Mission Murals and Eats

Click here for a map: http://www.communitywalk.com/missionmuralsandeats

The Mission is close to my house and I love the vibrant atmosphere of this Latin American neighborhood.  I never tire of the colorful murals, the wonderful fruit and vegetable markets, the lively street scene and the affordable, delicious restaurants.  Together with shops and eateries of Latin America, this area has many trendy cafés that serve artisanal or fair trade coffee. Our walking tour takes us down 24^th Street, between Mission and Harrison, and Mission Street between 24^th and 25^th Streets.

1. Take BART and get off at 24^th Street Station. Any train that goes to Daly City, SF Airport or Millbrae stops there.  On Mission, walk down 24^th Street, towards the parking lots with colorful murals, towards South Van Ness Street.

2. At 24^th and Shotwell, check out Ms. Teriosa, a fortune-telling window created by artists Kelly Ording and Jet Martinez. This installation is an example of the San Francisco Arts Commission’s “Art in the Storefronts” project. It’s a great way to create alternative gallery space in an empty storefront.

3. Two blocks down 24^th Street, you will come upon a small alley called Balmy. Turn right. This tiny street is lined with colorful murals. Take a leisurely stroll along the brick road and admire the work, most with political themes. Walk back to 24^th Street.

4. On the next block, go into the Precita Eyes Mural Project. Most of the murals on Balmy Street were created by artists working out of this building. You can take an interesting guided tour of the murals on Saturday or Sunday.  Check out the various tours available on their website http://www.precitaeyes.org/tours.html.

5.  At 24^th and Florida, check out the amazing mural on St. Peter’s Church. It was created by Salvadorian artist Isais Mata, and depicts the Spanish conquest of the new world, and its effects.

6. St Francis Fountain at 2801 24^th Street is an old-fashioned diner and candy store incongruously located in the heart of the Mission.  They have a good breakfast selection as well as lunch items. Try their grilled sandwiches.

7. Don’t miss the incredible papercut mural outside a liquor store on Hampshire Street. Created by street artist Swoon, it has been up for more than a year and amazingly is still pretty intact. Yes, it is made of paper adhered to wall with wheat paste.

8. Cross over on Hampshire Street and head back along 24^th.

9. Enter Mini Park on 24^th and York to view the murals and the gigantic mosaic serpent.  Take a rest on the cup-shaped stools.

10. Another empty storefront at 2781 24^th Street features a papercut by Tahiti Pehrson. This is another “Art in the Storefront” installation.

11. My favorite market in the Mission is Casa Lucas Market 2934 Mission Street. Check out the plaintains, avocados, corn and yucca piled high in the sidewalk bins. Inside they have a wonderful selection of foods from Mexico, Central and South America.

12. Humphrey Slocumbe  at 2790A Harrison Street must have the oddest ice cream flavors in the world. You have to try one, just so you can boast that you tasted the weirdest ice cream in San Francisco. The flavors change daily, but some that you may never have heard of include Thai Chili Lime, McEvoy Olive Oil, Boccalone Prosciutto, Peanut Butter Curry, Jesus Juice and Szechuan Strawberry.

13. Sundance Coffee at 3000 24^th Street serves righteous coffee: fair-trade and sustainable.  Go in and pretend you don’t see all the laptops.

14. El Tonayense at 3150 24^th Street between Shotwell and Van Ness is also known for their ubiquitous taco trucks scattered all over the City. This is their restaurant. Try brains or carne asada tacos for $1.75 each.

15. When you get to Mission, cross the street and turn left. Taqueria San Jose at 2830 Mission is my hands-down favorite dive restaurant in the Mission. Their carne asada tacos piled high with carved meat, pico de gallo and cilantro is the best I’ve ever tasted. Their fresh orange juice is delicious too.

16. Mission Cultural Center at 2868 Mission Street offers classes, events and exhibitions. Check out their website for current offerings http://www.missionculturalcenter.org/index.html

17. Don’t miss Mission Pie at 2901 Mission (at 25^th Street ). This place has unbelievable pies, the ingredients of which come from nearby farms that employ organic and sustainable methods (even the wheat for the pie shells are grown there).  The pies are seasonal and may include apple, strawberry rhubarb, Shaker lemon, walnut, pear frangipani tart and banana cream. They partner with local youth advocacy programs to send teens to the farm. Check out this article http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/16/FDGG8POMSF1.DTL

18. And if you are in the mood for Salvorean food, go to La Santaneca at 2815 Mission Street across from the 24^th Street BART station. Try their delicious pupusas with curtido (sour cabbage slaw) on top.

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