The Best Park and Takeout Pairings in San Francisco
Every San Francisco resident has a park within a 10 minute walk. We are absolutely schooling other major cities, and our food scene is undeniably decent, if not fab. What are the coolest park / takeout options?
A recent subreddit post asked the question, so let’s look at their recommendations (and make some of our own).
Dolores Park
Sometimes awkwardly called DP or Dolo, Mission Dolores Park is in the heart of the hottest food neighborhood in town, the Mission. Commenters suggest hitting up Rhea’s on Valencia. Bonus points if you get cutty bangs from Mr. Liquor. But if you can afford the splurge, there’s nothing like the fresh neighborhood-themed sandwiches from Bi-Rite.
Golden Gate Park
The crown jewel of San Francisco! Banh Mi Crunch, Arizmendi’s, The Yellow Submarine, and Palm City are all solid picks. This one isn’t fair because GGP is just way too big to choose any one!
The Presidio
Want to see the secret Yoda statue and get a sandwich so expensive yet delicious it’ll make you question your role in capitalism? Head to Golden Gate Market Deli & Liquor on Lyon and Lombard and then head through the Chestnut Gate to enjoy all that the Presidio has to offer. Side note: if going to Tunnel Tops, maybe skip Il Parco and choose a food truck instead.
Ocean Beach / Great Highway / Sunset Dunes
Today’s most controversial park has a few local businesses that match its burgeoning personality. Hookfish has delicious seafood. Java Beach has the famed Tsunami, which is consistently rated highly among visitors. Personally, I love Devil’s Teeth because of the name lore.
Alamo Square
Commenters suggest Lucinda’s, but Bean Bag Cafe is just a block further down the hill and it’s got our favorite trend: Sandwiches named after neighborhoods. If you’re coming from the cityside, consider Alamo Square Cafe – their BLTs and chai go perfectly with the park parrots and tourist-watching.
Lafayette Park
Limoncello came in top as a recommendation for this storied park. Lafayette has a funny shape because when it was created in 1936, someone had already built a mansion there! The land dispute is a great look at what happens when a park is controversial and involves multiple lawsuits. Bay Subs & Deli is also a treat.
Yerba Buena Gardens
Similar to Sunset Dunes and Lafayette, the story behind YBG’s creation (spanning the 1960s through its opening in 1993) is complex and enthralling. When City College’s Educated Palate bakeshop is in session during the school semester, their cheap and delicious student-made goodies are unbeatable. Another affordable option is Super Duper Burger’s recession combo. And there are lots of reasons to visit because there are free lunchtime concerts every Thursday and ticketless performances galore thanks to the 25 year old YBG Festival.
Did we leave out your favorite park & takeout combo? Let us know!
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