18th St, Mission Dolores

18th Street runs right through the northern end of the Mission District, is one of the main streets in Potrero, and is pretty good spot along the Castro as well, but this 3-block stretch of it in Mission Dolores has to be my favorite 3-blocks along 18th Street.

Why?

Let’s start with the big highlight: Delfina, probably the best pizzeria south of Market. Delfina is more than a pizzeria, it is a hot, hot date spot, as I was reminded when I came here with my friends and sat jealously watching all the young lovers out having a good time.

But Delfina is only one of the draws to this stretch of 18th. The other is Dolores Park, the best sunbathing park in all of SF and they have great movie nights during the summer too. For whatever reason--maybe because of divine placement of Mission Dolores nearby--Dolores Park seems to be magically protected from the summer fogs that keep everyone in fall dress throughout much of July and August.

And as if the best pizza and the best sunbathing weren’t enough, this is also the site of Mission Dolores itself, the oldest construction in all of SF and also one of the locations that one sees in Hitchcock’s Vertigo--so history buffs and movie buffs must make their pilgrimage here as well.

But, that’s not all--sorry I can’t help but sound like an infomercial at this point--you also have the best ice cream parlor in all of the city, the Bi-Rite Market. If you don’t believe me, just come by in summer and check out the lines. I mean, it is like kids waiting for a ride at Disneyland.

Oh yeah, and there are also the Tartine Bakery on the corner of Guerrero, the Dolores Park Cafe and Namu Gaji (a Korean fusion joint), Farina Foccacio, and Luna (on the corner with shop packed Valencia).

With so much here, the only surprise is that anyone is fit enough to be seen in a bathing suit at the park during the summer.

And, you can live in the super cute 3-story Victorians over the stores as well. A dream if you love sitting in the Bay Windows and watch the young folks stomping by below. Of course, a one-bedroom around here will run you around $3000 per month--so it is not exactly affordable living to live so close to the fun.