Get to Know: Dogpatch and Central Waterfront
Dogpatch/Central Waterfront (SFAR subdistrict 9j) occupies the space along the bay to the east of Potrero Hill, and between Mission Bay and Bayview along the 3rd Street corridor. Although it has gained in popularity in recent years, it is in fact one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, with residential and industrial buildings going back to the 1860s.
The fires that ravaged downtown San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake did not reach Dogpatch, so many quaint Victorian homes remain. Today, they are peppered between significant amounts of new construction, including live-work lofts from the ‘90s and modern condos that continue to be built. These in turn are juxtaposed with monumental industrial buildings that harken back to the 19th century.
Once a sleepy post-industrial neighborhood, the stretch along 3rd Street plus a couple blocks of 22nd Street bustle with restaurants, bars, and shops. A few of my favorite spots are:
Piccino (Italian restaurant)
‘aina (modern Hawaiian restaurant)
Glena’s (tacos and margaritas, with chips to die for)
Neighbor Bakehouse (breads and pastries)
Long Bridge Pizza Co. (pizza, obviously)
Third Rail (cocktails and jerky)
Just for You Cafe (hearty diner)
Olivier’s (upscale butcher)
Though the area has been gentrifying since the ‘90s, the more recent development along Mission Bay to the north, and most notably the 2019 opening of the Chase Center, are likely to bring even more energy into the area. Moreover, many of the historic industrial buildings in Pier 70 are being renovated and made into a mixed-use development, including additional residential and commercial units. Because of this, Dogpatch is a good place to keep an eye on for growth potential.
More info:
For a deeper dive, take the San Francisco City Guides free walking tour of Dogpatch and Potrero Point, every Sunday at 11 am.