To Do San Francisco

Let's visit the village of West Portal! February 11, 2026

• Jamie Whitaker • Season 3 • Episode 33

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Jamie Whitaker

Hi, how are you doing? This is Jamie, and you're listening to the To Do San Francisco podcast for Wednesday, February 11th, 2026. Thanks for taking a couple of minutes out of your day to listen. Look at you, you have officially crested the hill of the work week. The Monday scaries are a distant memory, and you can practically smell the weekend's overpriced avocado toast from here. If you're feeling a bit drained, just remember, you are the CEO of your own vibe. Whatever meeting or email is weighing you down today is just a footnote. You've got the brilliance and the backbone to handle it all. Keep that head high, and maybe treat yourself to an extra shot of espresso. You've earned it. So today we're heading through the Muni Tunnel to West Portal. If you've ever felt like San Francisco's just too much city, this is your escape hatch. The whole neighborhood exists because of a massive feat of engineering, the Twin Peaks Tunnel, which opened back in nineteen eighteen. Before that, this area was mostly sand dunes and thanks, but no thanks. When that first streetcar rolled through, it turned West Portal into this charming, walkable village that feels like a small town tucked inside a metropolis. Here are some culinary options to try in West Portal. The burger - you have two heavy hitters. For a classic tavern feel, hit The Bull's Head. Their bison burgers are legendary. If you want something modern and grass fed, Calibur is your spot. And please get the tallow- fried fries. The sub shop: There is only one answer, and it is the Submarine Center. It's been there since 1981 . Order the hot pastrami. It's not just a sandwich, it's a religious experience. For Mexican flavor, for a big night out vibe with frozen margaritas and indoor trees, go to Elena's Mexican restaurant. For your sweet tooth, you cannot leave West Portal without stopping at Shaw's. It's the oldest confectioner in the city serving up ice cream and handmade candy since 1931. It smells like nostalgia and pure sugar. Finally, today's civility tip. Since West Portal is a major transit hub, let's talk MUNI etiquette. When the train gets crowded, please, move toward the center of the car, don't be the door guardian who blocks everyone else from getting home just because you want to be the first one off. Also, if you see someone who looks like they've had a longer day than you, maybe they're carrying a toddler, a mountain of groceries, or just the weight of the world, offer them your seat. It costs you nothing. It makes the city feel a little more like the community we all want it to be. That's your Wednesday breakdown. Go find some magic in West Portal, and I'll talk to you tomorrow. Be good, San Francisco.