A North Beach Afternoon
Billboard representation of San Francisco’s iconic North Beach neighborhood. 6:54 am.
Lights on Grant Ave. North Beach, San Francisco, CA. 5:57 am
North Beach is special for many reasons: it abuts our famous Chinatown, it’s also the epicenter for the City’s rich literary history having been home to many of the Beat generation. It’s also home to San Francisco’s Little Italy neighborhood and subsequently a plethora of Italian restaurants. So naturally, when I visit this neighborhood, I go to an Irish bar: Maggie McGarry’s, home of the Bay Area Gooners where we ritually watch Arsenal Football Club.
Premier League matches take place in England and usually happen (hella early!) in the morning.
After a recent “late” match (a 9:30 am start time), I decided to walk around and see the shops and restaurants that make up the neighborhood at decent hours.
Hole in the Wall Coffee
This hole in the wall is exactly the kind of coffee shop I’d patronize if I were visiting a different city. Ordering a pour over is only part of the charm, the people watching is top tier. From fellow Arsenal supporters looking for a steadying cup after a frustrating draw, to neighbors who seemingly frequent the joint, Hole in the Wall Coffee is available as a lo-fi option for a high caffeine fix or a coconut should you need one. The menu lists bean options from lightest to darkest. I ordered a “North Beach” and was pleased with the quality and taste. I took my cup and strolled through Washington Square Park to my next destination.
Oh! Don’t let the sign fool you-Hole in the Wall is only open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
le Sandwich
Because this was a later match, I had the opportunity to get lunch. North Beach is a great neighborhood for eating, today though I was craving breakfast tacos (superior to breakfast burritos) so I went to the North Beach Farmers Market because I thought a pop-up I encountered last year said they did a weekly stint there. Tant pis. Instead, I passed by a small storefront called “le Sandwich": creations from around the world. The shop had a garland of international flags, pastries, and Willie Nelson blasting: my type of place. The proprietor, Chef Elias, greeted me with a friendly “Hello Arsenal fan!” and took my order-a “toscana” (below) and a “bollywood”. The toscana sandwich was exactly what I wanted: a perfect baguette (solid crust, soft interior) housing artichoke, grilled chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, and an appropriate amount of pesto. The sandwich was sizable enough that I felt full after one half and could save the other.
Chef Elias also makes a granola that looks amazing and that I could easily see incorporating into my post-match routine.
After getting le deux sandwiches, I went to pick up cannoli for a loved ones birthday. Sometimes after a match, I’ll go to Stella Pastry & Cafe and do a cappuccino and cannoli to-go, but in the spirit of adventure, thought I’d try a new place. After spending an exorbitant amount for 4 cannoli, I can’t recommend this other place in good faith, but highly recommend Stella Pastry & Cafe after you visit Hole in the Wall.