Surrounded by busy highways and industrial warehouses, Dogpatch serves as a sunny oasis for neighborhood locals as well as foodies and design-lovers in search of an uncrowded spot to explore. Once you step off the T train, the majority of the neighborhood’s treasures are located within walking distance of each other. This geographic proximity creates a tight knit community; ice cream from Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous is served at Piccino and diners can oogle M.A.C.’s clothing through the separating glass wall.
Piccino:
It’s easy to spot Piccino’s, a bright yellow building, conveniently located on the corner of Minnesota and 22nd St. The restaurant’s large windows create a light filled space, furnished elegantly with Eames chairs and rustic wood tables. A rotating display of artwork is installed on the far wall, and currently features still life portraits of wooden spoons. The best part about Piccino, however, is the menu. Not in the least bit pretentious, Piccino’s menu features Italian staples with a twist, such as spaghetti with roasted broccoli and thin crust pizzas with garnishings of brussel sprouts, olive tapenade, and shaved garlic with chili oil. All of Piccino’s ingredients come from local farms, including San Francisco’s own Olivier’s Butchery, Water 2 Table Fish co, and TwoXSea, quality products that make a difference. Throughout the restaurant there is an obvious attention to detail, from the observant servers to the beautiful arrangement of lemons on the communal table and last but not least, the delicious espresso drinks served hot from Piccino Coffee Bar next door. The restaurant seems to be a contradiction; the world class food and elegant interior are sophisticated, yet the restaurant calls to mind an Italian living room.
Piccino Coffee Bar:
Piccino’s love for coffee fortifies the restaurant’s commitment to sharing local and specialized fare. Located next door in the same sunny, yellow building as Piccino, Piccino Coffee Bar has a similar welcoming and homey environment — it’s a neighborhood spot where artists, writers, thinkers, designers, and residents gather to enjoy Sightglass coffee and freshly-baked pastries. Piccino says, “the warmth of our cafe spills out onto the street, creating a wonderful place in which to reconnect and chat.” This commitment to community is exemplified through Piccino Coffee Bar’s use of Dogpatch merchants — the café’s famous afogato is made with ice cream from Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous. Similar to its partnering restaurant, Piccino Coffee Bar boasts large windows that create a light-filled space, furnished with eclectic decor, like a vintage Allright Auto Park sign. the café offers limited seating, but the sunroom that connects the coffee bar and restaurant is the ideal space to sip on a foamy cappuccino or a spicy chai latte. Piccino Coffee Bar bakes classic pastries with local ingredients (lemon semolina cookies, meyer lemon tarts and chewy ginger molasses cookies are favorites) and sells delicious coffee and tea drinks. The coffee drinks are served in minimalist, Japanese ceramics hand-crafted by Loring, the husband of one of the owners. Piccino Coffee Bar also offers goods to-go, such as Sightglass’s Ethiopia Shakiso roast and caramelized sugar or packaged pasta from Piccino.
M.A.C:
M.A.C. has been a staple destination in the Dogpatch for almost five years, and garments and accessories range from those of Japanese designer Commes des Garcons to 80s favorite Sybilla. Anton Stuebner, a former long-time M.A.C. retail associate, believes that, “M.A.C. fits into the Dogpatch community because it appeals to a myriad of design lovers who flock to the neighborhood. We were first attracted to opening a store here because a lot of the local vendors or artists, photographers that we’re working with have all had studios here. We feel Dogpatch is a creative heart of San Francisco.” Although the clothes are quite pricey, M.A.C has created a space where the emphasis is on the quality and the story behind the pieces, whether it’s a dog bowl from George or wool Sofie d’Hoore trousers. Walking around is like visiting an art show. Embroidered Minå Perhonen dresses and fury gold Dries Van Noten vests await anyone willing to see the clothing as the pieces of art that they are.
The Museum of Craft and Design:
Open since 2004 in an industrial metal building, The Museum of Craft and Design captivates art and design lovers with its San Francisco-focused exhibitions; one of the museum’s current exhibits focuses on contemporary crafts by veterans. This museum explores the role of craft and design in day-to- day life, exhibits original and borrowed shows, and offers hands-on activities that invite participation from visitors. Over the summer, the MCD featured Hands Off: New Dutch Design at the Confluence of Technology and Craft, an exhibition that showcased designers who “challenged traditional notions of public space, sustainability, architecture, fashion, functional objects, marketing, and art, and utilized technology that required no ‘making’ by hand in the traditional sense.” The show exhibited whimsical light dividers created by Aoife Wholler, chairs that combined plastic with bacteria, and a wall of small objects donated by visitors — I contributed a hair clip in exchange for a pink pig ring.
Warm Water Cove Park:
Warm Water Cove Park, located on 24th and Michigan street, is a contemplative space in the otherwise bustling commercial and industrial neighborhood. The park offers walking paths for early morning joggers, lawns and benches for families to picnic on, and beautiful views of the Bay, the industrial harbour, and the Alameda docks. On a sunny day, enjoy a cone of candied lavender ice cream from Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous on a warm rock by the waterfront.
Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous:
Located in a large industrial building on the corner of 22nd and 3rd street, Mr and Mrs. Miscellaneous serves organic, fresh ice cream as well as other goodies such as homemade peanut brittle and organic sour licorice. The ice cream shop offers a variety of inventive and sophisticated flavors, from candied violet to bourbon and caramel.
Industrious Life:
A tiny shop tucked off the side of 22nd street, Industrious Life carries vintage and artisan products ranging from candles (the delightfully scented Maison Louise Marie), kitchen appliances and beauty products (organic and handcrafted by Gunilla Eisenberg). While for a long time the dogpatch area was far grungier, shops such as Industrious Life are becoming more and more frequent, ushering in a new design era of the neighborhood.
Poco Dolce:
Poco Dolce chocolates can be found almost anywhere in the bay area. Several grocery stores in San Francisco and numerous shops from Berkeley to Burlingame carry their most popular flavors: burnt caramel and toffee crunch chocolate squares. Started in 2003 by Kathy Wiley the chocolate and candy brand is founded on a rather peculiar idea — keep the chocolate “poco dolce,” just a little sweet. Fans have an almost cult obsession with their chocolate tiles. For anyone who wants to browse a wide variety of Poco Dolce products, their brick and mortar store in Dogpatch is perfect. All of the chocolates are imagined, produced and packaged at their headquarters on 3rd street. Poco Dolce is committed to creating a sustainable and eco-friendly chocolate.
Honorable Mentions:
La Stazione Coffee and Wine Bar: Known for its quick service, a neighborhood favorite is their Nutella latté
Rockshaw Bags: Custom made bags available in backpack, messenger or tote form, they also carry cases for ipads and macs
āina: Brand new Hawaian brunch spot
Workshop Residence: A concept store, they offer both classes and locally sourced products
Serpentine: Locally sourced food in a chic industrial building
Arch: Large art store brimming with art tools of every shape and size
