18 Maker Spots to Visit in San Francisco

Michelle Swift
Sep 27, 2014

San Francisco is a lot of things. It’s hipsters, hippies, fauxhemians and creatives. It’s full of bridges, fog, wind and a tiny bit of sunshine. And in the midst of all that is a whole lot of creativity. From the Mission and The Haight to South of Market and the Tenderloin, we’ve searched out two handfuls of maker places you won’t want to miss if you happen to find yourself in the middle of it all. Channel that creative spark and jump on these 18 excuses to make a road trip or buy a plane ticket to the City by the Bay.

1. Hotel Tomo: Located in the heart of Japantown, Hotel Tomo embraces Japanese culture with its J-pop/anime vibe. Find your inner chi in the funky, friendly 130-room hotel. When you stay here, you’re also doing good for the community. Each year, the hotel donates a minimum of $200 per guestroom to organizations in the community. It’s all about MAKING things happen!

2. Hotel Triton: This is not your standard, cookie-cutter hotel. Designed with you in mind, Hotel Triton is set for you to express your individuality and independent spirit. Within the vibrant walls, you’ll find an upbeat experience with playful amenities, hip elevator music and employees who sport whatever hip clothes they want. P.S. There is even a specialty Haagen-Dazs ice cream suite!

3. Phoenix Hotel: If you live the rock star lifestyle, you’re going to want to rest your head where the rockstars rest theirs, and that’s at the Phoenix. With an updated ’50s vibe and one badass pool that is no stranger to impromptu synchronized swimming displays, this hotel has lots of swagger. Make sure to score brunch reservations at their poolside restaurant Chambers.

What to Eat

4. Taqueria Cancun: There is fierce debate around the best Mission-style burrito, so don’t take the decision lightly. Taqueria Cancun loads their super burritos with your choice of filling — juicy pollo, lengua, rich carnitas, smokey carne asada, pastor or some righteous veggie options, along with rice (and lots of it!) scented with tomato and cumin, tender pintos, crema and thick slices of avocado. You won’t wait long before you’re settled into one of the indoor picnic tables amid bright yellow and red walls and ornate paper flags.

5. Foreign Cinema: Food, art and film all under one roof… you betcha! Get ready for a quintessential San Francisco dining experience in an industrial-chic setting, befit with a fireside dining room, mezzanine and an art gallery. As rad as all of that sounds, Foreign Cinema’s special feature is the foreign and independent films (hence the name) projected on the outside wall that serve as a backdrop to your patio experience. Partners Gayle Pieri and John Clark have implemented an ever-changing California-Mediterranean inspired menu, complete with oyster bar. And in a city that loves to brunch… let’s just say you’re going to want to get there.

6. SOMA StrEat Food Park: What if we told you that you could find a plethora of the greatest eats on four wheels that the city has to offer all in one locale under the freeway?! It’s true. Get to SOMA’s StrEat Food Park for a collection of food trucks ready to quell whatever craving you’re experiencing. Oh, and don’t miss out on StrEat Brew, the first food truck to serve beer and wine in San Francisco. Cheers to that! (via Fun Cheap SF)

7. Gracias Madre: There’s never been a better time to be vegan. This Mexican restaurant serves up all of your favorite dishes sans any animal products. If you’re a Mexican food purist, you’re picky about your tortillas, and these are legit. Head to the back of the restaurant and watch as they press them and cook them. Yup, what hits your table is that fresh.

8. Dandelion Chocolate: The duo behind Dandelion started by growing small cacao plants in their apartments and are now full-on craft chocolatiers with their very own artisanal chocolate factory. You absolutely cannot miss out on this bean-to-bar craft chocolate cafe, which uses beans from local farms. You can watch chocolate being made while you bite, sip and slurp artisan chocolate treats like Dandelion’s Nibby Horchata, House Hot Cocoa or Frozen Mocha. And get this: they’ve blended their knowledge with Woods Beer Company to concoct a cocoa brew… Hello Willie Wonka! P.S. Dandelion Chocolate encourages you to do three things while you’re there: Taste chocolate, meet with a maker and eat a treat. Don’t mind if we do!

9. Dynamo Donut: If you still have a sweet tooth, march over to Dynamo Donut in the Mission. Made by Sara Spearin, Dynamo’s tasty rings of dough are definitely above average. Flavor profiles include Chocolate Rose, Passionfruit Milk Chocolate, Strawberry Earl Grey and Focaccia Bacon. Can’t decide which one to sink your teeth into? Try the donut that is truly dynamic and just so happens to be the first recipe Sara came up with, the Vanilla Bean Donut, a robust flavor profile of salty, sweet, sour and bitter, all pulled together with a little spice. (via Serious Eats)

Where to Drink

10. Sightglass: Start your morning off at this independent coffee roaster. Get a taste of what Sightglass is all about by heading to their SOMA locale. There, you can watch roasters display their craft and witness baristas preparing artful beverages before your eyes at the open coffee bar.

11. Sow: If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing juice, Sow is where it’s at. Inspired by the planting or scattering of seeds in or on the earth and specializing in hand-crafted, organic and seasonal produce, plus herb and flower combinations, Sow’s juices are made fresh to order. Get energized with the Archetype (beets, carrots, oranges, apples and ginger) or The Prescription (organic apple, orange, celery, kale, mint and parsley.) For your dose of Sow, get to San Francisco’s Ferry Building on Saturday morning for the farmer’s market, get a fresh squeeze and check out the astonishing number of local makers and growers. (via The Food Craftsmen)

12. Magnolia Pub and Brewery: Life is brewtiful in this microbrewery in Upper Haight that pumps out an insane list of inventive beers and seasonal pub grub. Always packed with neighborhood hospitality, Master Brewer and owner Dave McLean believes that, “Bringing people together around the pleasures of the pint is just about the coolest job in the world.” In fact, Dave loves it so much, Magnolia Brewing recently expanded its operation with a BBQ joint, Smokestack in Dog Patch. Take your pick; either way you’ll love the beer and the food.

13. The Alembic: Challenge your palate and get your craft cocktail fix at this nationally acclaimed bar in the Haight. Be prepared to study the encyclopedia that is their cocktail menu, filled with old stalwarts and fresh concoctions that will tantalize the senses. Mixologists use green tea, birds eye chili tinctures, garam masala spiced-apple syrup, peppercorn syrup and strawberries pureed with xanthan gum to transform ordinary cocktails into inspired masterpieces. If craft cocktails don’t lure you in, The Alembic is expanding, which means you’ll get to have an array of tasty bar snacks to pair with your cocktail. (via Afar)

What to Explore

14. Brit + Co SF: This is Brit + Co’s very own outpost where you can make and shop under one roof. Head over to Union Square to the make stations, and DIY something delightful to brighten up your desk space, like a funky terrarium, or shop the latest wonders made by artisans and designers from across the country, like Mason Jar Shot Glasses and Pantone Espresso Mugs. Get inspired and dream big, try out one of the 3-D printers, design a gift for a friend or sign up for a class like laser cutting. Pencil in some time, you could be here all day. It’s truly a maker’s paradise.

15. Vantigo: We get it. You want to see the city in a concise way, but you’re not a fan of the whole corporate big bus affair. Don’t miss out on this unconventional adventure. Hop into a fire-engine-red 1971 VW bus named Lillie, and see San Francisco on one of their tours, including 7×7 City Tour, San Francisco City Lights Tour, The Oyster Experience or one of the Brew Tours. Your well-informed guide, VW bus enthusiast and playlist remixer Erik Hormann will supply you with a memorable experience, filled with new friends and lots of laughs, all while learning and experiencing some fascinating things about San Francisco. Book your Vantigo, get to know the city and get ready for the ride of your life! (via Cool Hunting)

16. Free Gold Watch: Custom screen printing meets pinball arcade near Golden Gate Park. What started as a modest silk-screen printing shop has morphed into a game lover’s haven. Jeffrey Levine, the owner of Free Gold Watch, began his business printing in his garage and grew it into a successful brick and mortar printing shop. When Levine opened up shop in his current space, he was trying to make use of a long hallway that serves as a showroom leading to the workshop. A golden idea struck, and the first pinball machine was added. Now it’s a full-on arcade, the perfect place to tune up your pinball skills or shop some graphic tees. Worth noting: Free Gold Watch is BYOB. (via Guru Energy)

17. Rare Device: If you love all things beautiful, get to Rare Device, where every object has its own story and is either handmade, well-designed, useful or beautiful. Find something for yourself, your home, family or friends. Wares are produced both locally and as far off as Japan. With merchandise ranging from jewelry to agate coasters, you won’t leave empty handed! The store also hosts monthly art shows, workshops, trunk shows and book signings.

18. Proxy: This project was born out of the economic downturn that led to abandoned lots brought on by the destruction of the former Central Freeway in Hayes Valley. The temporary space, comprised of renovated shipping containers, explores flexible urbanism, food, art, culture and retail space all while encouraging a fresh rotation of ideas, businesses and art. Come, see for yourself. Not only will you always be surprised at what you’ll find, but you can currently enjoy shopping for apparel, a pop-up fitness hub, liquid nitrogen ice cream, a bike tour, craft coffee, juice, food trucks, a biergarten and an outdoor movie theater.


 Spill your secrets to the best maker spots in San Francisco in the comments below.

A Day in the Life of a Female Winemaker

Cambria Estate Winery
None

Hi there! It’s Sarah Sherman Samuel, interior designer and blogger. I recently moved from LA to Michigan, but a couple weeks ago I had to travel back to LA for work, and I got the chance to zip up north to partner with Cambria Estate Winery! I sat down with their winemaker, Jill Russell, to chat about the art of winemaking and the importance of female leadership at Cambria. I often get asked where I find inspiration and one of my main sources is by learning about a different artistry or craft. Nothing can dig me out of a creative slump quicker than delving into a new type of skill, and I did just that with an afternoon at Cambria.

I drove up from Los Angeles for the day, meandering through roads of open fields and vineyards, stopping for lunch in Los Olivos on the way while very excited for the day ahead. I haven’t been alone in the car sans one or two kids for a very long time, or have been able to do anything alone for that matter, so I really took it all in. Arriving at Cambria, Jill had a wine tasting all set up for me, complete with a beautiful cheese plate from Fromagerie Sophie with wine pairing notes, and we dove right in.

After the tasting, Jill took me on a full tour of the estate, and we dove deeper into the history of Cambria and what it is actually like to be a winemaker (and we tasted grapes, played in the dirt, and took a few Boomerangs…as one does).

Cambria was founded by wine icon Jess Jackson and his wife Barbara Banke in 1986. Their daughters, Katie Jackson and Julia Jackson, grew up among the vines and continue the family business alongside Barbara. Jill was hired as winemaker in June 2017 to continue Cambria’s legacy of talented women winemakers. Cambria has strong women in leadership roles and out in the vineyards, and I thought it was interesting to hear that the female vineyard workers were sometimes preferred, as they were considered to have a more discerning eye and attention to detail when harvesting grapes.

So, what does a typical day look like for a winemaker? According to Jill… it is “Busy!”

From Jill: “During harvest, I arrive at the winery around 5:30am, check in with the teams and get to work calling picks, writing work orders for various fermentation activities including punchdown schedules, yeast additions, and so forth. I’m constantly walking the vineyards, checking the crushpad and making sure things are running smoothly for when grapes come in. Post-harvest, it’s all about the tanks and barrels – here I’m tasting wines, seeing how they’re progressing and running blending trials to determine the final blends for our wines.”

I was curious how one can get creative in the wine business since Jill mentioned that it is part farming, part artistry and part science. She explained how her favorite way to get creative is running new blending trials and the freedom of considering, “What happens if I try this? or this?” There are so many variables to get creative with. Her mind is always thinking of new methods or blends to test out.

As Jill talks about what she strives for in her winemaking, I can’t help but see the parallel in the work I do as a designer, as well as the work of other artists and makers across the board. For example, the search for that harmony or balance. I talk a lot about how I strive for balance in interior spaces —just replace flavors and tannins with visual weight, pattern, and colors, and she could have taken the words right out of my mouth. Then when it comes to “energy,” it is even more apparent. I always want whoever experiences my work to feel something, and feel the love and the story behind it. The same goes for the wine of Cambria. Jill wants the wine to make you feel the energy, and know that the wines you drink from them are lovingly made by a team of passionate wine lovers.

As a fan of Pinot Noir,Julia’s Vineyard has this amazing “Santa Maria Spice” as Jill explains, that isn’t the traditional sweet spice you may find in other red wines, but something a bit more savory like Chinese Five Spice. It really achieves that harmony in texture that Jill is so passionate about it! On the other hand,Katherine’s Chardonnay has this beautiful bright acidity and pretty citrusy floral notes. This isn’t your mother’s oaky, buttery Chardonnay (not that there’s anything wrong with those), but it truly tastes like the place. The tour of the estate and vineyards with Jill really illustrated how these single-vineyard wines are able to showcase the terroir they come from in the glass. This isn’t a blending of flavors from different areas, this is Cambria’s rocks, earth, fog, and wind all neatly captured in a bottle.

Interested in getting into the wine business? I asked Jill if she had any advice for someone who thinks he or she might want to work with wine. Her answer was the same that I often give to people interested in getting into design — and that is to just get working! She advises, “The best thing you can do is get a job at a winery, whether it’s a part-time gig at a tasting room or a full-on harvest internship. No matter where you start, you’ll learn so much about the industry and can start to forge your own path in where you want to work whether it’s in the vineyard, in the cellar, in operations, marketing or working with customers.”

FEATURED PRODUCTS

2016 Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay
$22
2015 Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir
$25

Thank you for following along, I loved getting to learn more of the origins of some of my favorite wines and I hope you did too! I will definitely be back.

Would you consider being a winemaker? Share your thoughts on Instagram using #britstagram.

Author: Sarah Sherman Samuel

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50 Gifts Your Mom Actually Wants This Year

I love my mom so much, it sometimes feels like finding the "perfect" gift won't ever be enough to celebrate her greatness. I mean, she literally gave me life. Nevertheless, gifts serve as the ultimate act of appreciation. They don't always have to be perfect, but our curated list of gifts for mom comes pretty dang close!

To me, a gift is all about capturing the recipient's personality, style, and habits while adding a dash of uniqueness to truly make giving it feel special. These gifts for mom range from sentimental to practical, something moms of every kind will appreciate – whether it's your real mom, step mom, chosen mom, or even the 'mom' friend in your friend group.

Check out our top 50 favorite gifts for mom:

Nordstrom

Dyson Special Edition Airwrap Multi-Styler

The Dyson Airwrap is like the Lamborghini of hair tools. It's bougie, for sure, but it's oh-so good. This premier hair tool can dry and style strands simultaneously, all without heat damage. Mom can easily customize her hairstyle with the 6 attachments – she'll never need another blow dryer in her lifetime.

Amazon

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Studio Electric Gooseneck Kettle

I use this kettle every single day, so I can confidently say it's well worth the splurge. If your mom's a major tea (or coffee!) drinker, she'll appreciate that this kettle heats up quickly, can hold its contents at a custom temperature for however long she wants, and provides a very even pour. It also just looks like a total work of art when it's sitting on the countertop, so it won't mess up whatever feng shui she's already got goin' on in her kitchen.

Nordstrom

UGG Tasman Slippers

As reliable as a gift house shoes can be, giving her a pair that'll actually last is a way better choice than opting for cheaper styles that'll crap out after a few months of use. These UGG slippers are super durable, thanks to their grippy outsoles. That way, she's not relegated to only wearing them inside the house – she can easily take them outside to check the mail or run errands. If your mom lives somewhere where it gets extremely cold in the winter, these wool-lined bad boys will also keep her toesies ultra-warm!

Soft Services

Soft Services Smoothing Set

Mom's new skincare routine is loading! This trio helps revive dry, flaky skin with a gentle exfoliating bar that doesn't dramatically strip the skin's moisture, a soothing gel exfoliant for the bod, and a lightweight lotion that delivers deep hydration for softer skin. Soft Services' packaging is also so beautiful and feels like a nice, somewhat-bougie upgrade from the products your mama may use on the daily.

e.l.f.

e.l.f. Celestial Winter 10-Piece Eyeshadow Palette

I know my mom goes crazy for an eyeshadow palette, which is why this one from e.l.f. caught my eye. Inspired by a winter's night sky, this 10-shade palette hosts the ideal mix of warm and cool tones, plus a good variety of matte, shimmer, and metallic hues. The range of this palette makes it a great fit for any eye color, too. This will allow her to create so many different looks in one easy-to-use product!

Anthropologie

BrüMate Era Straw Tumbler Water Bottle

I like to think of this water bottle as the famed Stanley tumbler but (dare I say it) so much better. I sip from it on the daily to hit my daily water intake goals, and it's an absolute delight – I know your mom will think so, too! What I love most about it is the leakproof lid. And it's not just one of those leakproof lids that's not actually leakproof, it really lives up to its name: I haven't spilled once! Plus, this bottle's stainless steel lining helps keep its contents cold for over 24 hours for an ice-cold sip every single time.

Baggu

Baggu Large Nylon Sling Bag

If your mother is a lady on the go, there's no question she's in need of a large bag to help her tote her stuff around. This pick from Baggu will definitely earn her major style points, as it emulates a lot of the trendy bucket bags we're seeing rise in popularity. I like that it offers the convenience of a large tote bag without the taxing upkeep of leather or suede – Baggu's signature nylon material is easily machine-washable when it's time for a refresh! This bag comes in 5 different colors so you can track down the one that really suits her vibe.

Dieux

Dieux Glow Trinity Skin Set

Every single skincare product from Dieux is super gentle, yet effective. This set includes their Baptism cleanser, Deliverance serum, and Instant Angel moisturizer, which all work wonders on their own, but operate better together. The cleanser is my personal favorite of the three – it always leaves my face feeling clean without really stripping any of its existing moisture. This power trio will save mom's dry winter skin in an instant!

Nordstrom

Breda Jane Bracelet Watch

Is it a bracelet? Is it a watch? This time, it's both. This style from Breda feels especially jewelry-like, but offers practical use by telling the time. I like how minimalistic the design is – mom will be able to rock it across all different kinds of looks, from workdays to dinner parties. The 14k-gold plate, quartz, and mother-of-pearl construction make it perfectly elevated and elegant as a gift.

Quince

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

A good cashmere sweater can run you upwards of $100, but this style is just $50. Plus, it comes in 14 different colors. Mom will want to bathe in its "irresistibly soft" fabric all winter long!

Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods Modular Honeycomb Serving Set

This is the coolest gift idea for the hostess with the mostess! This innovative serving set connects magnetically, so mom can fashion it however she pleases. From busy get-togethers to chill movie nights at home, she'll be able to set out snacks in perhaps the most aesthetically-pleasing way possible. Once the snacking's over, each component conveniently stacks on top of one another for easy storage!

SeaVees

SeaVees Acorn Trainer Sneakers

Step up mom's shoe game with these sleek sneaks! I promise they're going to be one of the softest shoes she's ever (literally) step foot in. Though super lightweight, the thick, cushiony memory foam footbeds of these sneakers provide unparalleled comfort and support. Plus, the '90s-inspired sporty silhouette can work with a variety of outfits, thanks to the chilled-out color palette.

Flamingo Estate

Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle

'Heaven in a candle' is the only way I can accurately describe this scent. Encapsulating of "balmy summer nights in the garden, where tomatoes hang heavy from freshly watered vines and the leaves become their most fragrant," it burns the most delicious herby, peppery, potent smell. This makes a refreshing gift for the moms out there that simply can't stand floral- or vanilla-forward candles!

Amazon

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

Mom is too good for microwaved coffee. Help her keep her brew fresh with this self-warming mug! It can keep 14 ounces of liquid warm for up to 80 minutes on a single charge, or even a full day if she keeps it connected to the coordinating coaster. The set-up itself is very compact, so it can fit on her desk fuss-free.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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The One Reason 'Gilmore Girls' Is A Fall Show, According To Amy Sherman-Palladino

There's nothing more satisfying than starting your Gilmore Girls rewatch at the beginning of fall. There's just something about the crisp air paired with Amy Sherman-Palladino's quick, witty banter that just feels so right! And while you brew another pot of coffee, pile up the Lorelai-inspired junk food, and put on another episode, just know — none of this was accidental! Gilmore Girlscreator, Amy Sherman-Palladino told The Hollywood Reporterexactly why the show is so incredibly fall-coded.

The CW

Sherman-Palladino told The Hollywood Reporterthat she and her husband (co-creator Dan Sherman-Palladino) decided to take a fall trip to Connecticut right after Gilmore Girls finally sold. "We encountered that small-town feel, that feel of hayrides and pumpkin patches and hot apple cider. It almost felt ridiculous — the jaded woman that I am, I was like 'This is like central casting laid this out for us. People don't live like this,'" she said. "But they do in some places, and that creatively fed me the rest of the show. Most of the show is about Lorelai [Graham] creating this world that she and her daughter [Bledel] can both grow up in together."

I love the idea that Lorelai created this whimsical, almost storybook world for Rory for them both to grow up in. Because at the end of the day, Lorelai lived with rigidity and rules — only to leave that life as a child raising another child. So of course she would want to incorporate all the fun and fantastical things she felt like she missed out on. (BRB, sobbing)

The CW

Not only that, but fall is a very visceral season. Sherman-Palladino explained that the shift from summer to fall is "the most drastic change." She said, "It's temperature, but it's also visual, and it felt like this was the kind of place, if I was going to go through that journey, that's where I would set it. And when we shot the pilot, it was fall and it was cold and had that feeling, so it just sort of became our thing."

This means that Rory and Lorelai's constant growth and transformations throughout the show is always underscored by the shifting seasons, starting with fall from the very beginning and continued through A Year In The Life. The thematic through-line is just too good!

Leave it to our fave Amy Sherman-Palladino to cook up something that's both fun, funny, heartwarming, and incredibly on-theme down to the literal weather of it all. BRB while I continue my own rewatch and wait for Étoileto finally premiere!

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'Outer Banks' Will End With Season 5

Outer Banks season 4 part 2 drops November 7, and theories are swirling around our favorite Pogues — is Sarah pregnant? Will JJ die? Will the group FINALLY get their hands on some treasure (and NOT lose it?). While we have a ton of questions about what's going to go down on the OBX this week, creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke just gave us one huge piece of news: Outer Banks season 5 will be the final season.

The season 4 finale, which Tudum reveals will be the first feature-length episode, “sets the stage for an epic fifth and final season,” the trio says. Here's everything you need to know aboutOuter Banksseason 5. Bring it on home John B.!

Will there be a 5th Outer Banks?

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A post shared by Outer Banks (@obx)

Yes, we're getting a fifth and final season of Outer Banks coming to Netflix soon. While we don't have an official release date yet, we're expecting to see the last installment in 2025 or 2026.

In their official letter "to all Pogues," creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke explain how a photo of teenagers on a beach during a power outage inspired them to create the hit show we've all come to know and love. "From this beginning, we imagined a mystery that would lead to a five-season journey of adventure, treasure hunting, and friendship," they say in an official letter. "At the time, seven years ago, it seemed impossible that we would really get to tell the whole five season story, but here we are, at the end of our fourth season, still chopping away."

"Now, with a little sadness, but also excitement, we're putting Season Four behind us and turning to Season Five, in which we hope to bring our beloved Pogues home in the way we imagined and planned years ago," they continue. "Season Five will be our last season, and we think it will be our best yet. We hope you'll join us for one more paddle out to the surf break."

I can't wait to see Outer Banks season 5, and TBH five seasons will round out the show perfectly considering each season focuses on a different Pogue. That means season 5 will probably focus on Sarah — which totally supports those season 4 pregnancy rumors! 👀 Stay tuned for all the OBX5 info you need to know.

Here's Every Shocking Detail You Missed In Outer Banks Season 4 Part 1 in case you don't have time for a rewatch ;).

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