A Day in the Mission off 16th Street Bart

Finally made it to the 16th Street bart station to spend the afternoon.  We started with the Mission Dolores tour which took about 1.5-2 hours through City Guides tour.  It was a tour worth taking, we saw brightly colored murals, the Mission Dolores, we walked past the oldest bar in the city (Elixer a reason for me to return and go in) and a pirate store, we saw the Victorian homes still left in the area, and we learned some history regarding the earthquake, the gold rush and the history of the Mission district.  I love City Guides, they have really helped me learn the city.  Walking is a must.

On this particular day they city closed down a few of the streets for walking and socializing.  Music was playing in different areas, some booths are set up in the streets and some shops move their wears outside.  As you looked ahead, down the street, all you could see was heads, it appeared to be totally packed but since it was a four lane road once you were in the mix, it wasn't as bad as it looked. 

As we walked we snacked, Empanadas at Venga Empanadas for $2.75 each.  I had the spicy beef and the mushroom.  The fillings were good but the pastry not so much.  Visually the dough was white with a few golden edges but golden brown and flaky would have been better.  Next we moved onto Mission Cheese which was a bit of a loud, strange, amusing experience.  I'll be writing it up in YELP.

I would like to return again, when the streets are not closed down to check out some of the bars, shops and of course more food.

For my next visit I will check some of these out.

• Elixer
• Mission Bowling Club
• Delfina:  3611 18th St, Voted best pizza in USA by Geico magazine 3621
• Curry Up Now:  659 Valencia; I've heard of this truck, didn't know they had a store front.
• Bar Tartine:  561 Valencia St., Rated well on YELP
• Hog & Rocks:  3431 19th St, Rated well on YELP
• 826 Valencia:  The pirate store, have to at least check it out
• BiRite Ice Cream:  3692 18th St (between Dolores St & Oakwood St) Heard about this on the tour, along with another I can't remember
• Tartine Bakery:  600 Guerrero St, This place had a long line out the door and smelled great as we walked by.  Opens at 8am on Saturday.  Read somewhere, to try 3 cheese sandwich, breads and breakfast items (stuffed pizza thing)?

Here are pictures from the area tour: