It took countless people telling Java Beach Cafe owner Patrick Maguire to write his story before he finally did so. From scribbles on napkins and notepads to the help of two friends, Maguire said everything seemed to align for his book “All Things Beautiful” to finally be released.
Many Outer Richmond businesses have been landmark hotspots for decades. Establishments like Mandalay Restaurant and Schubert’s Bakery have cultivated an inviting environment, bringing food and community to the area.
Arizmendi Bakery, Inner Sunset’s beloved co-op, celebrated its 25th anniversary last month. For the first half of October, the bakery offered special pastries, like chocolate pecan rolls and chili crisp bialys in the store. They also celebrated with the community at the Inner Sunset Flea Market on Oct. 12, hosting a bustling booth with birthday cake, cookies and special prizes – bringing in old neighbors and new customers alike.
Founded in 1965 by husband-and-wife duo Tomas “Tommy” and Elmy Bermejo, Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant is a small, family-run establishment in the Richmond District that has been featured several times on the “world’s 50 best bars” list. Last month, the iconic restaurant, which sits on Geary Boulevard at 24th Avenue, celebrated 60 years.
Growing Up Art & Crafts at 248 West Portal Ave., in the heart of the West Portal District, celebrates its 40th anniversary this month.
Nine months after arson and burglaries devastated the Outer Sunset’s Great Wall Hardware store, owner Albert Chow said, thanks to community support, he is recovering, although he still has a long way to go.
On a typical weekday morning at Arguello Market, you might find a few people meandering the well-stocked grocery aisles or someone buying a sandwich wrapped in deli paper that says “Home of the world-famous turkey sandwich.” You also might spot a regular of more than 30 years, Joan Meehan, sitting near the window.
Nestled on a quiet corner at Taraval Street and 14th Avenue with its unassuming window display of floral bouquets in tin can vases, Après Vous invites customers to journey to Europe as they step through its doors.
Building a foundation for his dream, Hanneman spent more than three-and-a-half years studying art, graphic design and business at Monterey Peninsula College, all the while never forgetting the joy he felt customizing his friends’ shoes. In 2014, he launched his own brand of wearable art. He named it “Engrafft.” The title says it all for Hanneman.
Nestled between a store with fresh produce and the aroma of Japanese food coming from a restaurant, Balboa Green Garden Florist in the Outer Richmond greets passersby with its buckets of freshly trimmed, colorful bouquets and a sign with bright orange and green Korean letters.
Mark Twain may never have actually said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco,” but the sentiment surely stands – especially in the Sunset.
Potted plants and a rack of colorful shirts welcome visitors to TRY Studio, a new Sunset District store crammed with vintage goods. Once inside, visitors are greeted with carefully selected clothing, jewelry and gift items as far as the eye can see.
When chef/owner Anthony Strong decided to open his restaurant/shop combo, the Pasta Supply Co. (PSC), in April 2023 on Clement Street, he took DIY (do it yourself) to an extreme.
Outer Richmond residents Charlie O’Leary and Jack Pain opened the wine bar last September on Balboa Street near 36th Avenue, and in the months since they have curated an extensive and eclectic schedule of offerings for westside residents.
The creaky door to the Riptide bar, on Taraval Street between 46th and 47th avenues, swings open revealing the hum of light conversations, clinking glasses and the occasional burst of laughter. Stained-glass lamps hang above tables and red LED lights under the double-sided bar create a dim ethereal ambiance.
Richmond Review/Sunset Beacon 