By Ellen Eason

Craving exceptional Indian fare? Treat yourself to a flavorful feast at Rose Indian Cuisine’s new space at 1330 Ninth Ave. Enjoy a meal from its extensive menu of Indian and Himalayan specialties in its serene ambience or order take-out or delivery.

Described as a “homegrown third space for arts and crafts,” Sunset Commons at 1600 Irving St. was planning its early August grand opening at press time. Unleash your creative spirit in a welcoming environment offering workshops, DIY kits, craft stations and private event space. Learn more at sunsetcommons.store. 

Welcome back to the cozy Hollow coffee and tea shop which reopened at 1435 Irving St., serving customers on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (for now) in an old-fashioned neighborhood ambiance.  

Progress Hardware continues to make strides rebuilding after a fire forced its closure two years ago. We look forward to the return of this neighborhood resource.

The Berkeley-based casual French restaurant Grégoire, famous for crispy chicken sandwiches and fried potato puffs, will open its first San Francisco store in the former Jamba Juice at Ninth and Irving this fall. The bustling Inner Sunset vibe was a draw. 

“People are attracted to this area because of the food and what’s going on there,” chef-owner Grégoire Jacquet told SFGATE. “There are a lot of good businesses there like Tartine and Super Duper. It’s perfect.”

A new dining concept, Maggie & Mac’s, is preparing to open in the former Social Kitchen & Brewery location at 1326 Ninth Ave. between Irving and Judah.

Celebrate and Savor the Tea Experience at Sip Tea Room

Inspired by communal tea rooms from her time living abroad, Sip Tea Room owner Shannon de Leon envisioned a “cozy spot for socializing” where friends could chat over tea and light fare or gather for special occasions. De Leon brought her background and flair in nonprofit event management to establishing the tea room, which will mark its eighth anniversary this month.

“We’re a modern twist on a village tea room,” de Leon said. The charming English-inspired décor, vintage china, crystal chandeliers and tea-themed memorabilia are certain to transport you to a calmer time and place. 

“What distinguishes us is our menu based on seasonal local ingredients,” she added. The varieties of house-made scones, tea sandwiches, savories, shortbread and desserts change regularly. Wines and bubbly are available in addition to an extensive assortment of teas.

Many locals stop in frequently for tea and lighter fare, while other customers visit for a grander afternoon tea service experience – some even dressing in party attire and fancy hats. In addition, Sip Tea Room offers a unique private space to host memorable occasions from bridal and baby showers to wedding receptions, birthdays and more. The entire venue may be reserved for private gatherings and large parties. 

Are you a “Downton Abbey” fan? Save the date for a Downton Abbey Tea Extravaganza on Aug. 31. This will be a splendid afternoon of tea, live tunes, movie passes and celebration leading up to the upcoming film, “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”

Be of good cheer during the Holiday Tea Celebrations, held Thursdays-Sundays starting the week after Thanksgiving. (Book early to ensure your reservation!) Sip Tea Room also coordinates “Living Windows” during the Inner Sunset Holiday Stroll, where actors captivate those strolling by.

“We also organize various community activities, including game nights, live music on select evenings, a community puzzle exchange and a free little library. Our vision is driven by the dedication of a team made up of family members and close friends,” de Leon noted. The Sip Social Club welcomes neighbors at a communal table on the first and third Friday mornings of each month. Full information can be found on its website.

Sip Team Room is located at 721 Lincoln Way, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, near the entrance to Golden Gate Park. Visit siptearoom.com to learn more or make reservations.

Inner Sunset Places for Creating Community 

American sociologist Ray Oldenberg created the term “third places” to describe the locations outside of the home (first place) and the workplace (second place) where people go to converse with others and connect with their community. Oldenberg observed that third places are important for democracy, civic engagement and a sense of place.

The Inner Sunset abounds with third places where residents can gather, create, mingle and learn. Founders Carmen and Steven Lee at the new Sunset Commons “envisioned a third place where neighbors can gather, unwind and form meaningful relationships” while learning crafts such as block printing, knitting, embroidery, painting and more. Outer Village has drop-in community playroom space for kids and special events for parents to build connections. The Game Parlour connects people through tabletop games and food, with a selection of hundreds of games and a waffle-centered menu, hot drinks and milk shakes. 

Earthfire Arts Studio offers drop-in ceramic pottery painting, classes in clay molding and drawing/painting and private parties. A local makers and merchant collective, Sunset Mercantile Emporium is a hub which represents the diversity of the neighborhood. Danker Mae offers book making, knitting, mending and other classes. Looking for some friendly games? Underdogs Tres, The Temple Bar and The Red Tail Beer and Wine Bar all host trivia and/or bingo nights.

The Inner Sunset Merchants’ Association is the voice of our neighborhood’s business community. It is an all-volunteer, nonprofit association committed to supporting, promoting and advocating for the needs of our local business community. It welcomes new merchants into our neighborhood and work hard to drive new business to our growing community. Learn more at innersunsetmerchants.org.

Ellen Eason is a writer and Inner Sunset resident.