Mission District Food Tour

Duration

3 Hours

The Mission District is one of San Francisco's most interesting and eclectic neighborhoods, combining a range of influences into one unique culture. The Mission District Food Tour not only lets you skip the lines and taste delectable delights at a number of notable establishments, but it also offers some insight into how the Mission has grown into such a beloved locale.

This 3-hour walking tour includes 5 tastings at different establishments. They are subject to change, but usually include 5 of the following places:

• Taqueria Cancun (est. 1985) The most perfectly marinated meat tacos in SF • Mission Chinese (est. 2010) Founder Danny Bowien nominated for a James Beard Rising Chef Award • Delfina Pizza (est. 2005) Delicious Neapolitan inspired, thin crust pizzas • Tartine Bakery (est. 2002) The best French-style bakery in San Francisco, and you'll get to skip the lines! • Ali Baba's Cave (est. 2003) The most delicious, moist falafel in SF • Craftsman and Wolves (est. 2010) Where the paths of food and design intersect

As you stroll from tasting to tasting, your guide will point out and explain the culture, history and landmarks of the area. You'll see colorful Latino markets, Diego Rivera-inspired murals and much more! Whether you're a visitor in town for only a few days, or a local born and raised, you're sure to learn something on this informative tour.

For a fresh perspective on the Mission District, take a Mission District Food Tour!

What Is Not Included?

• All food tastings are included • Feel free to bring a bottled beverage and some establishments will provide water.

Meeting Location

Mission District (San Francisco, CA)

Detailed Directions

The tour will meet in front of The Pirate Store located at 826 Valencia Street, San Francisco (94110). It is located between 19th and 20th streets, 3 blocks west of Mission St. The closest BART stations are 16th St Mission or 24th St Mission.

Please note: The Pirate Store at 826 Valencia does not open until 12 PM. We will be meeting outside the space at 11 AM. Please do not try to enter the store when it is closed.

FAQ

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? May I purchase with cash?

Tickets must be purchased in advance and cash is not accepted. Please make sure you purchase tickets well in advance of your desired tour date, as our tours sell out quickly. Tickets can be purchased online or over the phone using Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

What if there is bad weather?

Tours are given rain or shine. A good portion of our time is spent walking outdoors. However, on our food tasting tours, we do spend time inside establishments, so you will not be subject to the elements the entire tour.

What type of clothing and shoes should I wear?

We do a fair amount of walking on our tours. You should dress casually and wear comfortable shoes or sneakers.

How much food do we eat on the Food Tasting Tours?

You will taste foods from five different specialty shops, ethnic eateries, and restaurants. Most people say it's enough food for lunch. We suggest individuals with large appetites, see how they feel after the tour, and order a dish from their favorite tasting.

What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?

Please let us know if you or anyone in your group has a dietary restriction (vegetarian, diabetic, peanut allergy, etc) when you purchase your tickets. If you let us know a couple of days prior to your tour, we can usually substitute a food tasting.

How much walking is there on the food tasting tours?

We're on our feet for approximately 3 hours. We walk at a casual pace and stand in place for a few minutes at various attractions. The streets are flat, but you will have to walk up small stairs at some of the establishments. Please let us know in advance, if you have difficulty walking up a few flights of stairs, and we will make arrangements for you.

Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible?

The tour route is wheelchair accessible. You may bring a stroller on the tour, but it may have to remain outside if the food establishment is busy.

Are your tours appropriate for children?

Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides make learning about the history, culture, and foods of the neighborhoods we visit interesting, informative, and fun. Please gauge whether or not you think this tour is appropriate for your child. Children under the age of 5 are free, unless they're going to participate in all of the food tastings. You may bring a stroller on the tour, but it will have to remain outside, if the food establishment is busy.

Are pets allowed on your tours?

Pets are not allowed on any of our food tasting tours. San Francisco law prohibits pets from entering an establishment that serves food or drink.

Is your tour very touristy? Do native San Franciscans take your tours?

Our tours are specifically designed to take you to the "hidden gems" only the neighborhood locals know about. Therefore, our tours take you "off the beaten path," so your not mobbed by tourists on crowed streets. Native San Franciscans take our tours to explore neighborhoods other than the ones they live in, and learn where to find the best culinary delights. None of our tours have a touristy feel to them. Our goal is for you to revisit a neighborhood like a local.

Are tour guides gratuities included in the price?

Tour guides gratuities are not included in the cost of your tour. While in no way required, we generally recommend giving your guide between 15% - 20% of the purchase price of the tour for a job well done. Our tour guides are dedicated to making your tour the highlight of your stay in San Francisco.

Are gift certificates available?

Yes. A walking tour is a great gift to give someone living in or visiting Chicago. Gift certificates can be purchased by clicking on the "Gift Certificate - Purchase" link in the box on the top of this page.

How is my gift certificate delivered? Can I print it out now and give it to the recipient myself?

Yes, you can! When you purchase your gift certificate online, you will be presented immediately with your gift certificate so that you can print it out and deliver it. If you buy it over the phone, a link to your gift certificate will be emailed to you as soon as your purchase is completed.

What if I want the gift certificate emailed to the recipient instead?

That's no problem, either! When you purchase your gift certificate, just select the option to have the certificate emailed directly to the recipient and provide their email address. You'll even be able to decide whether you want the email sent immediately or if you'd prefer to schedule it to be emailed on a future date. (For instance, if you want to buy it today so you don't forget, but you don't want it emailed to the recipient until their special day!)

Can I book a private tour?

Yes, private tours are available. To inquire about a private tour, please click on the "Contact SidewalkTour" link to the left.

About

Sidewalk Tours

Sidewalk Food Tours of San Francisco boasts a food tour repertoire that includes tours of North Beach, The Mission and Chinatown. Not only do our guides know where to take you for the tastiest flavors, but they also have a wealth of knowledge about each neighborhood to share as you stroll.

Our tours allow you to eat like a San Franciscan and gain local insights into the blocks you walk. While we want you to enjoy all of the tasty treats, we also want you to learn some things along the way. That's why you'll experience the culture, learn the history and see the landmarks that make North Beach, The Mission and Chinatown such notable locales.

Our tastings are robust and unique; oftentimes, our guests say they've eaten enough to cover lunch by the time their tour has concluded. Whether you're a local or a visitor, or if you need a great gift idea for your favorite Bay Area foodie, check out a Sidewalk Food Tour of San Francisco!

You'll find you've made your most delicious decision yet!

Activity-Specific Policies

Please review the seller’s policies for this activity. Once tickets are purchased, these are binding.

• Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled. Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

• Activity takes place rain or shine. The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability).