Famished Girl
The Canvas Gallery, Inner Sunset
UPDATE (May 2007): The Canvas Gallery is now closed.
Free live entertainment. Good food and drink. Artwork from some of the city’s best emerging artists. Sound good? Then get to this cafe/gallery, located across the street from Golden Gate Park.
The multi-functioning space features couches and tables on the left; artwork on the right. In the center of Canvas is a bar/food prep area that churns out all of the usual cafe fare … and more. During breakfast hours, you can’t go wrong with one of the fritattas, served with potatoes and toast. If you’re there for lunch or dinner, it may be tough to decide between the soups, salads, paninis, pizzas and pasta dishes. I tend to go with a salad — they are large enough to be a meal — and try to save room for dessert.
Not hungry? Sip on a sake cocktail while browsing the sculptures and paintings. Or order a hot cocoa to enjoy on the street-side patio. (The indoor seats are often snatched up by people with laptops who are taking advantage of the free wi-fi.)
Open mics and live music are typical evening entertainment here. On the last Thursday of every month, Canvas usually hosts a new art show opening. And Feria Urbana, an indoor market featuring mostly local designers, is a regular event. There always seems to be something happening here, so be sure to check the calendar on Canvas’ web site before you make the trip over.
Tip: There’s a free, but small, parking lot in the back. Enter on Lincoln between Eighth and Ninth Avenues.
The Canvas Gallery
1200 9th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94112
(415) 504-0060
