San Francisco’s Jackson Square is home to a notable collection of top architecture firms, home furnishings stores and fashion boutiques as well as some of the most touted restaurants in the Bay Area. Historically, this was the city’s first commercial district and a bustling waterfront. The original port sat roughly along Montgomery and Jackson Streets before landfill extended the city’s border. In the mid-1800s, the area was home to everything from big businesses to bars and brothels, a far stretch from the laid-back, design-forward air of the area today. From the city’s finest collection of architecture books to the best in Danish furniture to a Scandinavian-inspired clothing line for fashion enthusiasts, this little pocket of the city offers a quaint dose of urban life.
1. Cotogna
490 Pacific Avenue
Cotogna, the more casual offering from the adjoining Quince restaurant, offers day trippers a convenient stop for rustic Italian fare with charming outdoor dining options. The menu is updated daily.
843 Montgomery Street
Specializing in contemporary paintings, photography and sculpture, the talented team of art consultants offer in-home curating, custom commissioning and complimentary delivery and installation.
3. William Stout Architectural Books
804 Montgomery Street
With more than 70,000 titles on topics such as architecture, urban planning, furniture, interior design, landscape architecture and more, the shop has served as a fundamental resource for all things design for more than 30 years.
4. Anine Bing
412 Jackson Street
Inspired by Scandinavian minimalism with a touch of American rebel, this Los Angeles–based clothing brand offers classic wardrobe staples as well as investment pieces in leather, cashmere and 14k gold that will beg to be loved for years to come.
5. Fritz Hansen
440 Jackson Street
Design addicts flock to this heritage brand for the best in Danish contemporary furniture, lighting and home accessories. The brand collaborates with some of the biggest names in the industry, offering customers high-quality pieces that are heirloom-worthy.
722 Montgomery Street
Whether you are looking for traditional, contemporary, vintage or you want to build your own, The Rug Company has a selection so vast and diverse that it is impossible not to find a rug you love.
431 Jackson Street
Fashion connoisseurs in search of unique pieces made with luxurious fabrics should look no further than this atelier. No chain-store trends here — instead expect timeless designs paired thoughtful touches.
8. Schott NYC
619 Sansome Street
Credited with the being the first brand to put zippers on jackets, this century-old, family-owned label is a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts and lovers of Americana.
9. Verjus
528 Washington Street
One part outdoor cafe and wine bar and one part local market, it’s the perfect stop after an afternoon of shopping. Order a CSA basket (from the website) and pick it up during the cafe’s Farmers Market Friday, or simply stop in for dinner essentials on the way home.
2569 Third Street
A short drive from Jackson Square, the Museum of Craft and Design is San Francisco’s only museum that spotlights designers, makers and artists. The museum partners with not only artists but other museums, universities and design outlets to create stimulating experiences that the whole family can enjoy.
