San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood is one of the fastest growing in the city. Situated between Potrero Hill and the bay, and steps away from the Chase Center and Oracle Park, the area retains much of the industrial feel from when it was the nucleus of shipbuilding in the 1800s. Many of the leftover warehouses are now residential lofts and art galleries. So whether you are looking for a cultural weekend trip or somewhere to grab a bite or drink pre- or post-game or concert, Dogpatch has a lot to offer. Most of the restaurants and bars are dotted along Third Street, but don’t be shy about veering off; there are many gems to be discovered.
Besharam
1275 Minnesota Street
Chef Heena Patel — who you may remember owned and ran Rasoi at the Ferry Building’s farmers market — cooks up seasonal Western Indian cuisine here, which is to say it is full of flavor, textures, interesting ingredients and 100 percent vegetarian. Even carnivores won’t be able to resist.
McEvoy Foundation for the Arts
1150 25th Street
The foundation is home to the McEvoy family’s wildly impressive contemporary art collection (which includes pieces from Diane Arbus, Andy Warhol and David Hockney, to name a few). But you can also expect to find screenings, exhibitions, workshops, talks and events. Rituals of Devotion opens on March 10 and features sculpture, painting and photography that explores the theme of spirituality.
Minnesota Street Project
1275 Minnesota Street and 1150 25th Street
Located in three separate warehouses, the Project is a collection of permanent and temporary gallery spaces for modern art. It is free to the public during businesses hours and offers a glimpse of the vibrant S.F. art scene. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Museum of Craft and Design
2569 Third Street
If you love design then you’ll want to make time to experience this museum. The staff collaborates with artists, designers and other museums as well as universities to create stimulating exhibits for visitors. Bull.Miletic: Proxistant Vision is on view until March 19. Obviously, a visit to the gift shop is a must.
Neighbor Bakehouse
2343 Third Street, Ste. 100
For everyone wondering where to get that mouthwatering croissant you have been craving, this is the spot. Owned by baker Greg Mindel and his wife, Christine, the airy shop is just as inviting as the baked goods. Stop by Friday through Sunday and indulge in one of the limited-offering pastries or grab some freshly baked bread to take home. The bakery is open Wed. to Sun., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nosh This
2325 Third Street, Ste. 326
This shop is known for its addictive Bacon Crack chocolates and one bite will tell you exactly why. Irresistibly made with applewood-smoked bacon, toasted organic Kashiwase Farms almonds, Gilt Edge Creamery butter and 72 percent cacao Guittard chocolate. Mouth watering yet?
RH San Francisco
590 20th Street
RH’s newest Bay Area location is a five-story, 80,000-square-foot design gallery housed in the historic (and incredibly beautiful) Bethlehem Steel Building. The Palm Court restaurant is a chic respite from a day of gallery hopping, and if only a glass of champagne will do, then add a stop at the wine bar.
Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco
901 Minnesota Street
An iconic destination for contemporary art, ICA SF offers free admission and the visual feast is plentiful. There are three exhibitions currently on view — This Burning World, Resting Our Eyes and A Weed by Any Other Name — that you won’t want to miss. Keep in mind that it is closed Monday, Tuesday and public holidays and plan accordingly.
Third Rail
628 20th Street
This cocktail and jerky bar (yes, you read that correctly) is the kind of thing that we travel into the city for. The cocktails are superb and beautifully prepared and worth a stop on their own, but do it correctly and opt for a beer, shot and jerky (they also have a veggie version).
Ungrafted
2419 Third Street
Dropping in for a glass of vino at a wine bar is always a good idea and this one is at the top of our list because it is run by an all-sommelier team. Not only does Ungrafted offer a stellar lineup of wines (obviously), it also has full lunch and dinner menus as well as wine classes. Sign us up!
