Street Gallery
Between 17th & 18th
"It’s a living, breathing museum. Every inch of fence, wall, and garage door is covered in constantly changing, politically charged art. It’s the perfect 'walking and talking' date."
Clarion Alley.
Skip the sterile museums. This is art with a pulse. It connects Valencia and Mission streets, making it the perfect shortcut between dinner and drinks.
Etiquette
Don't just take selfies; read the artist statements. It’s deep, meaningful work that sparks great conversation.
El Techo. 🍹
San Francisco doesn't have many rooftop bars due to the fog, but the Mission is sunny enough to pull it off. This Argentine steakhouse roof deck is legendary.
The Heat Lamps
They have massive glass windscreens and powerful heaters, so you can drink Margaritas in a t-shirt even when it's 55°F out.
* Order: Chicharrones & The Hummingbird Cocktail.
Skyline View
"Because the Mission sits in a valley, you get a unique angle looking UP at the downtown skyscrapers. At sunset, the city glitters."
High Tech Golf
Historic Victorian
"Built inside a historic Victorian mortuary (yes, really). It’s an indoor mini-golf course designed by robotic engineers. It’s steampunk, kinetic, and incredibly fun."
Urban Putt.
Perfect for breaking the ice. The holes are mechanical marvels—balls travel through elevators, musical instruments, and miniature SF landmarks.
Drinks on Course
There are drink holders at every hole. Grab a craft beer upstairs and take it with you as you play.
The Chocolate Factory. 🍫
The smell hits you the moment you walk in—roasting cacao and sugar. It’s a working factory where you can watch the chocolatiers pouring and wrapping bars by hand.
Mission Hot Chocolate
Order the "Mission Hot Chocolate." It’s spiced with almonds, cinnamon, and chili. It’s rich, spicy, and perfect for warming up as the fog rolls in.
The Tasting
"Share a brownie flight. It’s a low-pressure, high-reward activity. Comparing the flavor notes of different single-origin chocolates is a surprisingly great conversation starter."
The Menu
Concept Art
"Their cocktail menu changes every 6 months and it’s always an art project—a Pantone deck, a Chinese takeout menu, a calendar. It’s fun, creative, and world-class."
Trick Dog.
Housed in a converted warehouse, this bar defines the Mission aesthetic: industrial, loud, and effortlessly cool. There’s no pretension, just incredible drinks.
The "Trick Dog"
Don't leave without ordering their namesake burger. It’s a hot dog-shaped burger served in a sesame seed bun. It’s the perfect late-night soak-up food.
The Chapel. 🎸
Built in 1914 as a mortuary, the main chapel room has been converted into one of the most beautiful music venues in the city. The acoustics under the high arched ceiling are hauntingly good.
Curio Bar
The adjoining bar and restaurant, Curio, has a fantastic heated patio. It’s quirky, filled with oddities (stuffed peacocks, clocks), and very romantic.
Sanctuary of Sound
"Seeing a show here feels intimate. The stained glass and the history give it a gravity that dive bars lack. It’s the perfect venue for an 'experience' date."