Top 10 Things To Do And See In San Francisco's Dogpatch

Once a gritty industrial neighborhood filled with shipyards and factories, The Dogpatch is now one of San Francisco’s budding havens for artisans and creative types of all kinds. The micro-hood’s compact layout of design studios, eateries and quirky shops makes this part of town easy to explore on foot. Break out your walking shoes and check out our top picks for what to do and see in the area.

1. Bryr Studio

Bryr Studio

The Dogpatch’s vast warehouse space lends itself to designers like Isobel Schofield, owner of Bryr Studio. At Bryr’s Third Street workshop, Schofield and her team handcraft an impressive line of stylish high heel clogs – shoes that have commanded quite a presence in the wardrobes of local trendsetters. If you’re in the mood to browse and try on clogs, Bryr holds open studios every Friday from noon to 6:30pm. Otherwise, you can order your own customized pair online, choosing from a variety of styles and shades of leather.

Bryr Studios, 2331 Third St, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Bryr Clogs | © Vanessa Hellmann Courtesy of Bryr Studios

2. Piccino Coffee Bar

Bar, Restaurant

Piccino Coffee Bar

Located in a colorful yellow building, Piccino Coffee Bar is a must-visit if your day needs brightening – and a little more caffeine! Choose from an array of mouth-watering baked goods (made in-house daily) and take a seat among laid-back locals. The coffee bar’s open, airy setup makes Piccino perfect for enjoying the sunshine and people-watching along the neighborhood’s increasingly-lively Minnesota Street. If you’re looking for a more substantial bite, Piccino’s Italian restaurant, known for its thin-crust pizzas, is located next door.

Piccino, 1001 Minnesota St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415 824 4224.

Piccino coffee bar | Courtesy of Piccino

3. Sutton Cellars

Sutton Cellars

Originally founded in 1996, Sutton Cellars has evolved into a quirky urban winery serving unique, unfiltered and unfined wines – as well as ciders and vermouth. Don’t be surprised to find owner Carl Sutton pouring wines for tasters and offering ideas for delicious food pairings (about once a month, the winery even hosts its own food pop-up). The no-frills, kid-friendly atmosphere makes Sutton Cellars an ideal place to hang out with friends and family on the weekend. The tasting room is open Thursday and Friday evenings from 5-8pm and Saturdays and Sundays from noon-5pm.

Sutton Cellars, 601 22nd St, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Street food outside Sutton Cellars | © Dale Cruse/Flickr

5. Warm Water Cove Park

Park

Take a stroll through Warm Water Cove Park, an outdoor space located along the San Francisco Bay waterfront. Though the park has undergone renovations and benefited from cleanup and gardening efforts organized by local nonprofit GreenTrust, the space certainly retains some of its grit, with graffiti art and nearby dilapidated buildings. Locals will tell you that impromptu punk shows used to take place here, but, these days, expect to find people picnicking, walking their dogs and enjoying gorgeous views of the Bay.

6. Rickshaw Bagworks

Market

Rickshaw Bagworks

On the market for a cool, sustainably made bag? Look no further. Rickshaw Bagworks prides itself on ‘making fresh bags daily’ – designing and manufacturing custom backpacks, messenger bags, totes, briefcases and laptop sleeves from recycled materials and sturdy fabrics. Inspired by urban cycling, the team at Rickshaw has decked out the company’s warehouse space with tons of bicycle-related decor. Drop by to check out the ‘customizer wall’ of fabric swatches and order your own bag – or take home a ready-made style. Rickshaw sells plenty of bags (and t-shirts) with creative Bay-Area-related graphic designs, perfect for wearing your local pride everywhere you go.

Rickshaw Bagworks, 904 22nd St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415 904 8368.

Rickshaw Bag Design | © Charlie Nucci, Courtesy of Rickshaw Bagworks

7. Minnesota Street Project

Minnesota Street Project

Founded by art collectors Deborah and Andy Rappaport, Minnesota Street Project rents converted warehouse space to artists, galleries and nonprofits at below-market rates. Why? The Project aims to preserve San Francisco’s creative community – a group increasingly finding its members priced out of local studio and gallery spaces. Set aside a couple of hours to wander through the Project’s 1275 Minnesota Street location, exploring a diverse range of galleries and exhibitions in lofty rooms. The Project also houses a stunning atrium with a sleek, modern feel that can be rented for cultural events. Come Fall 2016, the Rappaports plan to open a restaurant and bar – helmed by Daniel Patterson – in the atrium as well.

Minnesota Street Project, 1275 Minnesota St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415 243 0825.

MSP Building Exterior | Courtesy of Minnesota Street Project

8. Dogpatch Boulders

Gym

Dogpatch Boulders

Within its 14,000-square-foot space, Dogpatch Boulders has rock climbing terrain for everyone – kids, novices and experts alike. The gym focuses exclusively on bouldering, a form of rope-free, harness-free climbing – but you won’t have to worry too much about falling onto the gym’s well-padded floor. (For those completely new to the sport, the gym also offers introductory classes that teach climbers to set up spotters and fall properly). Dogpatch Boulders regularly rotates its bouldering ‘routes’, so even the most frequent climbers constantly face a new challenge.

Dogpatch Boulders, 2573 3rd St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415 800 8121.

Dogpatch Boulders Climbing Wall | Courtesy of Dogpatch Boulders

9. Workshop Residence

Workshop Residence

Peruse the creations of local and national artisans and take home practical designs with lots of personality. Whether you’re looking for a new table for your apartment, trying on shoes made from salvaged redwood, or finding the perfect handmade wrapping paper for your friend’s birthday gift, Workshop Residence is full of treasures. Each year, the gallery highlights a handful of artists, designers and craftspeople — giving them a space not only to sell and share their work but also to host talks and hands-on workshops. Get in touch with your creative side and take a visit.

Workshop Residence, 833 22nd St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415 285 2050.

The workshop | Courtesy of Workshop Residence

10. Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous

Ice Cream Parlour, American

Another satisfied customer outside Mr. And Mrs. Miscellaneous

Founded by Ian Flores and Annabelle Topacio, this modern ice cream parlor embodies The Dogpatch’s inventive spirit, offering a list of unusual (and tasty!) flavors such as black sesame, candied violet and ‘honeywine’ (made from Ethiopian honey mead). Nearly everything on Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous’ menu – from cones to sundae toppings to cookies and peanut brittle – is made in-house at the 22nd Street shop. You might find a waiting line stretching out the door, especially on a sunny weekend, but don’t let this deter you – the unique treats are well worth the wait.

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