Where to Eat Near The Painted Ladies

If you’re visiting San Francisco, one picture you can’t forget to snap is of the famous Painted Ladies that sit across from Alamo Square Park. The Painted Ladies are the colorful houses that became famous after Full House aired in the 80s – as Michelle Tanner (AKA the Olsen twins) grew up in one of these houses. The area is also home to some of the trendiest cafes, bars, and restaurants in the city. From the park that stretches over a hill (in typical San Francisco fashion), it’s just a five-minute walk to Lower Haight, offering you even more food and drink spots to explore. It’s particularly worth indulging in brunch around here, especially if you’re all for artisan toast, southern cooking, and rich organic dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Nopa

Highlight: Vadouvan Curry Baked Egg

560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117 

(About 1 block from the Painted Ladies in Alamo Square)

Put on your brunch necklace, order a mimosa, and enjoy. As you enter this spacious restaurant that sits on the corner of Divisadero and Hayes, a stone’s throw away from the Painted Ladies, large windows shine sunlight across two floors of packed tables. With an ever-changing weekly menu, dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, sourced locally from Farmer’s Markets and food purveyors around the Bay. With generous portion sizes and rich, flavorful meals, Nopa is one of the most sought after spots in the neighborhood. We recommend making reservations in advance.  BONUS: Nopa has, in our opinion, one of the BEST burgers in the whole Bay Area (but more on that another day). Browse the menu: http://nopasf.com/

The Mill

Highlight: Fancy Toast

736 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

(About 3 blocks from the Painted Ladies)

The Mill is a cafe-bakery founded on a partnership between Four Barrel Coffee and Josey Baker Bread.  As you enter the brick and white paned entrance, you’ll see a variety of teapots and plants on one side, and Josey loaves on the other side near the counter. The famous Josey loaves have caused quite a stir, with the toast’s $4.00-$8.00 price tag. Though, after a taste, it’s clear the price is for the dedicated effort and quality put into each slice. All of the bread is baked in a stone oven, which is why the Mill’s toast is always deliciously fluffy on the inside, yet crunchy on the outside. The Mill even has a mill on location, used to freshly mill their whole grain flour to ensure daily freshness. Paired with seasonal jams, or the very popular cinnamon sugar spread, the artisanal flavors are a mixture of comfort and countryside. Note, there’s no Wi-Fi here – so if you’re looking to tune out of the technology-fueled city,  look no further. And don’t forget to order a bold hand-roasted coffee to go along with your pricey, but delightful toast! Take your coffee right over to Alamo Square Park for a look at the Painted Ladies while sipping a fancy latte. Browse the menu: http://www.themillsf.com/

Maven

Highlights: All The Cocktails! 

598 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117

(About 10 blocks from the Painted Ladies) 

Maven is the spot to go to if you feel your night out wasn’t enough and you still sort of want the atmosphere of a bar. While the establishment has an abundance of greenery and bright, big windows, there’s a plethora of alcohol on display behind the counter, often used to make some wonderfully hip cocktails (including three breakfast options). Additionally, the tall black tables and chairs tend to feel like evening wear, rather than something to slouch into at 10 am. However, their rich brunch options, with some strong coffee on the side, are a great way to start the day. Maven creates classics with high-end ingredients for a fun and delicious twist, such a “Banana Bread French Toast” served with pecans, chocolate, and whipped cream, “Billionaire’s Bacon” with chili and brown sugar, and “Duck & Pork Belly Hash.” Maven’s owners have clearly put thought into the menu, as the flavors are satisfying and you won’t leave hungry. Once your tipsy and very full from brunch, roll yourself over the mini hill to the Painted Ladies. Browse the menu at http://www.maven-sf.com.

Love Stretchy Pants?

Basically, if you are heading to see the Painted Ladies in Alamo Square, Nopa or Lower Haight make time to try some of these delicious brunch spots. If you enjoyed this blog post, you might be interested in one of our awesome experiences!  We even offer a Painted Ladies Artisan Brunch food tour with a stop at the Painted Ladies. For more brunch tips and tricks check out the Stretchy Pants Food Walks. Check our our team building events for your next office or holiday party.

By Susannah Chovnick