Bernal Heights
Episode 15:
January 8, 2025
Today on Bay Insider, we are continuing our neighborhood series where we talk about the history, lifestyle, and real estate of the Bernal Heights neighborhood in San Francisco.
In this episode of The Bay Insider, we chat with Todd Lappin, a 20-year resident and founder of the Bernalwood blog (now a facebook community group) an online news magazine that celebrates the charm and quirkiness of San Francisco's Bernal Heights neighborhood. Join us as we talk about Bernal’s artistic vibe, multiple business districts, and natural open spaces like Precita Park, Holly Park, and Bernal Hill.
From arguably the steepest street in the U.S. to hidden stairways and quirky architecture, discover why Bernal Heights has become a favorite for creatives, families, and food lovers. Todd talks about his adventures with a Japanese fire truck, the artistic community, and even Bernal’s geological stability—something every homeowner will appreciate.
This episode highlights Cortland Avenue’s local gems, the iconic views from Bernal Hill, and the lively Alemany Farmer’s Market. We’ll also touch on Bernal’s evolving real estate scene and why it’s a top choice for first-time homebuyers. Whether you’re a San Francisco local or just curious about the city’s hidden treasures, this episode is packed with stories, history, and insider tips you won’t want to miss.
History Links:
Development of St. Mary’s Park Area
Parks and Arts:
St. Mary’s Playground and Park (great dog park, rec center, and tennis courts)
Amos Goldbaum mural on Pinhole Coffee and Virginia St. Stairs
Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema - 21 years old!
Better in Bernal - Bernal Business and Arts Alliance (BBAA)
Grocery:
Good Life Grocery - opened 1991, original store in Potrero Hill opened in 1974 Alemany Farmers Market - Saturdays since 1943, Sunday Flea Market
Andi’s Market
Epicurean Trader - 1st store, now there are quite a few (maybe 5). Highly curated and easy to spend way too much money
Avedano’s Meats - amazing Heritage turkeys at Thanksgiving time
Healthy Spirits - great beer and liquor selections
San Francisco Tequila Shop - wow, so much liquor! Just opened June 2022
Shops:
Chloe’s Closet - been there forever and bought everything I needed for my son when he was little
New Electric Wheel Bikes - opened in 2012 appropriate with the hills. Amazing customer service
Restaurants:
Moki’s Sushi and Pacific Grill
Shokudou (Japanese - looks amazing, never been there)
Los Yaquis (Precita Park area)
Coffee Shops/Bakeries:
Progressive Grounds - Bernal Chess club meets every Saturday out back from 3-6pm.
I've had some amazing food from Aziz Benerafa, former co-owner of progressive grounds who has now branched off on his own and now you can get his delicious food through his catering business, Couscous Bowl (Click here to see menu) - call 415-218-9252
Bernal Bakery - usually at farmer’s markets and started in the pandemic but now has a brick and mortar called Bernal Basket on the 500 block of Cortland
Charlie’s Cafe (Precita Park area)
Precita Park Cafe (Precita Park area)
Bars/Brewery:
Wild Side West - Since 1962 - started in Oakland was then in North Beach and finally Bernal Heights, the longest running lesbian bar. Around since before women were allowed to bartend (1971). Moved to Bernal in 1976. In 2013 names a legacy bar by the SF Architectural Heritage Organization
The Lucky Horseshoe - “dedicated dive bar” - has live music
Vino Rosso - Italian wines and some good nibbles
Schools:
Leonard Flynn (elementary) Precita Park area
St. Anthony Immaculate Conception Precita Park area
Donum Dei Classical Academy Precut Park area
Bernal Events: https://bernalconnect.com/bernal-heights-calendar/. Tons of events throughout the year! Great community.
Weather: One of the sunnier areas of San Francisco and relatively protected from the fog
Transportation: Not fast from top of the hill
67 Bernal Heights - get to 24th and Mission St. BART
24 Divisadero - to get to Noe Valley/Castro/Marina and Bayview
Mission St. busses - 14 Mission, 49 S. Van Ness to get downtown
Freeways are close - 101 and 280
Guest:
Todd Lappin, creator of the very popular Bernalwood Blog, circa 2010 (now a Facebook group) and editor at Wired and Time, Inc. magazine for 15 years
Created the Subdistricts of Bernal Heights map, Hoodline contributor, owner of a very cool tiny Japanese fire truck named Kiri