Ultimate NoPa Neighborhood Guide

Location

NoPa stands for North of the Panhandle, which refers to the Panhandle Park, serving as the entrance to Golden Gate Park. To get here, take the 5 from Market Street downtown or follow the Wiggle on a bike from Civic Center.

History

The neighborhood’s name is relatively new. It was often lumped together with the Western Addition until a few years ago when it was rebranded to appeal to young techies settling in the city. Historically, it lies north of the Panhandle, created in 1870. Before that, it was part of the sandy field known as the “Outside Lands.” Civil engineer William Hammond Hall discovered that planting barley helped stabilize the sand, paving the way for Golden Gate Park’s development.

Eat

One of the many things this neighborhood excels in is food. Your choices are nearly endless, including:

For Breakfast: Known for its pricey toast, The Mill is a must-visit. Joséy Baker and his team grind whole grain flour and bake around 350 loaves daily. Popular items include the Dark Mountain Rye and the Whole Wheat Sesame Poppy. Expect a line; alternatively, head to Matching Half Café for homemade pop tarts. 736 Divisadero Street; (415) 345-1953

For Lunch: Stop by Brenda’s Meat and Three for southern comfort food. Their Gumbo, fried bologna, and chicken sandwiches are indulgent options. Alternatively, Green Chile Kitchen serves delicious taco salads and freshly squeezed juices. 919 Divisadero Street; (415) 926-8657

For Dinner: Consider visiting Nopa for sophisticated dishes and creative cocktails. Reservations are recommended. For a more casual vibe, enjoy Mexican specialties at Nopalito, where dishes are served tapas style for sharing. Additionally, 4505 Burgers & BBQ is ideal for a laid-back meal before catching a show. 705 Divisadero Street; (415) 231-6993

Drink

Explore various drinking options in NoPa:

For Cocktails: Visit Horsefeather for delightful cocktails served in exquisite barware. Try their Thunderbird or Nighttrain. 528 Divisadero Street; (415) 817-1939

For Mezcal: At El Mercado at La Urbana, enjoy a mezcal tasting experience with many flavors to explore. They also offer excellent sangria and a variety of beers. 661 Divisadero Street; (415) 440-4500

For a Party: Head to Madrone Art Bar for a lively atmosphere. They host dance parties on weekends and local jazz on Tuesdays. 500 Divisadero Street; (415) 241-0202

Shop

Discover unique shopping experiences:

For Gifts: Rare Device offers curated local art, jewelry, and other unique presents. 600 Divisadero Street; (415) 863-3969

For Home: The Perish Trust showcases an eclectic mix of soaps and home goods unique to San Francisco, inviting extensive exploration. 728 Divisadero Street; no phone

Play

For Music: When in town, check the lineup at The Independent, a top venue for intimate concerts. Consider VIP tickets for an elevated experience. 628 Divisadero Street; (415) 771-1421

For Outdoors: The Panhandle offers facilities including basketball courts, bike paths, and shaded picnic areas, making it a delightful outdoor escape.