In October, Time Out named Dogpatch one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world in its annual listicle, predictably pointing to old factory buildings and shipyards that have been repurposed as trendy bruncheries and boutiques à la Williamsburg, etc. Of course, this pronouncement has merit. The sunny neighborhood has cultivated a reputation as an artist enclave—now home to the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco. And as of the end of November, the neighborhood has a brand-new craft brewery with all the right vibes.
Outfitted in steel beams, exposed redwood tables and psychedelic murals, Olfactory Brewing fits in comfortably among the old factories. Formerly the home of Triple Voodoo Brewery, the taproom has already established a rotation of pop-ups, including Guajillo Kitchen and Pizza Squared. Though Olfactory focuses on pales and lagers, its curiously labeled black lager with chocolate malt—”The Lamp Industry Is Booming During These Dark Days”—lives up to the brewery’s name, a perfect choice in the wintry chill. And as has become customary in the neighborhood, the brewery is dog-friendly.
Olfactory Brewing Co.
Dogpatch
And while Dogpatch may be having a moment, the Sunset has maintained its down-to-earth charm, gaining three new restaurants in the past month: Gao Viet Kitchen, Yoma Cafe and Earth Tone Cafe. Meanwhile, over in Oakland’s Laurel District, La Cocina alum Charles Farriér just opened a brick-and-mortar bakery for his prized cheesecakes.
1. Gao Viet Kitchen
Outer Sunset
After three years of scheming and dreaming, restaurateur Viet Nguyen finally introduced the SF outpost of his eponymous eatery, Gao Viet Kitchen. The charismatic chef has become Instagram famous for his stylized kitchen reels, which show off Frankenstein-esque delicacies like the “phozilla” and the “messiest banh mi ever.” Gao Viet Kitchen’s soft opening lasts through the end of the year, meaning it’ll be serving dinner only but staying open late—until 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. No reservations, so try your luck on the waitlist.
2. Yoma Cafe
Inner Sunset
📍1518 Irving St., SF
☎️ (415) 742-4360
Just a few blocks up Irving, a Japanese curry counter opened with little fanfare a couple of weeks back. Named for a trollish character from Japanese folklore, Yoma took over the Teapenter boba space. In addition to bubble tea, this women-owned cafe serves curries, soups, katsu and other deep-fried sides.
3. Crumble & Whisk
Oakland
If you’ve been to a Bay Area farmer’s market in the past decade and sampled a 3-inch personal cheesecake, chances are it was created by chef-baker Charles Farriér. The La Cocina incubator alum just launched his first brick-and-mortar cafe. The menu centers on Farriér’s masterfully sculpted cheesecakes, but his team bakes hand pies, pot pies and a few vegan options as well.
4. Earth Tone Cafe
Inner Sunset
A petite coffeehouse also found a home along Irving Street last month. With a minimalist aesthetic and picture-perfect matcha lattes, Earth Tone Cafe serves a few unexpected specialty drinks, like mango lassi and a periwinkle-hued latte made with yams.