“I left my corporate job in 2013 with the intention of opening a hub for fine wine and community. It took me 10 years to gain the experience I needed to open Tala Wine. The Victorian-themed space is elegant and welcoming with cozy chairs and seating areas. There are daily wine tastings and weekly restaurant pop-ups. We also have a bottle shop selling fine wine to go. All the wine we sell is farmed responsibly—I need to feel good about the impact it’s going to have on the planet.”

“An affordable and delicious family-owned Thai restaurant with legit lunch specials and the most delicious papaya salad. There’s lots of seating and they are very family friendly.”

“One of the city’s best bánh mì spots. Grab and go, no seating. I like the lemongrass tofu sandwich best. Their imperial rolls and spring rolls are also not to be missed, and they have boba tea!”

“A new Chinese bakery with lots of seating and quick service. They have a large selection of baked and steamed buns, dumplings, rice noodle rolls, pastries, rice porridge, and breads. Their chili oil, available for purchase by the jar, is a special treat.”

“A family-friendly bar and restaurant with awesome craft cocktails, draft beer, delicious pub food, and possibly the best buffalo fried chicken sandwich you’ve ever had. They have a kids menu and two TVs: one playing sports and the other playing classic films.”

“This new bar and restaurant specializes in Midwestern-inspired cocktails and food. The wedge salad with buffalo chicken skin chicharrónes will make you crave salad every day. They show movies and have trivia nights, and they have a lovely sunny patio too.”

“A locally owned café and breakfast spot with delicious coffee, bagels, and more. Art lovers and Deadheads alike will appreciate the trippy Jerry Garcia mural on the wall, as the Excelsior is where he grew up.”

“In my opinion, this is the best burrito spot in the neighborhood. We love the grilled chicken super burrito, quesadilla suizas, and the scrumptious quesabirria tacos. They are also open for breakfast. The line is often out the door, but it’s absolutely worth the wait.”

“Thrifty folks will appreciate the huge selection of secondhand clothes, records, and tableware that is not picked over and overpriced like at other thrift shops in the city.”

“A woman-owned Cajun restaurant with delicious shrimp appetizers, frozen drinks, fried chicken, gumbo, and more. They have live music every Friday and have a comprehensive craft cocktail list as well. It’s a lovely and inviting space with a long bar and lots of seating.”