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. 100 Channel St., 415.266.9999, lumahotels.com
Dogpatch Barber and Shave
Hometown barber Chris Eliares (Cream the Barber) opened his salon in 2014. While the decor is slightly retro—wood-paneled walls and a barber’s pole—the styling techniques are cuttingedge. Eliares and his co-barbers have true range: They’ll take a little off the top or whip up pompadours, fades, undercuts, lineups, portraits and freestyle designs, plus shaves and beard trims. The cuts are meticulous, and the vibe is unpretentious. 2632 3rd St., 415.789.3906, dogpatchbarbershop.com
Nomi Day Spa
The beauty wizards at Nomi Day Spa come from a long line of European estheticians, ultimately preferring a more hands-on approach to purifying and treating the skin. From stripless lavender waxes to customized facials and microdermabrasion, the small, intimate space hosts a bevy of relaxing beautifying treatments that keep SF residents looking their best. 1278 Indiana St., Ste. 200, 415.290.8430
Ungrafted offers exceptional fare and an impressive wine menu.
Museum of Craft and Design
The Museum of Craft and Design, which makes its home in the design district of Dogpatch, displays the brash and bold side of craftwork—whether wool designs that look like landscapes or vintage glassware given new life in the form of installations. 2569 3rd St., 415.773.0303, sfmcd.org
Institute of Contemporary Art
The 11,000-square-foot Institute of Contemporary Art recently opened in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood, offering a free gallery experience that will immediately profoundly impact visionary work in the city. The museum doesn’t operate with a permanent collection and instead embraces constant reinvention as it showcases contemporary art, offers unique programming and features plenty of social opportunities. 901 Minnesota St., 415.226.9250, icasf.org
Minnesota Street Project
Spanning three warehouses, two open to the public, the Minnesota Street Project was founded by entrepreneurs and collectors Deborah and Andy Rappaport to strengthen SF’s contemporary arts community and create an internationally recognized arts destination. The space is home to 15 independently owned and operated galleries, with spaces for short-term rentals. 1275 Minnesota St., 415.243.0825, minnesotastreetproject.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF BRYR; DYLAN PATRICK; COURTESY OF DOGPATCH BARBERSHOP AND SHAV; COURTESY OF ICA; ZHA ZHA LIANG; COURTESY OF THIRD RAIL