A melting pot of ethnic eateries, dive bars, cute shops, cheap thrift stores, progressive booksellers, and unique cafes, the Mission has long been the Marina's polar opposite: dirty, artsy, and on the funkier side of trendy. Lately, though, the neighborhood famous for its fixieriding hipsters, barhopping bridge-and-tunnelers, and homeless people has seen an influx of upscale dining destinations and ueberchic boutiques, which only increases its reputation as one of the most quintessentially "San Francisco" areas in the city. Muni: 26 Valencia, 67 Bernal Heights, 14 Mission, 49 Mission-Van Ness, 48 Quintara-24th Street. BART: 24th Street

Once you find this hidden treasure - look for the collaged door next to Garçon - the first thing you'll notice is the itty-bitty restaurant's decor: a wall-to-wall pastiche of odd trinkets, weird dioramas, re-imagined dolls, and off-kilter picture frames. Next you'll notice the tiny menu of delicious, reasonably priced food; the friendly service; and the convivial clientele speaking Spanish at the (also tiny) bar.
1109 Valencia. (415) 824-7659

You'll have to wait to enjoy this superpopular diner's vegetarian-friendly, hangover-busting, Southern-leaning take on breakfast classics - but the food and the creative, vibrant ambience is well worth the wait. Put your name on the list, enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio of Revolution Café down the street, and work up your appetite with some of the city's best hipster watching.
3296 22nd St. (415) 824-4088, www.boogaloossf.com

It's a few blocks from 22nd, but the detour is worth it once you get to this cute, quirky shop whose focus is arts, crafts, and other DIY products of your surreal and Dada dreams. Don't miss the card catalog drawers near the window, filled with everchanging delights for mere pennies. For more strange, surprising delights, visit 826 Valencia and Paxton Gate across the street, or Little Otsu next door.
855 Valencia. (415) 839-6404, www.curiosityshoppeonline.com

A cross between an art gallery and a clothing store, this tucked-away shop is brimming with urban goodies, particularly for kids whose parents lean more toward graffiti than Disney. The well-designed store also features one-of-a-kind T-shirts, unique art pieces and paintings, and even a small selection of CDs.

This delightful newcomer restaurant is an ideal place to sample the innovative, fun, fusiony approach to high-end cuisine that defines SF's food scene. Loló's version is inspired by Turkish and Mexican specialties, expertly blended and creatively presented. Whimsical decor, including wallpaper made of Mexican lottery tickets, lends an unpretentious feel to the fine-dining experience.
3230 22nd St. (415) 643-5656

Owner-designed, San Francisco-produced women's clothes with an edgy take on classic looks: that's what draws splurging locals and discerning tourists to Minnie Wilde. The cute, chic items, paired with unique jewelry crafted by Bay Area artists and carefully-chosen vintage finds, will give any girl instant Mission style.
3266 21st St. (415) 642-9453, www.minniewilde.com