Seriously soo many restaurants, bars, cafes, local stores, hidden gems you will find here. Take a few hours to explore and eat your way through the place! You just can't eat it all. Always need another trip Parking and traffic suckssss read more

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Parking's horrendous, even on weekdays when it's not a super busy time (people going to work and people getting off of work). I can't imagine what it's like on the weekends when people actually want to go out and do things. I can't really speak for how it's like in the evenings and at night considering how so many things in the Bay Area close so early in comparison to SoCal, but I digress. Parking can get quite confusing here since there are so many loading areas, other spots where it's metered parking but ONLY for a certain time period or else you're not allowed to park there, some actually free parking (I think), and much more confusion, so be prepared to sort of park before you can get closer to read all of the fine print on the signs. Even Koreatown isn't this bad. Eugh. But other than that, I really do like the variety of restaurants and businesses that they have here and the fact that it doesn't feel gentrified or franchise/trend slop. Definitely more lively than many parts of LA and other major cities as so many in person things are dying out. One day I'd like to go back and go eat here, and hopefully be able to find parking. Also random, but my boyfriend and I saw a stubby caterpillar looking van that was super close to the ground with 6 wheels and I sadly couldn't take a picture in time, but the visage haunts me to this day. read more

Was here in The Mission yesterday for Dia De Los Muertos - Day of the dead. A very family friendly event - well organized - and very safe with police blocking off many streets. On Halloween I was on Polk street and heard 5 to 10 gunshots just maybe a block away - big street parties are often messy and chaotic - but this wasn't at all. It was the second night in a row I got to pay respects to little Kit Kat - the kitty whos back half was run over by a Waymo. He was the official bodega cat of Randas Market on 16th. My heart was broken and stomach felt like it went into a blender when I heard the details. He crawled with his front little paws back to his sidewalk while throwing up blood. Day of the dead and day of KitKat all in one. I created a beautiful little basket that had a cat statue surrounded by cat treats and cat toys. Many shared in my sadness for KitKat and his growing memorial showed lots of love, messages and photos. I later looked up what happened that night on Halloween on Polk street and apparently it was a targeted thing - where one guy got 2 non life threatening gun shot wounds. I don't know whats going on in the world - but electric vehicles are running over many many cats and dogs in San Francisco. Why can't they be louder to alert our furry little four legged friends? read more

The Mission - Kit Kat of Randas market - run over by Waymo - Local Flavor Near Me

There is something about the Mission that is irreplicable. The amazing street murals. Mission Dolores Mission Dolores park The palm trees lining areas The amazing taquerias, pupuserias , and empanada places. All the Abuletia's shopping for their families. It is a truly special place read more

The Mission - Street art on Alabama and 23rd - Local Flavor Near Me

I had a unique experience visiting the mission district. I went off in search of the famous murals that everyone mentions and found a carnaval parade! I did see some beautiful murals (some in really not so great places so be careful!) on my way to the parade. It was a bit difficult getting around with all of the barricades but it honestly wasn't as bad as I expected. I stayed at the parade for a little over an hour and saw some beautiful dancing and tricked out cars. It was really cool! read more

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Was my first time truly soaking in the area. Definitely a place to see and visit while in the area. Stumbled upon a shop on a corner that sales Cuban style sandwiches. Prob one of the best I've tried for sure. read more

This area is PACKED to capacity with artistic flavor. I mean blocks and blocks of beautiful street art, awesome restaurants, historic landmarks, revitilazing construction, corporations, hotels, shops. You definitely wont have a problem being entertained or finding great food in The Mission. There's everything from health food vendors to good ol' greasy spoon diners along these vibrant San Francisco streets. Shopping is endless from upscale designer stores to local boutiques. Take a cable car or trolley ride through the area if you prefer not to fuss with parking. Personally, I suggest getting your feet to the pavement for optimal views and memorable photo ops. ~Christy loves The Mission, you will too. read more

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#53/2016 Changing- some might not call it progress- with explosive growth in the past few years, I have mixed feelings about the Mission District. The streets are dirty almost everywhere especially on the main/busy thoroughfares (watch your step for piles of feces) and it has strips of super hipster watering holes and restaurants with prices and attitudes to match. Then you see the blue collar, original Mission with taquerias, green grocers peddling great, cheap produce and blocks dotted with Asian fish markets, social service agencies, payday loan storefronts, mom & pop restaurants, rundown apartment buildings, dive bars and more jiu jitsu, boxing, construction and lumber companies than you can count. And lots and lots of bike lanes with packs of bicyclists. Noe Valley with its swath of fashionable boutiques restaurants and mothers (often nannies) pushing Peg Perrigo strollers, vacillates whether it's part of the Mission (it is). Eye-catching murals and hidden alleyways with turn-of-the-century tiny houses in various states of gentrification, the Mission offers a kaleidoscope of views. Dramatically hilly streets and tended Victorians that've increased 15X in value over 20 years stand next to contemporary new construction. You'd think the architecture would clash but somehow one complements the other. Often gritty but paradoxically now out of reach for anyone but the super affluent (hello Zuck and Liberty er, Facebook Hill), you'll find a schizophrenic district that's seen more change and upheaval than almost any other part of the city except for maybe Dogpatch. But, the Mission's population density is what makes the dichotomy so striking: The great push forward of an ever-more-expensive city paired with the heartbreak of artists, families, both recent and established immigrants unable to hang on or just pushed out for the far better-heeled new residents, dollar-eyed developers and city leaders way too comfortably nestled in VCs' pockets. It's the Mission that makes me pause and question if it's time for us to go. I think there's still a place for us. read more

The Mission - 305 S. Van Ness, Ginger's apartment in the movie, "Blue Jasmine." - Local Flavor Near Me

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Growing up in the 80's, I avoided The Mission like the plague. All I noticed were the dirt, garbage, filth, crime, junkies, gangs, homelessness and corruption from the union halls. Oh wait, that's City Hall. But in seriousness, I did not like coming to The Mission and it was my least favorite neighborhood in San Francisco. I was young, naïve, dumb and stupid. Now, I know better and appreciate it a lot more. Long before it was called San Francisco, The Mission was populated by the Ohlone and Yelamu Indians. After the Spanish Missionaries colonized this place and named it Yerba Buena, they established Mission San Francisco de Asis. The natives were used as slave labor to build and finish the Mission and their population dwindled to just fewer than 50 in a few short years. Sounds familiar to what's happening now? With streets named Valencia, Guerrero, Dolores, De Haro, Bernal, Mariposa, and Noe, these were the original Ranchos (mostly Spanish-Mexican families) that were granted lands devoted to raising cattle and sheep. With the expansion of the Mission after the Gold Rush, it was subdivided into permanent housing for the incoming working-class immigrants like the Germans, Italian and Irish. During the 40' and 60's, there was a large influx of Mexicans as most of them came to complete the western span of the Bay Bridge. Ever since then, through the 70's, 80's and 90's, most of the immigrants came from Central America, which gave The Mission it's distinct Latin culture that has been prevalent until today. Well, until the Dot-Com boom, Hipsters and Techies suddenly started moving in initiating gentrification as we know it today, which has created a culture clash for better or worse. But the more things change, the more they stay the same and history appears to repeat itself. But what I do love about The Mission is the cornucopia of different cultures that has created a vibrant place, especially when it comes to the food scene. You can just about taste the world in this neighborhood with so many restaurants representing each corner of the world, it seems. The Mission is home to the first Philz's, Carnaval, Mission-style Burritos, street food, Michelin-rated restaurants, hole-in-the-wall places, great bars, bakeries, street art, ice cream (Mitchell's, Bi-Rite, Humphry Slocombe), murals, music and so much more. It's definitely a great place especially if you're a foodie. read more

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I chuckle every comment I hear about "The Mission." It's either a love or hate, and rarely in the middle. Those who thinks this is a forgotten place with drug stricken drug lords running the area, they're usually on the other side of San Francisco, sheltered, or they're from the suburbia who rarely come to the city. LOL j/k Sometimes we can miss out on an opportunity for growth particularly here in The Mission. I remember myself when I was 9 years old running around on 24th Street. Sure we had tons of homeless. That's inevitable. They're everywhere in the world. I was lucky my family taught me to think free and provided me with a multicultural experience especially during my childhood years. I am lucky to be a part of The Mission who continues to teach me "common respect." The Mission is not for everybody, but one thing for sure when people want to experience cultural diversity, they somehow think of coming here first! Isn't that ironic? Cheers! read more

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There's pros and cons to every neighborhood. The Mission is no exception. It's a very cultural place. Lot's to eat. I mean, LOTS!!!! Plenty of hispanic food, Thai, Korean, Italian, American (could mean anything). Lot's of street art and it's constantly changing. Plenty of photo ops. Unfortunately this area has gone down the drain. It's dirty. I mean, REALLY dirty. Garbage everywhere is an understatement. People yelling at trees and it's dangerous to park your car anywhere. read more

Plenty to do, see, and eat. The Mission District used to be the happening place in San Fran but as of late has become a bit sketchy. I won't lie this is the most homeless populated area I've seen in the city so far. But I will say there are also hipsters so I guess the thing to know I'd enter at your own risk?? On a real note, I felt safe the whole time it's just not as clean as other areas. A couple neat thrift shops and great restaurants I will say. If you're a fan of Mexican food, you have to go to La Taqueria, best burrito I've ever had! A cool area but if you're wanting to spend the better part of the day in the area, go to mission for lunch and then go through the mural alley to Valencia st. Mural Alley isn't the actual name I don't think but you get the idea, a whole alley with murals on both sides by local artists. Super interesting to look at and there's tons of people also there looking and taking photos. So take this alley over to Valencia and find more cafés and vintage shops. Same area but I would say Valencia is nicer and more hip. More people too but worth it to go down both streets. read more

The Mission - Local Flavor Near Me

Ah the Mission, its big, its varied, why have they not split it into several neighborhoods? It seems to be all things to all people, sketchy, hip, run down, dirty, cool, and beautiful, It all depends on what you are looking for, and where in the neighborhood you are. There is good food, umm lets say unique people, good shopping, great art both in galleries, and murals on buildings, I have been to some great little shows, theater, other events, Yet somehow nothing bad has happened to me here, Not even the food has tried and make me sick. When the weather is nice there are street fairs and other outdoor events, Watch for them, they are a fun way to get to know the city. So I think every trip to San Francisco I make I will come here, find something new, and visit my favorite parts, and places. Tip: check to the San Francisco Guides, They do free guided tours all over town, They are lead by locals that want you to see their city the way they do. The tours are informative, Interesting and there are a number here in the Mission! Tip 2: leave your car at home, There is no where to park it here. Besides walking and mass transit rule here. read more

The Mission - Local Flavor Near Me

What's the best place in San Francisco to experience the nice weather? Yup you guessed it, THE MISSION! One of my favorites places to visit when coming to SF because I know I can always count on good restaurants and drinks, good shops, and great transportation! MISSION IS KNOWN FOR THEIR FOUR SUB DISTRICTS: ~Potrero Hill area is known as a center for startup businesses and also some bomb chic bars and restaurants. ~Dolores Street is famous for Victorian mansions and the popular Dolores Park at 18th Street. ~Valencia St, from about (15th to 22nd) and the 24th Street in the south central part of the Mission District are both very popular destinations for their restaurants, bars, galleries and street life. NOW LETS TALK ABOUT FOOD: The Mission district is influential for its restaurants. There are tons of Mexican restaurants that are located throughout the neighborhood, showcasing a localized styling of Mexican food. Did you know that San Francisco is the original home of the Mission burrito? There are also tons of great Salvadoran and Nicaraguan restaurants there as well as a large number of street food vendors. A large number of other restaurants are also popular, including: Mission Chinese Food, Mission Pie, Bar Tartine, La Taqueria, Papalote, and Foreign Cinema on Mission Street, Delfina on 18th, and Luna Park on Valencia RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION: The neighborhood is served by the BART with stations located on Mission Street at 16th Street and 24th Street. Muni bus numbers 9, 12, 14, 14L, 22, 27, 33, 48, 49, 67, and the J Church Muni line, which runs down Church Street and San Jose Avenue. With that said, this is great place to visit in San Francisco and get a different look at the city from a different view! read more

"We were so happy poor but when [you] got rich, that's when our signals got crossed..." I'm really sensitive when it comes to my neighborhood. The way I see it, newbies* come here to "rough it out" and imitate the life of the poor. Once they find their "real job," they'll be outta here in less time than it takes to spot the nearest crackie. But for me, this is where I grew up. I have lived in the Mission all 24 years of my life. I went to Flynn Elementary, did grocery shopping at all the produce and meat markets on 24th Street with my mom, satisfied sugar cravings with 25 cent cookies at King's Bakery, etc. I understand why more and more people appreciate the Mission for what it is NOW, but would these same people have had such an affinity for it 10 years ago? What about 15 years ago? Back then it wasn't safe to be out on 24th or 18th after 4pm because of all the gang violence. Have you ever seen a grown man get pushed out of a bus window? Have you ever seen a kid get gutted in the back of the 14? Has your mom and her fellow shoppers ever been held hostage at a Casa Lucas? Has a random gunman ever showed up to your elementary school and stuck up two of your classmates for no reason? Did your elementary school have gun drills because stray bullets entered from the projects across the street? I can answer affirmatively to all of the above, as can other people who grew up in the old Mission. It's not that I miss all that ghetto shit, but at the same time I feel like I've lost an old friend. Because of TICs, people I grew up with were forced to relocate at the last minute. Mediocre coffee shops have replaced family-owned businesses that used to do a fine job of repairing your worn shoes or hemming that dress that was a few inches too long. Burritos can cost you up to $9. Yet after all that, I still give my neighborhood four stars cuz you can't take the old Mission outta me (yeah, I still wear a mean mug cuz you had to wear a straight face as you walked past the cholos) and because I still live here. *Just as a disclaimer, the newbies I'm referring to our well-off people who can easily afford to live elsewhere, yet move into the Mission or the Tenderloin and displace families who struggle to make ends meet. PS: I don't understand why anyone would give this review Funny votes. I don't see anything funny about gentrification. read more

When I first moved to SF, 22 years ago, the mission was all about 2 things... cheap Mexican food, & bars. I was told by those allegedly "in the know" that I had to have a burrito from La Cumbre, Pancho Villa, & La Taqueria. Late, late night dining was synonymous w La Rondalla. I had never eaten dinner after 2 AM before going there. And, for drinks, the mission was the destination for the Latin American Club, The Make Out Room, & later on, Bruno's. Lastly, you had to have your pics taken in the photo booth at Elbow Room if you were to be taken seriously as a legit city peep. But, other than that, if you didn't live in the area, it wasn't a neighborhood to venture out to on the regular. What a couple of years can do. Delfina came onto the scene in the late 90's, & the flood gates burst open. Cheap Mexican? Yeah, it's still here, but now so is everything else. Great coffee? Check! Both Four Barrel & Ritual are in the house. Great Italian Food? Check! Great Indian Food? Check! Great Peruvian? Check! Great fine dining? Check! Great pizza? Check! Great brunch? Check! There's still the old school represented; Muddy Waters is still alive & kicking, as is La Rondalla now that it's back. And of course those beacons of presence... Mission Dolores, & Delores Park. But the Renaissance of this neighborhood is staggering. It's old & new, money & no money, hip & unhip. Sagging & botoxed. In a word, it's fabulous. But... watch out for bike riders, & don't even think about leaving anything in your car, or not locking it. It's also important to be cautious about where you park, because of vandalism. My former colleague found his BMW spray painted, & I returned to my car once to find foot prints on my hood. No Bueno. Still love it here, though. 4 stars. read more

Definitely stay in the bustling area, unless you were born and raised here. Nothing happened, but sanitation and security is a huge factor while traveling to a more foreign area. That being said, lots of street parking! Lots of great food/restaurants! Beautiful mural art, if you look up from your phone. Don't forget to check out Mission Dolores Park, Bi-Rite Creamery, Clarion Alley and anything else! PS: Lots of places are not open until later in the day. So make sure you check your hours before coming! read more

I grew up in the mission my whole life there's always something new to see especially when I saw all the painting and pictures that people done I took photos you'll see everything here they have great food all kinds of food of the shop's you just walked for hours specially a beautiful warm day. read more

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Sometimes you have to wade through slime and shit to find the treasures (think of Indiana Jones). Such is the Mission. The people are the best; who cares about the rest? Diversity. read more

Top 5 reasons to visit The Mission: 1. It has the best weather in San Francisco City proper! 2. It is THE most culturally diverse neighborhood in San Francisco; Latino, American, African, Indian, European, Asian..everyone is here! I love it!! 3. The best murals, graffiti art and city sponsored art in San Francisco are all around The Mission. 4. Getting here is easy - nestled between 2 BART stations + The 12, 14, 22, 33, and the 49 all pass through. 5. Some of the best restaurants, only in San Francisco grocers and shops are in The Mission. Bonus star... I live here, so it has to be awesome! duh.. Come for a visit. It's Always Sunny in The Mission! read more

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The Mission neighborhood is unique in that its got groups of different types of people. There are some people that look shady that may possibly approach you for money, drugs, alcohol, etc. Then there are those that are the hard working business owners or blue collared workers. There are also the artists and performers. And these types appear during the day. The area can be quite lively at night as well with young professionals looking to drink, have a good time, and relax. Tons to see, do and taste here. There are a lot of good restaurants in the area as well. As businesses keep popping up and doing well here, I think the area will be more expensive like the rest of San Francisco. Enjoy it while you can at cheap prices! read more

The Mission rocks! Where else can you go for cheap but authentic Latin American food on every block. Also, on Valencia Street, there are many interesting spots like the Bombay Ice Cream shop where you can get Saffron ice cream and thread your eyebrows at the same time? Walk up the street to Mitchell's where you can get purple sweet potato ice cream or pistacio ice cream crammed with pistacio nuts. A block or two from Mitchell's ice cream is Freakin' Good Chicken which serves middle eastern roasted chicken (fire roasted) that comes with hummus, salad, and fresh bread. Baklava for dessert, anyone? Also on Valencia is a very little shop that sells essential oils, candles, and anything else you might need as a witch. Also, We Be Sushi has good basic sushi with cheap parking nearby. Herbivore serves tasty vegetarian food and is a great place to catch up with friends. Not to mention the many grocery stores that sell cheap but generally good produce (limes, avocados,etc.). And Lucca's has great italian products-- nice freshly made sausages. The Quan Yin Healing Arts Center offers massages, accupuncture, and much more. Another great thing about the Mission is that it is close to everything. On 24th and 16th, there is a bart station that connects you to Powell where the biggest mall in S.F. is. No need to even get out of the bart station, you literally leave bart and walk straight into the mall. All you need is a credit card for a day of shopping. Also, the Mission is just below Noe Valley so when you want a cleaner and more refined environment, walk up the hill or just drive your lazy self there. The Mission is the best. It's a cultural center where real living takes place. read more

***** iFeliz Cinco de Mayo! ***** **** iFeliz Cuatro de Mayo! **** *** iFeliz Tres de Mayo! *** ** iFeliz Dos de Mayo! ** * iFeliz Uno de Mayo! * You might be celebrating later, but I've already started. See, just because there's a thing called Cinco de Mayo, doesn't mean that's all there has to be. Do you know how many Spanish numbers there are? Mucho. Like infinito. That's why you don't have to wait till Cinco and you don't have to stop after Cinco. #hastaelinfinitoymásallá #seguimoscantando #seguimosbailando (started with Uno star then countdown-ing to Cinco) #iniciadoenlaparteinferiorahoraestamosaquí read more

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Hi! My name is ____________ and I live in the mission. I get off by talking smack about every other hood in San Francisco and telling people how cool I am because I live here. If you hadn't noticed, right now it is trendy to appear "poor" so I drink PBR even though it tastes like beer flavored water, and we all know it. I wear ugly clothes that I pay a lot for at Macys and Bloomies, but would never say so...in fact I at all times wear one thing, one thing, from a thrift store so I am not totally lying when people ask me where I got my cute _______ I can tell them from ___________ (trendy thrift store of the week). Every morning when I leave my house for work or whatever I ignore the smell of piss, death, icky people because my zipcode allows me superiority to people who live in other parts of San Francisco, most of all the Marina. ***It should be noted...I, the reviewer, do not hate the mission...there are cute parts...just the intollerable snobs who treat me like shit for: -not living there -not gushing over it -living in the Marina Let it also be said, I probably pay less in rent than you do and I only eat organic food, but I don't sneak in McD's when I think no one is looking. How about them apples? read more

The Mission is me. I am the Mission. The Mission is where my family lived when they moved here from Mexico in the 70s. The stoops of its houses are where my parents met and fell in love. The Mission is where I used to ride Muni with my grandmother to the carniceria, amidst the colorful murals of Balmy Street, traveling mariachis, street salesmen with fake gold chains, and numerous money transfer locations and produce shops. You can still find all of those things there, but you can also find the uber-hip Humphrey Slocombe on the same block where my abuelita used to live. Not much has changed yet everything has changed. Some people use the word "gentrification". I happen to think it's just another movement - a population shift. It's still a heavily latino area, but there is new life being breathed into streets that my mother would never let me walk alone as a kid. Those same streets are now lined with outdoor tables and young couples sipping red wine on a Tuesday evening. But I still wouldn't walk around in blue or red if I were you. Now, the Mission is home to all types - whether you've lived here your whole life or are brand new to the city. The Mission represents a cultural melting pot that can be home to anyone looking for a new life, or just a change of scenery. Because now, the Mission is everyone :) read more

I am done with the Mission. Done. There are no restaurants down there I can't live without (hmmm... are there even any I like? maybe a couple I kinda sorta like). The bars I can def live without! The Mission bars always make me either feel like I am in some midwestern town with late 20s-early 30s people who are trying to prove they are still cool by drinking way too much (and not even good drinks!) or else feel I am surrounded by basically uninteresting, unsophisticated people who put a LOT of effort into cultivating a colorful exterior and making sure you know just exactly how hip they think they are. I would continue to tolerate the general mediocrity of the mission when my friends who live near there make plans for Mission bars and restaurants if it wasn't for the intense grime. Even in the best parts, the Mission is seriously dingy, but after last night's short walk through the filth of Mission I vowed that I am done with the Mission. What a relief it was to get back to the Tenderloin!!! Sure, there are a few streets in the Tenderloin that smell like urine but walking down Mission one can barely breath. And there are plenty of street people in the Tenderloin, but they don't have that same "totally deranged and just surfaced after living in the sewers" vibe to them at all. Let's just say I was not at all surprised to read Mary's account of human poo on the sidewalk. read more

The Mission was cool before the "Valencia corridor" yuppies started moving in. Mission to Portrero gets four stars, Valencia to Dolores gets two; I'll average it out to three. read more

I went brown bagging in the Mission last night & LOVED it! For those of you that don't know what that is (like me just 24 hours ago), it means to purchase booze from a liquor store and proceed to drink it from a brown paper bag and just walk around. No cops around to hassle you, just a buncha crackheads, tiny Mexican men and bums. I gotta say that 'Brown Bagging' was WAY better than a club or some bar. I am so happy to know a hardcore "G" that knows her way around the Mission. This bitch took me down dark streets and nobody fucked with us. Maybe it was her "crime scene - do not enter" scarf or her christmas lit backpack? No one even looked at us sideways for drinking from bags like I anticipated. I did get teased for drinking chardonnay from a bag, but fuck that, I have standards even when I am slumming & I don't do beer. I've come to realize that 'The Mission' is actually purgatory. It's not quite hell, it sure as fuck ain't heaven, but, it definitely falls somewhere in between. I left with a $1 Jesus night light in my pocket, a belly full of burrito & booze, more money left in my pocket than if I had gone to a bar and a head full of crazy sights and memories that I will never ever forget. What a way to start the week and kick off the holiday season. read more

I don't normally review neighborhoods, but since this is the one I live in I'm giving it a go. First, I've lived in the Mission for 10 years. I've seen it change in a lot of ways. Almost all for the better. I find all those complaining about the "marina-fication, or hipster" nonsense disingenuous and are probably those who don't live in the hood just looking for a reason to look down their noses like they do at everything. For the record, the Mission in the last decade has always been a mix ranging from sordid to elite. There's nothing, not one thing, nada that's new about that. All the spouting to the contrary is ignorance blaring at the top of its lungs. The Mission has some of the best weather in the city. We are frequently warm and sunny when the rest of the city is cold and foggy and it's less windy than many neighborhoods. That's reason enough to live here for me. I'd much rather sweat than shiver. Residents in our hood are incredibly diverse. Artists, street people, professionals, scum and the general SF lot mix with great ease which is another reason I like it so much. The Marina, Pac Heights, NoPa and so many other areas are just sterile, clone filled oases of boredom. Not here I say. I've met more interesting people living in the Mission than any other place in my lifetime. The walking score in the Mission is off the hook. You don't need to get on Muni, or in your car to find anything you need. Restaurants, grocery, bars and shopping in tremendous variety and price-tags are all within just a few blocks. It's entirely possible to buy $300 jeans at one spot and walk next door to a $1.25 taco. Try doing that in the Marina or Pac Heights. Yes, the sidewalks are often dirty and the crowd on the street might be scary to the uninitiated, but in my decade of life in this hood I can say I've never encountered an instance where I felt unsafe or had any trouble of any kind on the streets and my car has never been vandalized. I can't say the same for some other areas of town. My car was broken into in Hayes Valley the only two times I was dumb enough to drive and park there. I LOVE THE MISSION! It's entirely too hip, too gritty, too old-school, too historic, too new, too unpretentious, too diverse, too cool and too comprehensive for all the small brains to understand it. So to all you Mission downers pick it up and go hang in another hood. Thousands of us love it and always will. read more

THE MISSION = Dirty, Druggy, Hipster, Dog poop, Dollar stores, Bad parking, Record stores, a few good mexican restaurants (and a lot of shitty ones)........ I friggin love it! read more

I live in the Mission, and it's great. Gentrification! What's up, biatches? Do I have to shoo the occasional bum or druggie out of the nook in front of the garage? Yes. Do I occasionally find mystery material on the sidewalk as I go to work? Yes. Do I occasionally find not-very-mysterious material on the sidewalk as I go to work? Yes. Have I been hit on by a crack whore? Yes. Do I live in a 1700+ square foot condo with broad-plank heartwood floors, two fireplaces, a fully updated kitchen and bathroom, coffered ceilings and plaster medallions above every light fixture, less than a 15-minute commute from work, with a huge backyard, for less than $800k? YES. Hello, Mission! Bring me more Mission, any time. Those of you from the Marina who don't like my hood? No problem. Stay where you are. Enjoy the 350 sunless days a year. read more

So it is not often that I feel the urge to write a review of a city. I dont think I have yet at least. However this is about a neighborhood. Talk about kinda random. But this place is one of my favorite haunts within one of the best cities in the world (outside of the politics, strictly speaking stuff to do and places to go). Well the Mission is totally unique in that there are about 2 bars per block, 1 pizza joint, 1 taco stand, and every shop has homes over it. Flat style living to the nth degree. The food, bars, nightlife here is outstanding. The shopping is kinda whatever for me, the parking is bad, but the times are fun and anything and everything can happen here. Outdoor concerts randomly occur (not big bands but yeah you know what I mean). Let alone random dance parties can be witnessed as well. There is nothing like taking a stroll between watering holes and being entertained the whole way by different performers and people. You can find fun parades (like memorial day weekend they have a Mardi Gras style one) as well. PRO TIP: Be careful with your money and keep an eye on any valuables (you dont want to loose them)! Its easily accessible by Bart and via car or bike. Its also awesome in that it isnt just the main drag but it is many side streets filled with happenings. Whether it is 3am or 3pm there is something happening here somewhere. So check this place out sometime and enjoy the experience. My favorite place to chill in the Mission is The Monk's Kettle. You may like it also, if you like beer bars =) read more

The mission now reminds me of what Haight/ Ashbury use to be like in the 1960's. Except the hippies have turned into hipsters. There is always something fun to do, no matter what night of the week it is. Seriously even on a Monday night it's raging. There's more bus lines that run through the Mission than anywhere else in the city, and catching a Taxi is always easy. Unless it's Cinco de mayo or Halloween, then forget it. It has some of my favorite restaurants and bars, and they are practically the only place in town that has pawn shops. This comes in handy when one is broke. It's always a mixed crowd of people, always keeping you entertained until wee hours in the morning. Above all the Mission has the best burritos in town and the bacon wrapped hot dog guy. I DON'T think you can go wrong!! read more

Hey man, what did you just scrape off of the bottom of your Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars? The Mission. Where in this town can a guy get a hot dog from some sketchy looking guy selling food out of the top of the filthiest Coleman cooler I've ever seen from the side of a mini van parked right on the street? The Mission. I'm in the market for counterfeit or off-brand soccer jerseys - where do I go? The Mission. What's that filthy neighborhood that the 14 runs through that reminds me of downtown TJ? The Mission. What neighborhood has the best burritos in The City? The Mission. Where do we always end up after a long night of drinking when we just want the cheapest, stiffest drinks we can find? The Mission. Where do all roads inevitably lead when I'm in The City? The Mission. read more

I know I'm on the wrong city, but since a whole lot of SF people come to the Sac boards to talk about how Mexican food in the Mission is the second coming, I'd thought I'd pop by here to address all that shit directly. Taquerias in the Mission now cater to trust-fund kids who grew up eating Baja Fresh in Danville and want a vegan option for everything. Basically, if you could wrap a okra and tofurkey burrito in a Yassir Arafat doo-rag, they'd be on cloud nine. Meanwhile, $1,500 studios were cramping the style of the locals, so they started heading out to Oakland. As a result, most Mission taquerias are full of dudes sporting the Paul Bunyon look and girls who keep diaries. As mentioned above, buche and cabeza don't come in the Boca variety. Thus, the ever savvy business owner started shitting down the menu like an episode of Oz. Meat got bland, spices got dull, and prices went up, (for more information, see the city of SF as a whole). Places like Pancho Villa, that back in the day used to serve fried blood, have gone the Chipotle route. Yeah, maybe Beck shows up there now and then, but who the fuck cares? Like his music, the food there is a total rimjob. What about Cancun, El Farolito, La Altena, etc? Yeah, them shits is ok. They're about as good as any taco stand in any Central Valley town. Like Stringer Bell once said, those places are like a 40 degree day, no one gives a fuck. So, if I'm here talking all this shit, what's Sacramento got that's better? Yeah, like I'd clue anyone in on that. Yuppies already fucked up one town, leave mine alone. read more

I love the Mission. I was born at General Hospital and my father is one of the co-founders of the Mission Cultural Center, so I guess the Mission is mine by association. Or at least that's how I like to think of it. My main issue with the Mission is not the crackheads or the homeless or the lack of parking (even though I really hate that) or that it's dirty. In fact, I like that it's dirty. I love the graffiti everywhere. I love the drunk artists in front of La Boheme. I love the seedy taquerias that give my white Marin/Walnut Creek friends food poisoning because they are pussies and their stomachs can't handle the good shit. It's not even the high level of crime, even though that does make me sad. No, none of these things bother me. It's the gentrification and the hipsters. Goddamn I hate the hipsters. So for all of you who hate on the Mission, think it's a ghetto, cry about the filth, rampant drug use, or sketchy characters, do us all a favor: get the fuck out. Thank you in advance. read more

Unlike SOME people who live in the Mission, I was actually RAISED there. I would say born and raised, since I'm a San Francisco native, but my parents lived in the Richmond and Sunset while I was born before moving to the Mission when I was five. So I remember the dangerous days of gang shootings heard from outside to the '89 earthquake and the reaction of my neighborhood... when Cesar Chavez Elementary was called by its REAL name: Hawthorne Elementary (even BEFORE the mural went up.) I remember it all... before the hipsters came to live and the yuppies came to hang out. A lot of the original locals here moved out when they began tearing down the buildings in exchange for more expensive condos and the suburbanites that moved in. At first, I didn't think it was appropriate to say it, but since I'm half white, I think I can say it... and apologize to my mom's side later... the white people moved in and it was an entirely new place. I don't know when it happened. Maybe when I left for college and came back? Not really sure... it went from being afraid to wear red or blue to avoiding the pretentiousness of the hipsters. Sure, it's a less dangerous here, but it lost a lot of its coolness. Is Capp Street still infested with $5 whores? I'm just wondering. (Updated Note: True story... I was about 12 walking along 21st and South Van Ness after playing some arcade games with some friends when I got propositioned by a prostitute and her pimp. She wasn't that bad looking, compared to some of the nastier prostitutes in the area... but come on! I was fucking 12! What kind of money would a 12 year old have? She must have been REALLY cheap and, sadly, REALLY desperate. I digress.) Anyways, I have a lot of fond memories here... and a lot of bad ones. There's some good restaurants here and some overrated ones. The streets are dirty but that never bothered me. There's this one homeless guy that I kinda befriended who's probably no longer with us... or he's in another part of the City... I really don't know. And then there's one who's just holding out his hand, doing nothing, hoping for a handout. Lamer. There's some cool shops, and there's some I don't bother with. For nostalgic purposes, I can't give the Mission anything less than three stars... but for the gentrification and becoming Marina with Mexican restaurants (ok, that's not totally true.... but it sure feels like it sometimes), I can't give it anything higher than three. That and 16th and Mission. That place is STILL a dump, despite the construction on the outside of the BART stations. I've always been a 24th Street kid, I guess. On a positive note, they've got a Good Vibes here... so it can't be THAT bad :) read more

Great place to come if you like Mexican Food, murals, nice SF weather, and some tension. There is palpable tension between every single group that resides here. It kind of reminded me of New Mexico in that way. For example, was it necessary for another patron to look me in the eye and yell "viva Mexico" in an aggressive manner while I'm just trying to order tacos? I felt like yelling "I'm Hispanic too bro!" back at him but what would be the point. Geez, can't throw a tortilla without hitting someone who has beef. Or maybe, I just came way too far south (24th). I came, I saw, I ate, I got pissed, then I left not really itching to return anytime soon. read more

The Mission is, in many ways, what L.A.'s Echo Park and Silver Lake wish they could be. Lots of street art, independent businesses, creative foods, light rail stations, and it's embraced as more than just, "Ew... That's where the hipsters dwell..." Paxton Gate is a remarkable store, and it's next door to the first ever 826 shop. Balmy and Clarion are phenomenal alleys. Bi-Rite and Humphrey Slocombe are noteworthy ice cream parlors. Every now and then you might find someone with a blanket of old wares set up on the corner. Iron planter grates are covered with Dia de los Muertos-inspired designs. Excellent Mexican food can be found on almost any block with tamale ladies and men abound. When Mexico beats the U.S. in a soccer game, it can get LOUD in the Mission. Horns are honking, people are shouting, tourists run scared. There are about as many dive bars as there are specialty food shops and stands. It's all very diverse and unique and full of possibilities. read more

I'm not sure why everyone has to go hatin' on the Mission. Sure it's got it's problems and what neighborhood doesn't? I live in the Mission and I love it. And no, I don't talk smack about every other neighborhood in SF - I think they (mostly) ALL have great qualities and maybe less than great qualities. News flash - there ARE some normal people living here too, that don't fall into the hipster/bohemian/crack smoking homeless categories. We landed in the Mission after moving from San Diego last year, and we wouldn't change a thing. It's got an energy to it I just don't think you find everywhere. Yep, I'm sure in time we'll grow tired of looking at the trash, the in-your-face drugs and the hipsters walking around like they own the fucking neighborhood when they don't even live there. Until then I'm more than happy to call it my home. read more