How To Spend A Day In Bayview, San Francisco’s Underrated Neighborhood

When it comes to San Francisco neighborhoods, Bayview often gets overlooked and misjudged. Those who have spent time there, however, know it’s a hidden gem. It’s home to a vibrant culture that’s embraced its diversity and uniqueness as a historically significant hub of eclectic street art, purpose-driven restaurants, small business with heart and a community of creative, passionate people who love this city.

Bayview is not only the sunniest neighborhood in San Francisco, but also features sweeping views of the bay, natural beauty home to countless migratory birds, and peaceful walking paths and parks ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.

As a born and raised San Franciscan, my favorite way to explore any neighborhood is through its food scene. And with that here’s a guide to spending the perfect day eating and drinking your way through Bayview.

Start your morning with coffee and breakfast at Tallio’s, a high-end coffee shop with a mission to reclaim coffee culture in the area by increasing access to high quality coffee and hiring hyper-locally. You can’t go wrong with one of their bagel sandwiches paired with your coffee (or fresh smoothies).

Once you’re full and caffeinated, take a late morning hike at Bayview Hill. The Bayview Hill loop trail is one of the best-kept secret trails in the city, offering sweeping, 360-degree views that includes the bay, the downtown skyline, and the Bay Bridge, unobstructed. On a clear day you can see all the way across to San Bruno Mountain. This beautiful 44 acre park typically stays quiet, allowing for a peaceful walk surrounded by unique plants and animals that include red tail hawks, black-tailed jackrabbits and more.

Fuel up a with lunch at All Good Pizza, another popular Bayview spot, known for its delicious Neapolitan style brick oven pizzas, organic salads, paninis grilled on fresh baked local bread, served alongside beer and wine. They also offer outdoor picnic table seating in their lively 7,000 square foot beer garden. This is a great spot to chill out while taking advantage of Bayview’s typically sunny weather.

A personal favorite Bayview shop of mine is the expansive plant shop, Flora Grubb. They have a massive selection of plants that do well in San Francisco weather. Whether your looking for cute succulents or massive statement trees, this beautifully curated shop has what you need for both your outdoor and house plants. Almost all of the plants they sell are grown by them at their Rainbow Valley farm. Good to know? It’s a very short walk from All Good Pizza.

Come the afternoon, take a visit the EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park if you need a bigger dose of nature and gardens. The EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park is an environmental justice education center and San Francisco’s first 100% “off-grid” building where you can learn about solar power and alternative wastewater technologies. While you’re there, keep an eye out for wild life — it’s a great spot for birdwatching along the wetlands.

Not feeling nature? Take a tour and do a public tasting at Sequoia Sake brewery instead. Sequoia Sake is the first local artisan Sake brewery in San Francisco. They’re known to use all locally sourced California ingredients and specialize in all-natural Junmai Ginjo Nama sake. From 2-7 pm on Saturdays guests can come by to experience a number of seasonal sake flights and learn about where the libation comes from and how it’s made.

Alternatively if you’re not a sake person, grab a drink instead at Gratta Wines or The Jazz Room. Barbara Gratta began making wine in her garage in the area years ago. Fast forward to today, she runs her namesake wine bar (and Italian food specialty market) in Bayview. This inviting shop is the go-to neighborhood wine bar where connections are fostered and toasts are made.

There’s also The Jazz Room, one of the last African American owned bars in San Francisco, run by 80 year old Gerealdine. Depending on the night, DJ and karaoke nights are featured

For those who prefer beer, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers is a great choice. They have been brewing small batches of beer in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood since 1997. Their newly reopened taproom is perfect for catching a game and trying out some local Bayview brews.

When it comes to dinner, take a seat at Gumbo Social, an acclaimed soul food restaurant offering a few different options of excellent gumbo including chicken and sausage with okra; smoked turkey; and a vegan option. Also on the menu are soul food classics like a variety of po’boys, rice and beans, corn hoecake and more.

Another popular spot? Old Skool Cafe — a faith-based, violence prevention program, that helps at-risk youth between the ages of 16-22 attain marketable employment skills and training in the restaurant industry. This youth-ran supper club features a menu of Southern specialties ranging from Abu’s West African Peanut Butter Stew with braised greens & vegetables in coconut milk to Jordan’s Fried Chicken with whipped garlic potatoes, braised greens and house made gravy.

Finally, don’t skip out on dessert at What’s the Scoop Ice Cream, Bayview’s favorite ice cream parlor. Launched by 26-year-old Bayview native Anthony Womack, the menu features fun flavors like Channel Oreo, inspired by Frank Ocean’s music. There are plenty of flavors to try, most with a musical theme.

Finally, if you need a reason to be in the neighborhood, the one-time event, Crane Illumination and the new India Basin Waterfront Park: The India Basin Waterfront Park is officially opening this weekend (10/19), and to accompany it the Gantry Crane is being illuminated. This fun weekend is filled with artist-hosted parties, a silent art auction, live music, and plenty of food and drinks. It’s an excellent way to soak up the creative energy of Bayview, and a great reminder of what’s to come for this special neighborhood of San Francisco.