Welcome to Portola
Favorite thing about Portola.
The first thing to know is that it is generally sunny and pleasant here—our micro-climate is excellent! Besides being home to the city's oldest (and the best) open-air market, we also have Alemany Farmer's Market. I can be downtown or across the city for a meeting or drinks in a matter of minutes using public transportation or a vehicle. Traffic isn't bad because we're so close to 280 and 101. The Portola is situated in the southeastern part of the city, which Bernal Heights surround the west and the Bayview to the east. Every day, more than 4,000 vehicles race along Bayshore Freeway on the Portola Peninsula. It is situated out to the right as you leave the city.
What differentiates your neighborhood, Portola, from all the other parts of the city?
It's a true residential neighborhood in San Francisco; only a few minutes walk from various amenities. It is here, but the neighborhood is missing people of different ethnicities, backgrounds, and life experiences everywhere.
Favorite coffee spot in Portola.
We also have a Four Barrel about three blocks away (Burlow St). It's fun when we want to try something new. The dining patio is located on a dead-end street and includes outdoor seating and a small parklet. It's a lovely area to relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunshine.
The favorite spot for drinks in Portola.
As of now, I've yet to try any of the bars on the street. I will check out the craft beer spot, and I have found other good bars around, such as Broken Record (1166 Geneva Ave, between Edinburgh St and Naples St) in Crocker-Amazon.
Favorite local hangout in Portola.
I would have to select the Palega Recreation Center and Playground because I have a toddler. The playground is amazing, one of the newer recreation centers in the city. Early in the morning, older women use the playground toys for exercise while waiting for the children to arrive. My daughter went from playing with “kiddie” toys to the large kid toys section in the time we've been here. I also join Zumba classes there, where I may enjoy free courses in several locations, indoor and outdoor pickup basketball, and ping-pong.
Favorite breakfast spot in Portola.
Tiffany's breakfast. This restaurant has been operational for almost a decade, was closed for some time, then re-opened late last year. Great big breakfast with giant quantities and seasonal specials is served on a board behind the counter. The staff is quite kind, and the place is stroller-friendly.
Favorite lunch spot in Portola.
Burrows Street and Felton Street's Ling Ling Chinese (2517 San Bruno Ave, b/t Burrows St & Felton St) have a popular lunch special of roasted chicken with vegetables and rice.
Favorite dinner spot in Portola.
Queen's Louisiana Po Boy Restaurant, located on San Bruno Avenue in San Francisco, California. Fried catfish is southern style, and it's my favorite.
One thing you always do/spot you always take friends from out of town to do/see.
My favorite day of the week begins with getting together with friends for coffee at my house, then going to the Alemany Farmer's Market to buy fruit and dosa from the Sukhi stall for a week, followed by brunch at Breakfast at Tiffany's.
