One of the sunniest, warmest neighborhoods in San Francisco, the Bayview has a long history, going back to the Ohlone Indians who predated European colonials. In 1868, city regulations pushed the slaughter and processing of animals out of what was then city limits, causing a group of butchers established a "butchers reservation” in the tidal marshes of the area, giving the neighborhood its first name: Butchertown.

The neighborhood really took root after the US Navy took over the dry docks along the waterfront via eminent domain in 1939. These shipyards were a critical part of the war effort in the ‘30s and ‘40s, and even have the dubious distinction of being where the first atomic bomb, as well as components of “Little Boy,” which was dropped on Hiroshima, began their journey to Japan. Because of the economic opportunity in the area, the Bayview became a robust working-class neighborhood in the midcentury.

After the closure of the shipyards, the neighborhood suffered from a lack of services. In recent years, however, the city has refocused its energies along the eastern waterfront, and as development has encroached southward through Mission Bay and Dogpatch, Bayview is well positioned for future opportunity.

Already, the neighborhood boasts a strong sense of community, and due to its relative affordability, has a burgeoning food and arts scene. It’s also one of the larger neighborhoods with an abundance of single family homes, which are becoming increasingly in high demand throughout the city.

We’ve been big boosters of the Bayview for years, and are friends with many residents and business owners. A few highlights are mentioned below, and pinned in the map.

All Good Pizza – Kristin cooks up rockin' pizza in a converted trailer on a spacious corner lot; sister Mexican restaurant Tato offers tasty tacos and cocktails. Radio Africa Kitchen – It is worth the trip to Chef Eskender Aseged’s restaurant where he serves up a fusion menu infused with East African spices. Old Skool Cafe – A 1940s-style supper club that has a great mission to help at-risk youth. Yvonne's Southern Sweets – For something sweet, drop in and get Yvonne's cakes, pies, and the best pralines in town. Yvonne’s treats are featured at Chase Center. Auntie April's Chicken-n-Waffles – Soul food at its finest, whether you go for the namesake dish, fried fish, or oxtail. The Den, a Café by Craftsman and Wolves – Maybe you've been enjoying their amazing pastries on Valencia, but they've been made in Bayview all along, and now you can enjoy them on premises. Gratta Wines – A true garagiste, Barbara Gratta makes wine in the garage of her Bayview home. The adjacent market is a great spot for Italian pantry items and tasty sandwiches. Laughing Monk Brewing – Small-batch, craft California beers and Belgian ales made in the Bayview.

Other points of interest:

Public Glass – Non-profit glass art studio with glassmaking classes, plus programs to train youth. Flora Grubb Gardens – Possibly the most beautiful garden store in San Francisco, peppered with art. Bay Natives – Another excellent garden store, with a specific focus on California natives.

Get to Know: The Bayview