So, you've seen everything a traveler
has to see in San Francisco. You've been t the Wharf, you've walked
the Golden Gate Bridge, seen the Mission District, and now you're
wondering what else is out there? Well halfway between downtown and
the Pacific Ocean there lays an adorable neighborhood called 9th
and Irving. Aptly named because of its location at the corner of
Irving St. and 9th Ave. Its also just a block away from
Golden Gate Park
Weekend
mornings are a great time to visit. The smell of hash browns
permeates the air around 9th and Irving, and locals shuffle from
their doorsteps to the area's numerous cafes and diners for their
first slurps of coffee. By noon, the commercial strip buzzes with
folks running errands, the sleepy residential streets come alive as
residents peruse yard sales, surfers return from the beach and
joggers and dog walkers stroll over to Golden Gate Park for a little
fresh air.
The main great feature of this little
haven is the food. If you're feeling like being super healthy there
is a great place called Pluto's (It may not be a planet anymore but
it is still a great place to grab a delicious bite to eat.) They
specialize in salads and sandwiches but if are feeling like falling
off the wagon a bit I would try the onion rings, they are out of this
world... Up the road a bit is a lovely little place that pays homage
to one of the greatest band of out time, it's called the Yellow
Submarine and guess what they make? Yup you got it sub sandwiches,
some of the best in town and their own homemade potato chips. My
personal favorite is a little bakery called Arizmendi, theyy have
bread and pastries and excellent coffee. They're descendent from an
amazing place in Berkeley called the Cheese Board, but if you're not
gonna make it across the bay on this trip Arizmendi is an excellent
alternative. They have a daily pizza special that is a) the only
type of pizza they serve that day b) always vegetarian c) the best
pizza you will have in California.
As for shopping there is a fair amount
of San Francisco souvenirs here, but not the ones you would find in
the Wharf or China town. They tend to be very neighborhood centered
and super cute as well. Wishbone is
on Irving between
7th
and 8th
, it's an adorable
gift shop with theme T-shirts, notebooks and gadgets. Tutti-Frutti
on Irving between 8th
and 9th is a
toy and tchotcke shop that can keep you giggling for hours. And if
you are into cute used cloths than there is a San Francisco Chain
that you must try, it's called Crossroads and the are all over the
Bay but the Irving location is great. And while they have pretty
epic buyers that endure only the best quality hand-me-downs they also
have a jewelry collection that is worth the trip.
