Table Of Contents
This little corner of San Francisco is full of artists, surfers, families, and countless other folks that felt the call of the sea. Whether you live there, wandered out to catch the sunset or you’re attending a summer festival in Golden Gate Park, here’s a handy guide to finding things to do in the Outer Sunset.
Coffeeshops
1. Andytown
As a coffee roastery, bakery and cafe, there’s a lot to love about Andytown. Their Northern Ireland-inspired menu and unique coffee creations are consistently delicious. Stop in for one of the famous Snowy Plovers, a creamy espresso soda, and one of their freshly baked scones before you head to the beach.
Locations:
- 3655 Lawton Street, San Francisco
- 3629 Taraval Street, San Francisco
- 3016 Taraval Street, San Francisco
- 181 Fremont Street, Seventh floor, San Francisco
2. DamnFine Coffee
If you want to grab a quick bit before catching Muni, try a slice of toast and a cortado at DamnFine Coffee which offers limited indoor space but a spacious parklet to enjoy.
Location: 4033 Judah Street
3. Black Bird Bookstore and Cafe
If you’re on the hunt for a good book, check out Black Bird Bookstore and Cafe. Their back garden is a great place to enjoy coffee and a pastry while you hide out from the fog.
Location: 4541 Irving Street
Breakfast and Brunch
4. Judalicious
For something a bit healthier, Judalicious specializes in raw and vegan bites, with a focus on fresh smoothies, juices, acai bowls, and other healthy treats.
Location: 3906 Judah Street
5. Devil’s Teeth Baking Co.
Devil’s Teeth Baking Co has earned a reputation as one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the neighborhood. Bacon, egg, and cheese are nestled between their house-made biscuits and wrapped in aluminum foil for easy transportation to the beach. They also serve a variety of pastries, bread, and other house-made treats. Expect a line but know that it’s worth the wait.
Location: 3876 Noriega Street
6. Underdogs Too
If you want the full brunch experience Underdogs Too is a great choice. Their breakfast burritos and chilaquiles pair equally well with a cup of coffee or michelada, depending on your mood.
Location: 3600 Taraval Street
Shopping
7. Mollusk
Every seaside neighborhood needs a good surf shop and Mollusk is one of the best in SF. It’s a great place to pick up a new or used surfboard, wetsuit, and wax along with books, clothes, and other sundries. The shop is beautifully designed and worth a stop, even just to browse.
Location: 4500 Irving Street
8. General Store
No trip to the neighborhood is complete without a stop at General Store, a shop that offers a curated selection of vintage and modern fashion and home goods with a focus on thoughtful, functional design.
Location: 4035 Judah Street
9. Case For Making
Case For Making is a charming art supply store that hand-makes its own watercolors and serves as a default community center for neighborhood artists. This spot is great for the art lover in your life and is packed with unique tools, materials and books.
Location: 4037 Judah Street
10. Tunnel Records
Tunnel Records is a great spot to score some new (and used) vinyl for your collection. They have a great collection of music alongside a curated collection of home goods and unique gifts that reflect the artistic beach town vibe perfectly.
Location: 3614A Taraval Street
Casual Bites
11. Palm City Wine
Palm City Wine is a wine shop and restaurant that specializes in hoagie sandwiches and other small bites. The airy interior and patio seating are both great options.
Location: 4055 Irving Street
12. Hook Fish Co.
If the seaside is making you crave a little seafood, Hook Fish Co has you covered. Locally caught fish tacos and poke burritos are house favorites, as is their house carrot habanero salsa.
Location: 4542 Irving Street
13. Avenues
Avenues is a unique blend of a surf shop, cafe, and camp goods store, but what sets them apart are unique food offerings like their spam musubi, a popular Hawaiian snack with Japanese roots. These little snacks have a cult following and Avenues seems to do them justice.
Location: 3606 Taraval Street
Parks
14.Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is an ideal spot to relax with friends, enjoy a day of surfing, or work on your tan as long as the fog hangs back. The beach is massive, backed by picturesque sand dunes, and only gets crowded during a heat wave.
Location: Along the Great Highway between Sloat Blvd and Sutro Baths.
15. Golden Gate Park
On foggy days when the beach is less appealing, Golden Gate Park offers ample opportunities to explore. There are two windmills, a herd of bison, a soccer field, a golf course, an outdoor archery range, and several playgrounds that are a short walk from the beach.
Location: Along the Great Highway, between Lincoln and Fulton Streets.
16. Sutro Heights
Sutro Heights, while technically in the Richmond District, is a brisk walk from the Outer Sunset and offers unparalleled views of SF’s western coast. It was formerly the site of former SF mayor Adolph Sutro’s mansion and is a beautiful place to watch the sunset.
Location: 846 Point Lobos Avenue
Restaurants
17. Outerlands
Outerlands is an essential stop on your Outer Sunset journey, equally suited for casual dining and special occasions. The restaurant is well known for its brunch service of dutch pancakes, house-made sourdough bread, and rich tomato soup but is also dazzling for dinner.
Location: 4001 Judah Street
18. Sunset Cantina
On an uncommonly warm night in the neighborhood, nothing beats a few tacos and a frozen margarita at Sunset Cantina. Snag an outdoor table and enjoy beautiful ocean views down Judah St, which is especially pretty at sunset.
Location: 3414 Judah Street
#19. DamnFine
If you’re in the mood for pizza, DamnFine makes some of the best wood-fired pizzas in the area and features an excellent wine and cocktail menu.
Location: 3410 Judah Street
20. Toyose
For a late-night feast, Toyose is the spot. This Korean restaurant serves tasty stews, noodles, and hot pots alongside Korean beer, wine, and soju.
Location: 3814 Noriega Street
Drinks
21. Whitecap
Whitecap is a charming little cocktail bar with an indoor fireplace, a creative menu, and a great selection of spirits. Their cocktail list features a number of deftly prepared classics alongside rotating seasonal drinks.
Location: 3608 Taraval Street
22. The Riptide
The Riptide is an Outer Sunset favorite. This charming dive bar offers a crackling wood fireplace, frequent live music nights, and a great selection of draught beers.
Location: 3639 Taraval Street
23. Woods Outbound
On Judah Street, you’ll find Woods Outbound, with a selection of house-brewed beer, wine, cider, and a selection of empanadas from El Porteño. It’s a minimalist space with clean lines and a great vibe.
Location: 4045 Judah Street
24. Pitts Pub
If you’re looking to watch the game check out Pitts Pub is a classic dive bar with a pool table, a few pinball machines, plenty of barstools, classic coktails and a rotating selection of draught beers.
Location: 4207 Judah Street
Featured image by Grant MacHamer