WITNESS THE LITNESS. We've scoured the Bay and compiled a list of our favorite spots to eat, drink, party, and play. Only the most lit made the cut. Keep your eyes peeled for our Certified Lit stickers in windows around town, and as always, keep it lit Bay Area!
Food
Atlas Cafe
For twenty years, Atlas Cafe has been one of the best places in town to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. Their outdoor patio makes it a perfect place to hang out on sunny days.
Blowfish Sushi
We might be a little biased since Blowfish is our neighbor, but trust us, their sushi is to die for! You'll most likely catch us their during Sake Sounds, their weekly showcase of local DJs and always changing drink specials.
El Metate
Located just a hop, skip, and a jump from DoTheBay's hallowed headquarters, we're big fans of El Metate's yummy burritos, quesadillas, homemade chips, and, let's be honest, their tart sangria. We also love the statue of the burrito wearing a dress that stands guard by the front door. That alone is worth the trip.
Central Coffee Tea & Spice
Tucked into the residential area of the Panhandle, this mom and pop coffee shop is filled with warm coffee and cozy furniture. Serving espresso and pastries, Central Coffee is a great place to fuel up or relax.
Hella Vegan Eats
Queer-owned and completely vegan, this eatery shares a space with Classic Cars West. Enjoy your vegan eats while admiring classic cars or grab a delicious draft in their beer garden!
Kingdom of Dumpling
Kingdom of Dumpling specializes in, yep you guessed it, dumplings! So if you’re craving some Shanghainese cuisine, be sure to stop by this affordable yet delicious joint.
Little Star Pizza
Chicago style pizza is something to reckon with and Little Star Pizza does it right. Located in numerous spots around the City, they offer the classic deep dish pizza with countless toppings that will surely fill you up. Don't miss the Divisadero location's Happy Hour on Monday and Tuesdays, 5-9pm, and Wednesday through Friday until 6:30pm.
Seniore's Pizza
Seniore's is a local, family-run business with five other locations in the Bay Area, including one on 19th and Taraval in San Francisco and one on Durant Avenue in Berkeley. We're partial to the Divisadero locale, where the hardworking gang serves up hot and delicious slices and pies until 3am, perfect after a night of drinking and dancing on Divis. Two words: Landlord Special.
Rhea's Deli & Market
A frontrunner in the race for the best sandwiches in the city, Rhea's Deli keeps it causal and affordable whether you're a regular or a first-timer. The Korean steak sandwich is the overwhelming favorite, but don't let that keep you from trying all the good stuff on their menu.
Shrimp Falafel Mix
This East Bay food truck serves some of the Bay's best Middle Eastern cuisine. Located across the Fox Theater in Downtown Oakland, it's the perfect pitstop post-show or post-bars! The friendly staff and their flavorful dishes will definitely leave you wanting seconds.
Drinks
The Blue Light
This Cow Hollow watering hole has a plethora of TVs to satisfy every sports fan, and their menu isn't too shabby either! Make sure you try their fabulous flatbreads, or better yet, stop by on a Tuesday and grab a couple of tacos and a beer for $5!
EVIL EYE
Evil Eye is a welcoming Mission bar and bites spot, perfect for a casual hang with friends or a drink after work. Make this your home away from home while enjoying deliciously crafted offerings, creative cocktails served in vintage glassware, and a charming, cozy decor.
Local Brewing
A DoTheBay fave through and through, Local Brewing is a small-batch brewery headquartered in a beautifully refurbished warehouse space and specializing in original, locally-inspired brews. They've even got a digital curator to customize a set of beers to match your style.
Beer Revolution
It's hard to not find what you're looking for at Beer Revolution, Jack London Square's most impressive beer hub. Half of the space is a bottle shop with an expansive selection of 100+ different brews. The other half is a sizable beer bar with 50 constantly rotating taps. Don't skip the patio on sunny days or the photo booth on cloudy ones.
Harmonic Brewing
A Dogpatch brewery scene staple, Harmonic Brewing spends their time brewing fresh and crisp IPAs, stouts, ales, and more. Watch the game or take in the afternoon sunshine at their sleek taproom, staffed by friendly beer aficionados qualified to point even the pickiest drinkers in the right direction.
Venues
The Chapel
Originally built in 1914 as a mortuary, The Chapel has been renovated into one of the Bay's best venues for live music. In addition, the rest of the building became The Vestry, a restaurant serving sophisticated bar-bites and drinks.
Cobb's Comedy Club
Since 1982, Cobb's has featured many legendary comedians such as - Dave Chapelle, Louis CK, Anjelah Johnson, Russell Peters and more. This intimate venue also offers a full dinner menu along with a full-service bar.
Punch Line
Punch Line is San Francisco's oldest running comedy club, opened in 1978 by legendary promoter Bill Graham. Many famous comics, including Robin Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock, and Patton Oswalt took their first comedic steps on the Punch Line stage.
Mezzanine
Catch your favorite artists when they come to the Bay at this premier live music venue and nightclub. A giant dance floor, combined with a multilevel layout, means plenty of dance floor for your and your friends.
Shops + Frivolities
Neeko
Neeko is a serene, female-owned clothing shop that supports local women artists and makers. The store is carefully curated with special pieces of clothing, jewelry, and various goods like pillows, cards, and home decor. Each piece is handpicked by the owner, Ashley Ford.
Timbuk2
A messenger bag company founded by a bike messenger, Timbuk2 is one of the few remaining manufacturing facilities still operating in San Francisco. We love their custom bags -- especially the ones designed and manufactured in SF's Mission neighborhood.
826 Valencia
826 Valencia helps kids improve their reading and writing skills through creative exercises and one on one tutoring. The fact that it's nestled in the back of The Pirate Store makes it the perfect place for kids to use their imaginations.
King Carl's Emporium
King Carl's Emporium is an extension of 826 Valencia, borrowing its name from the original pirate store's puffer fish. The storefront sells explorer supplies & student publications, with hidden passageways leading into the tutoring center and treehouse!
Did we miss your favorite? Want to be Certified Lit? We'll be announcing more spots throughout the year, so hit us up at [email protected] if you'd like to be included!
