FRIDAY FIVE
There’s an old adage that says to spend your life with people who make going to the grocery store an adventure. And San Francisco is the perfect place in which to avoid the humdrum of the typical Americana market. The variety of local and family-run stores here truly makes going grocery-shopping an experience: a chance to explore in-season produce, check out the latest organic offerings and look for your new favorite wine.
California has long been at the forefront of organic and local food shopping. Whole Foods began to rise in popularity and opened stores in California in the 1990s and still dominates the scene with about seven locations in our seven-by-seven-mile radius. But even before that, organic-food markets were already popular here, with many of the family-owned grocery stores from decades past still thriving today.
If you want to really shop local and avoid the chaos of a Whole Foods on a Sunday, we suggest checking out these ma-and-pa shops to get your avocados and bread.
1. Rainbow Grocery
When people think of San Francisco grocery shopping, Rainbow Grocery is likely to come to mind — and that’s because it’s the grocery monarchy of the city. Since 1975, Rainbow, located between SOMA and the Mission, has offered the city the widest selection of organic produce that’s both locally sourced as well as affordable. At the same time, it has set a high bar for future grocery stores here. Best of all, Rainbow is also a worker-owned cooperative where employees are the stakeholders and decision-makers of the business, which means democracy in the workplace and happier workers. Rainbow is also a great place at which to buy in bulk if you’re into that kind of thing.
1745 Folsom Street (SOMA)| rainbow.coop
2. Bi-Rite Market
Bi-Rite is arguably one of the most well-known small organic grocery stores in SF. It’s owned and managed by chef Sam Mogannam, who had worked at famed Californian-French restaurant Jardinière, which closed last March. Mogannam and his brother, Raphael, took over the grocery store in 1997, but it was originally founded in 1940. Under Mogannam’s ownership, the store’s shelves have been stocked with produce from local and organic farmers. Bi-Rite also started its own farm in Sonoma in 2008 that uses “beyond organic” sustainable farming practices. The first location is in the Mission, and its famous creamery is located across the street. A second grocery store, located in NOPA, has a garden on its rooftop too.
3639 18th Street (Mission) | biritemarket.com
3. Haight Street Market
Since 1981, Haight Street Market has been a staple for residents of the Haight. Gus Vardakastanis and his father, Dimitri, founded this beloved market after they emigrated from Greece in 1974. Ever since it opened, it has been known to sell affordable produce while maintaining an unpretentious neighborhood vibe. Anyone who is a regular at Haight Street Market usually pays a visit for more reasons than the food, though. The store’s cafe and the overall friendly ambiance are what keep customers coming back for more. The sandwiches are a must-try too.
1530 Haight Street (Haight) | gussmarket.com
4. Luke’s Local
Luke’s Local is located in the heart of Colley Valley on Cole Street and has been instantly popular since its arrival in late 2016. This quirky neighborhood spot initially started as a delivery service but has quickly succeeded as an in-person grocery store. All the fresh produce is locally sourced from Northern California, so it can vary each week depending on what’s in season. It also has an on-point meat counter with all-organic cuts as well as various prepared meals to enjoy. On top of being a great neighborhood market, it has a walk-up coffee counter that serves Sightglass coffee.
960 Cole Street (Cole Valley) | lukeslocal.com
5. The Market
This is basically a cafeteria and market taken to a totally new level — or San Francisco’s version of New York City’s Eataly. It’s industrial and a little bit bourgeois, but the market’s organic and artisanal food offerings are truly unique and perhaps worth their hiked-up prices. The owners are a collaboration of grocery-store pros and farmers: Bruce Slesinger and Tom Collom of Small Foods, Chris Foley of Oakville Grocery and Richard Hoff of Napa Farms Market. The Market is located in the Twitter building. Try their specialty organic foods, or just hang out and sip on a coffee or a glass of wine.
1355 Market Street (Civic Center)| visitthemarket.com
