The Inner Sunset: Fog, Food And More
Alexandra Chang
Arizmendi Bakery
Arizmendi has some of the best baked goods in the city. You can get delicious savory items like the cheese rolls and focaccia breads, or choose something sweet like the brioche rounds and totally amazing currant scones (sprinkled with cinnamon sugar!). The daily pizza choice is also always a hit. Grab it to go or sit in the adorable parklet outside. There's usually a line out the door on weekends, but it moves quickly. Note: CASH ONLY.
Golden Gate Park
Bring your Arizmendi treats into the park at the 9th and Irving entrance just a block away from the bakery. Sit in the baseball field stands or in nearby grassy patches to eat, then stroll around the park to the rose gardens and Stow Lake. This park is huge, so it's perfect for exploring, relaxing and picnicking.
Park Chow
Grab lunch at Park Chow, right by the park. The upstairs seating is like a very big treehouse -- all wood and light. Or opt for outdoor seating, where pups are more than welcome. The veggie burger is super tasty, and my meat-loving friends are pretty into the pork chops. Save room for dessert! Both the apple pie and the ginger cake are delicious.
Yummy Yummy
Yummy Yummy is one of the best pho places in the city, and it's totally without pretention. The service is excellent and speedy, and the food is consistently good. There are several vegetarian options as well, unlike many traditional pho places. You get a huge portions of food for incredibly reasonable prices. My favorites: The vegetarian vermicelli (served cold) and the seafood noodle soup with rice noodles.
Social Kitchen & Brewery
This is a nice spot to start the night off. Social brews its own beers and has a very comforting atmosphere with a diverse crowd. It's definitely one of the more dressy places of the Inner Sunset, though you definitely won't feel out of place in a hoodie. Grab a table with friends and order a couple of beers before heading out to a few of the more divey bars later.