Need a break from city life but can’t really get away? Head straight to the Outer Sunset. Waiting for you will be rows of candy-colored bungalows, long stretches of sand and surf, and pockets of some of the coziest cafes, tastiest restaurants, and finest shops you’ll find in SF—east side or west.
Founded in 2007 by husband and wife team Eric Rewitzer and Annie Galvin, 3 Fish Studios is a light and airy printmaking studio and gallery. Named after the Galvin coat of arms (Annie is from Ireland) head to 3 Fish Studios not only to buy one of their well-known “I Love You California” prints, but to sign up for a printmaking class. Upon entry, be prepared to have Eric offer you an Anchor Steam from their tapped keg in the back. 4541 Irving Street
Reopened in May after a five-month hiatus for renovations, Outerlands’s popularity doesn’t seem to have suffered even the slightest dip; if anything, the lines look even longer. Longtime fans of the homey, seaside American fare (hearty grilled cheese with soup for lunch, Dutch pancakes in a cast iron pan for brunch, clam stew for dinner) have continued to come back for more. Looking to brunch here on the weekend? Come early and plan to wait. Good thing the beach is mere blocks away. 4001 Judah Street
With locations in San Francisco, Venice Beach, and Silver Lake, Mollusk Surf Shop has cornered the market on some of California’s best waves. This is your one-stop shop for everything from wetsuits to surf boards, sunglasses to both men’s and women’s casual summer wear. Check out the wooden sculptures by local artist (so local that he lives right around the corner) Jay Nelson, and keep an eye on Mollusk’s gallery page for updates on upcoming art shows. 4500 Irving Street
Photo by burningmax
Pine Lake Park and Stern Grove
A verdant oasis with steep, forested slopes, Pine Lake Park is home to Pine Lake, one of the few remaining natural lakes in San Francisco. The park’s main attraction, Sigmund Stern Grove, was private land until 1932, and since 1938, has been host to a series of free musical performances from June through August. Check the website again on May 1 when the Stern Grove Festival announces their 2015 lineup. Sloat Boulevard and Vale Avenue
Opened with Kickstarter funds, Andytown Coffee Roasters gives the Outer Sunset a cozy, coffee-scented nook to spend the grey afternoons in. Make sure to try to Irish soda bread, a nod to co-owner Lauren Crabbe’s Irish roots, and the Snowy Plover, an espresso soda topped with whipped cream. 3655 Lawton Street
Opened in 2010, General Store carries a finely-curated mix of vintage and modern furniture, clothes, household items, jewelry, cards, and small treasures. Looking for a place to buy gifts? You’ll certainly find beautiful wares for the classy, worldly women in your life. 4035 Judah Street
Trouble Coffee and its owner, Giulietta Carrelli, were neighborhood staples long before the Pacific Standard Magazine story turned this tiny Outer Sunset spot into a national phenomenon (not to mention the reason for San Francisco’s oft-bemoaned $4 toast). Stop in for a coffee, a coconut, a thick slice of toast slathered in peanut butter and honey, and enjoy it all in the café’s driftwood-filled parklette out front. (And if you haven’t read that story yet, believe us—you should take the time to do it now.) 4033 Judah Street
Photo by mama tang
Quite literally a hole in the wall—the restaurant is in a converted garage—Toyose is one of the city’s best spots for late-night food and drinks. With the kitchen open until 2am, order a feast of Korean comfort food and a pitcher of sake to go with it. 3814 Noriega Street
Opened by two California natives with a passion for all things surfing, San Franpsycho is your new favorite shop and screen printing studio. The small company has three locations in San Francisco, but the Outer Sunset shop is where the actual screen printing magic happens (not to mention where you'll find the coolest storefront). Stop by to inquire about screen printing classes or to pick up a rad tee. 3830 Noriega Street
Beachside Coffee Bar + Kitchen
The younger sister of neighborhood favorite Java Beach Café, Beachside is a perfect spot for a quick weekday lunch or lazy weekend brunch. With the addition of a full kitchen, Beachside offers up a menu of quick American fare like sandwiches, salads, burgers, and classic breakfast items. Want something sweet to top off your meal? Channel your inner child and order the cotton candy. 4300 Judah Street
This 3.5-mile stretch of wide sand is one of the best parts of living in the city. Almost never crowded and too far away for many tourists, on any given day you’ll find the shore dotted with runners, surfers, and dogs playing off their leashes. Chill at the beach at night and have a bonfire; just show up early to nab one of the designated bonfire pits between Fulton and Lincoln Streets. Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Since it opened three years ago, Devil’s Teeth Baking Company’s sweet and savory treats have proven to be the tastiest in the Outer Sunset—and among the best in the city. Get the special breakfast sandwich—two scrambled eggs, pepperjack cheese, avocado, and bacon on a buttermilk biscuit with lemon-garlic aioli—or head to Devil’s Teeth on a Sunday morning and get your beignets made to order. 3876 Noriega Street
It took four artists and a shared love of design and craft to create Woodshop, a workspace and showroom. From custom hardwood furnishings to high-performance wooden surfboards, Woodshop is a woodworker’s dream. Contact the artists to set up an appointment to tour the showroom. 3725 Noriega Street
Built in 1941, Riptide is the Bay Area’s “best little honky-tonk by the beach.” The rustic brick floors, high ceilings, and pine walls will have you feeling like you’re in a small mountain lodge; grab a drink, sit by the roaring fireplace, and take in the live music. Swing by on Thursdays for DIY grilled cheese sandwiches. 3639 Taraval Street
What do you get when two friends from Boston move to San Francisco together for culinary school? The Pizza Place. Come to this neighborhood favorite for dinner and order a large Spicoli—“Who ordered the double cheese and sausage?”—or create your own pie from a list of more than 30 toppings. 3901 Noriega Street