FRIDAY FIVE
Many restaurants and bars were hit hard during the pandemic, and the Castro District in the heart of San Francisco was no exception. With the June 15th reopening in the State of California this week, you might be looking to get out this weekend.
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If you’re in the Castro, here are five places to check out.
Double Rainbow Ice Cream
Just on the intersection of Castro and Market, Double Rainbow Ice Cream was opened in 1976 by childhood friends from Brooklyn, NY who made the trek west.
Over 40 years later, Double Rainbow is thriving, with nationwide delivery, and a scoop shop in the Castro. Locals love going to the shop for mix-and-match scoops that range from Mango Tangerine Sorbet to Strawberry Cheesecake, and plenty of plant-based selections. You can even take home a pint for next-day enjoyment.
The shop is located at 415 Castro St., San Francisco, CA, and is open from 12 P.M. to 10 P.M. on Friday and Saturday, and 12 P.M. to 9 P.M. all other nights. More info.
Réveille Coffee Co.
A coffee truck turned a collection of coffee shops, Réveille Coffee Co. is known for its indoor and outdoor spaces and variety of food and drink, including matcha lattes, shakshuka, and many different sandwiches and bowls to choose from.
Featured in San Francisco’s Top Toast by SF Eater, Réveille’s offering will impress after a morning spent walking around the Castro.
Réveille Coffee Co. is located on 4076 14th St., San Francisco from 7:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. on weekdays, and 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. on weekends. More info.
Starbelly
A long-time neighborhood restaurant in the heart of the Castro, Starbelly prides itself on being a neighborhood eatery that serves authentic California comfort food and cocktails.
The restaurant serves everything from weekend brunches to weekday lunches and dinner, so be sure to check out their website beforehand if you’re in the mood for a specific menu.
Starbelly is located at 3583 16th St, San Francisco. The restaurant’s hours vary depending on the day, so be sure to double-check its hours on its website. Making a reservation beforehand is recommended.
Dinosaurs
With a location in the Castro and elsewhere in San Francisco, Dinosaurs is a Vietnamese sandwich shop known for its spicy tuna, fresh spring rolls, avocado shakes, and much more.
Dinosaurs was even voted #1 for the Best Bloody Mary in the SF Bloody Mary Fest from 2016 to 2018.
Dinosaurs is located at 2275 Market St, San Francisco from 10 A.M. to 7 P.M. every day. More info.
Kitchen Story
Self-described as “California cuisine based on a touch of Thai flavor,” Kitchen Story serves breakfast, brunch, and dinner in the Castro.
The restaurant is known far and wide for its Bottomless Mimosas, Millionaires Bacon, and Pork Belly Rancheros.
Kitchen Story is located at 3499 16th St., San Francisco from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. on weekdays and 9 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. on weekends. More info.
