There’s always been a special place in my heart for the old-world charm and rich history of downtown South City. But lately, I’ve had the opportunity to spend a lot of time there, and my affection for this quaint little town just continues to grow.
And not just for the obvious reasons either… Yes, it is nice that parking is possible, and its location is ideal, situated between the Peninsula and SF, (did you know you can take a Ferry from Oyster Point to the Embarcadero?). And with a plethora of fantastic new businesses popping up left and right there are plenty of reasons to visit South City, (have you checked out Bitters + Bottles?)
But what attracts me most to South City is the people and the energy. Don’t get me wrong, I love my SF people but I’ve lived in Noe Valley for the past ten years and before that, the Mission, and these days I enjoy a break from the big city hustle, and South City offers just that.
I mean, I recently spent a relaxing afternoon picking lemons from lemon trees and chilling in my friend Sean’s peaceful backyard. I met Sean at the Wine Vault. We are both wine club members who attend the monthly “pickup party” and free wine tasting with complimentary appetizers for all members. Can’t get that in the city! The Wine Vault is a wine bar housed in an old bank with an actual vault. The owner, Ken, personally hand-picks wine for each member based on individual preferences. And he hand delivers wine to wine club members at Genentech for those working late who can’t make it to the pick-up party. Not going to find that kind of service in the city either.
I also love that the largest wine school in the US is located in South City. That’s right; you can become a professional sommelier right in downtown South City (or just learn and sip for fun). The San Francisco Wine School’s brand new sunlight-filled wine education & events center is conveniently located across from City Hall on Grand with gorgeous 180-degree views of the San Bruno Mountains, and the Bay. I will definitely be partaking in some wine workshops in the very near future!
With old-school family-owned neighborhood spots like the Hardware Store on Grand or famous landmarks like Bertolucci’s Ristorante, South City is the perfect mix of old and new. And the people in South City are no different. The community is warm and inviting, a nice mix of young families and singles, along with older folks who have incredible stories to share.
The vibe in South City is charming, and I love that it’s still an affordable place to buy a home with a yard and more space than the city offers. But not for long. The once-booming Industrial town has made a comeback as the “Home of Biotech,” and city planners are working hard to meet the demand. Stay tuned as I keep you updated on new developments for this up-and-coming hidden gem!