A Bay Area Tastemaker Takes Us Inside Her Favorite Secret Spots

Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.

Ekaterina Izmestieva

Meet the Insider: Caroline Brown, co-owner and music curator, Side A

Location: San Francisco, California

When it comes to where San Francisco eats, drinks, and listens right now, Caroline Brown has her finger on the pulse. A longtime music curator with deep roots in the city’s sound scene, including work on the Outside Lands music festival, she co-opened the celebrated Side A in the Mission District last year with her husband, chef Parker Brown. The vinyl-forward restaurant and listening bar feels like being invited into someone’s living room, where the records matter, the food hits, and the vibe is just right. Here’s her guide for how to best explore the city’s rhythm. 

Courtesy of Foreign Cinema

EAT 

If eating out before noon, it’s likely at Plow. We like to sit at the bar, sip on black coffee, and watch the kitchen line rock out. On our last visit, my plate arrived with seasonal pumpkin pancakes, avocado, crispy potatoes, bacon, and a side of toast and jam—the best breakfast I’ve had in recent memory. There are some places you can go solo, on a date, with family or friends, and even on business that hit just right, no matter what the occasion.

Peter Belanger

Zuni Café is a perfect bistro near the city center and my go-to late lunch. The building alone charms me to my core. Ask for the house-cured anchovies, chicken for two, and a half order of shoestring potatoes. Thank me later! Our countless date night visits to Foreign Cinema never disappoint. The staff is so friendly, and the space feels like a warm hug. We especially love the “wet finish” menu that’ll send you off with a carajillo and fernet flight. 

Courtesy of Foreign Cinema

DRINK 

Before Coffee Movement opened its third location within Side A, I spent years climbing over Nob Hill. Its founders have built a team devoted to craftsmanship and community, giving guests easy access to top roasters from around the world. With the addition of our freshly made donuts and vinyl playing overhead at the Mission location, I can’t think of a better way to start the day. When day drinking, I’ll typically head to Radhaus at Fort Mason, an alpine beer hall looking out onto the Marina and Golden Gate Bridge. Pair your visit with a walk or bike ride, and you’ve got yourself a lovely afternoon. At least one of our team members is seen at Trick Dog nightly. It has been named one of the best bars in the States for good reason. We’re lucky to have it as a neighbor, along with El Chato and Bar Gemini, when we’re in the mood for wine.

kellyvandellen/Getty Images

DO 

When I’m not at home or the restaurant, I’m usually digging for records or catching a live show. Among my favorite record shops in the city are Amoeba Music, Tunnel Records, Rooky Ricardo’s, Groove Merchant, Vinyl Dreams, Originals, Dark Entries, and Out of Sight. For a live show, I like any venue run by Another Planet, and I often end up at The Independent in NoPa. 

Courtesy of Amoeba Music