Bordering Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, The Castro, and Twin Peaks is the smallest neighborhood in San Francisco: Cole Valley. Home to a two-block radius of friendly neighbors and family-owned shops, Cole Valley has delicious restaurants, trendy coffee shops, and whimsical home decor stores. Read on to find out more about one of the best-kept secrets in San Francisco.
While there are many reasons to love Cole Valley, perhaps the most notable reason is because of the undeniable small-town vibe that makes this an oasis of friendliness in the city of San Francisco. Whether it’s the quiet, welcoming neighbors, the family-owned Cole Garage & Cole Hardware shops, or the cozy Cole Valley Dog Park, those who move to this neighborhood are sure to feel at home.
Cole Valley reminds you of a less busy world. The shop local/eat local atmosphere is indisputable, and there’s no denying its charm.
Cole Valley is home to tons of delicious restaurants, and here are a few of our top picks:
Zazie: There are plenty of wonderful, lesser-known spots to cover, but we wouldn’t be doing our civic duty if we didn’t mention Zazie. Zazie is possibly the most well-known food spot in Cole Valley. It’s home to a delicious brunch, as indicated by the frequent wait. In addition to the always popular food-and-mimosa pairing, Zazie also boasts incredible dinners on a twinkle light-adorned patio. This is one meal you won’t want to miss.
Padrecito: Just one more amazing Mexican restaurant added to an ever-growing list. Like Zazie, Padrecito offers a wonderful weekend brunch. And when it comes to must-order items, you’ll want to check out the goat barbacoa tacos, duck carnitas chilaquiles, and the La Copa Verde mezcal cocktail with cilantro and a chipotle rim.
There’s nothing like squeezing in a quick weeknight date or a well-planned weekend getaway with your sweetie, and Cole Valley has just the place. Actually a few places! There are plenty of hidden nooks you’ll want to discover, but here are our two favorite spots to visit that score highly on the romance scale:
The Ice Cream Bar: A full-service 1930s-style soda shop, The Ice Cream Bar has all your old favorites, from ice cream to sandwiches to soup. All items are made fresh in-house, and the restaurant itself has vintage decor with a modern twist. It’s a definite must-visit next time you’re in Cole Valley. Be sure to let us know your favorite flavor!
InoVino: This is one of the coziest wine bars we’ve ever been to, so naturally, it made the list. If you’re looking for a quick bite and glass of wine before a walk in the park or a sexy, hidden spot to cuddle up in for a few hours over great conversation. InoVino is just the place. Be sure to look into their discounts for a way to save a few dollars and still enjoy some delicious Italian wine.
Cole Valley’s accessibility to areas you’ll definitely want to visit is often understated. As mentioned previously, the area itself is extremely walkable, having access to everything from coffee shops to restaurants to cute home stores. Cole Valley is also just within reach of Haight-Ashbury and Golden Gate Park while also only a couple miles from the beach. The neighborhood itself may seem small and secluded, but it’s only a few minutes away from the different worlds that make up San Francisco.
Of course, San Francisco contains many charming areas, from Ashbury Heights to local parks. But there are few areas that contain a small-town charm. If this combination sounds like your kind of place, Cole Valley is the neighborhood for you.
If you’re ready to take the next step to finding a home in Cole Valley or if you want to learn about other areas in San Francisco that may be right for you, get in touch with us at Danielle Lazier + Associates. We’re ready to help you find the home of your dreams.
