Eat Local: SF Edition

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re not able to eat out at restaurants right now, but we can still support them!

I’m personally trying to order safe takeout once a week to support my favorite local businesses, and the workers that keep them running and make them so special. It’s a nice treat for me to start or end a long week during these trying times, and a small way to do what I can to support the community and stay connected. We’re all going through a lot and deserve to kick back sometimes, too. It helps the service industry more than you know.

Here are a handful of businesses within a few blocks of The SF Shop in the Mission District:

• Samiramis Imports is my go-to grocery spot for Middle Eastern goods.
• Old Jerusalem offers amazing Middle Eastern fare (takeout only right now, of course).
• Evil Eye is a great spot for punch bowls and other New American snacks.
• Papalote makes fresh, healthy and delicious handcrafted burritos.
• Arizmendi Bakery is my favorite for artisan breads and gourmet pizza.
  
• Pi Bar is currently offering a limited menu, but is still a great spot for to-go food, now and always.
• Fire Pie makes a mean 5-minute fresh, artisan pizza with signature sauce on a thin crust, Neapolitan style.
• Rosamunde Sausage Grill is a hip hole-in-the-wall spot for homemade grilled sausage sandwiches on 24th
• And right across the street is where the Valencia Farmer's Market occurs. Hands down, best produce around.
• Wild Pepper offers some of the best Chinese food in town. You've gotta try it for yourself!

And though not as close by, here are some other favorite spots in town that I love:

• Once upon a time, I worked at Greens Restaurant and Zuni Café, so these spots are very near and dear to me. If you haven't checked them out, you gotta and oughta! Zuni has amazing oysters... Here's a blog I wrote a few years back if you want to get a virtual taste. There's nothin' like it. You can visit their websites to learn more about what you can do to help support them during these times.
• Blue Plate had a really creative fundraiser the other week. All of their proceeds went straight to their employees. It's worth the trek, and the food is incredible.
• Mi Lindo Peru is right next door, and offers great Peruvian classics
• Emmy's Spaghetti Shack. A classic.

It takes a village, y’all. If you're looking for other goods, gifts, or want to learn further ways to support the small businesses around you, check out my other recent blog, Shop Local: SF Edition.

Leave a comment below and let me know what you're doing to support your favorites in the community! I'd love to hear from you.