Amelia Mendez Rogue Architect

SF is... a harsh mistress

Who's your favorite quintessential local character? My friend Sarah. Imagine a bubbly blond riding a public bike while blasting music from her basket with a dog in her backpack and a ukulele on the other rack. Plus she has a billboard along the highway proclaiming her love of cheese. 

Where's your go-to date place? The Hideout (at Dalva). Its dark, the drinks are delicious (and strong), and you’ve got a cult movie on as a backdrop. But mostly, I can judge my date by which whisky he orders.

Where's your secret spot? The stretch from China Basin to the abandoned factories of the Dogpatch. I’m from Atlanta and find comfort in an unfinished industrial environment. Its where I go when I’m homesick.

What's your favorite SF institution? The leather bears. If SF had a mascot it would definitely be a bear. Its such a great metaphor. SF may be rough on the exterior, might cause some pain, however in the end she is a big ol’ softy that you forget ever hit you with that jump bat.

What do you get obsessive about here in SF? Coozies! They are impossible to find in this city so it has become my mission to find them all.

What would you change about SF? The cheese plates! There are so many amazing local cheeses around but most bars serve tiny portions at astronomical prices. The only bar that I’d say really has a qualified offer for its price is Hotel Biron.