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Dogpatch in San Francisco: Things to Do in this Thriving SF District
by Jill Loeffler •
The Dogpatch in San Francisco is a small neighborhood inside the larger Potrero District. It's situated on the eastern side of the city.
To the north of it, you will find Mission Bay. To the south, you'll find the Indian Basin area. Since it's close to the Chase Center, it's a great stop for drinks before or after a game or show.
This up-and-coming area used to be an off-the-beaten-path area. Over the years, dozens of places started moving here to try to keep their budget in check as the prices in SF started to skyrocket.
Today, this old warehouse district is home to a few breweries, a museum, a large art gallery, wine tasting rooms, and several highly rated restaurants.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
10 Things to Do in the Dogpatch in San Francisco
1. Minnesota Street Project
The Minnesota Street Project is a collection of around a dozen galleries in three old warehouse buildings. Most of the pieces are modern art from local artists looking to get their name and their work out to the public.
The space opened in 2015 by two entrepreneurs and art lovers who wanted to open an affordable space for local artists. This fun space also offers special events and a great on-site Indian restaurant called Besharam.
The galleries are open to the public and free to visit, generally from Tuesday to Saturday. Find them at 1275 Minnesota Street.
2. Museum of Craft and Design
The Museum of Craft and Design is a non-collective museum in the Dogpatch in San Francisco. This small, yet interesting museum features three to four exhibits at a time.
Each temporary exhibit at this location stays for just a few months and there is always something new to see.
This museum is located along the 3rd Street corridor in the refurbished warehouse space of the American Industrial Center, which also hosts a climbing gym, breweries, and chocolatiers.
3. The Ramp
The Ramp is one of my favorite places to grab lunch or dinner on a sunny day. One of the few affordable restaurants right along the waterfront, it's become a popular spot for visitors and locals alike on a clear, warm day.
You can sit on the patio and grab some lunch or head over in the afternoon to enjoy a drink or two. They feature a variety of fresh salads, interesting burgers, and seafood specials.
They serve brunch on weekends and offer music parties on Friday and Saturday evenings.
You will find it on the northern side of the district at 855 Terry Francois St.
4. Yield Wine Bar
Yield Wine Bar is a great spot to sample both local and internationally acclaimed wines. They focus mostly on organically farmed wines.
It's a warm, friendly, and local atmosphere. Their two dogs, Teddy & Denver, are around at times and they are super cute!
They also have a few small plates, so you can snack a little with your wine.
You will find them at 2490 3rd Street.
5. Olfactory Brewery and Blendery
One of the newer breweries in the area is Olfactory. It's a locally run joint that prides itself on inviting the community in to enjoy their tasty beers crafted from sustainable ingredients.
The atmosphere is laid-back and the service is very friendly. You can tell that brewing is their passion! They have a great selection of beers from Pilsners to IPAs.
You'll find this spot open daily at 2245 3rd Street.
>> Find additional great breweries around SF
6. The Midway
If you are in the Dogpatch in San Francisco and looking for some live music, then head over to The Midway. This colorful live music venue offers a variety of performers each month.
You will find both local and up-and-coming artists on stage here. Even though it's a small venue, they do an amazing job with the sound, and I've never been disappointed with the shows I've seen here.
The Midway is on the southern side of the district at 900 Marin Street.
Below is a list of their upcoming shows.
7. Third Rail
Third Rail is a great cocktail bar in the Dogpatch in San Francisco. The bar itself is decorated as if you were in a train station with modern touches.
They offer creative drinks and are also well known for their "Rail Shot," which is a beer + a shot + some jerky. Their jerky menu ranges from Sriracha to Red Eye, and they even have a vegan shiitake option.
There is both indoor and outdoor seating. You will find them at 628 20th Street, open Tuesday through Sunday.
8. Hard Knox Cafe
If you are looking for some amazing fried chicken, then head over to the Hard Knox Cafe. They serve up a variety of southern comfort food including chicken & waffles, spareribs, and blackened or fried catfish. I also love their chicken fried steak.
They are open Monday through Saturday for both lunch and dinner. On Sundays, they are open from 11 am to 5 pm. Don't miss your chance to grab a bite to eat here while you are in the district.
They are at 2526 3rd Street.
9. Dogpatch Ropewalk
As you stroll around the district, make sure to walk through the Dogpatch Ropewalk, a public park that consists of an elevated boardwalk (The Marsh) that connects the Water Plaza with the Industrial Plaza.
This small outdoor museum pays homage to the site’s industrial past, ecological past, and maritime history.
It's a hidden gem that will tell you more about the Tubbs Cordage Company that used to call this area home. They sold rope to ships and had a thriving business here in the mid-1800s.
There's also a station where you can touch the rope and learn to tie maritime knots.
You'll find this park just north of 2660 3rd Street (a blue building). It's easy to recognize because the boardwalk has orange railing.
10. Dogpatch & Potrero Point Walking Tour
If you want to learn even more about the Dogpatch in San Francisco, don't miss this free walking tour offered by SF City Guides. It's offered most Sunday mornings at 11 am. They also usually offer two or three other dates per month based on the guides' availability.
This tour tells you all about the history of this district including several industries that used to call it home. You will learn more about its recent transformation from a warehouse district to a colorful, thriving district.
Visit the SF City Guides site for more details and a list of upcoming tours.
Potrero Hill: Find additional things to do in the larger Potrero Hill neighborhood.
History the Dogpatch in San Francisco
The Dogpatch in San Francisco has been an important part of the city since the mid-1800s. This is when the marshes in the area were filled and bridges were built, connecting it to the rest of San Francisco.
Shortly after that was done, many industries moved in. It was a hotbed of activity for ship builders, steel mills, and other water-related businesses.
It thrived until after World War II. From there, it was in a state of decline for decades.
In the 1990s, the cost of other districts in SF became too expensive and those who couldn't afford them started to move into this area.
The neighborhood started to gentrify even more when its northern neighbor, Mission Bay, turned into a biotech and healthcare hub for the area, plus the addition of the Chase Center in 2019 that brings in large crowds of basketball fans and concert-goers.
How to Get Here
It's easy to get to the Dogpatch in San Francisco from other places throughout SF. I recommend taking public transit as parking isn't easy here. There aren't any large garages or parking lots in this district.
You can find street parking, but it will often take some time and you need to read the meters carefully.
The Muni light rail T line rides right through the heart of this district. There are four stops in the area:
- UCSF Medical Center (Mariposa): This is the northernmost stop. It's the perfect stop if you are headed to The Ramp or want to walk the entire district from north to south.
- 20th and Third Street: This is the most popular stop here. It gets you to the heart of the district and several of its bars and restaurants.
- Third & 23rd Street: This one is best for those visiting the Museum of Craft and Design or those heading to the Minnesota Street Project.
- Third & Marin Streets: This is just south of the district and is the best stop for those heading to The Midway for a show.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!
