"What’s Dogpatch?” is the usual response when bringing up this industrial port neighborhood in casual conversation. San Francisco’s growing, but little-known, Dogpatch neighborhood is tucked between Potrero Hill, the eastern edge of the Bay and AT&T Park.

It was originally developed as a post-Gold Rush industrial area that was also home to the area’s port workers, ship builders and other blue-collar folks. The area has seen its ups and downs, nearly falling to post-industrial neglect in the 1970s and to unchecked dot-com, live-work loft development in the 1990s. It still retains much of its industrial blue-collar charm.

The Dogpatch was spared from the 1906 earthquake, as it was surrounded by tidal marshlands before they were filled in. This has left the neighborhood with buildings that are ancient by San Francisco standards, with some homes and other structures still standing since the 1860s, including beautiful Victorians scattered around the neighborhood.

The area is now experiencing some significant change since the installation of the T-Third light rail and is experiencing encroachment. It looks like the Dogpatch may not be infested by overpriced condos and sushi bistros any time soon, nor will it be a Mission-type nightlife hotspot.

If you work or live near the neighborhood, though, there are a few outstanding places to eat and decent dive bars to wet your whistle when the workday is done.

The Lookout:

Just 4 You
Get the crab cake sandwich or your life will just be incomplete. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! 4 You’s breakfast is pretty damn good too, but for a breakfast and lunch diner, I find it to be a bit pricey.
732 22nd St

Dogpatch Saloon
The Dogpatch has a classic saloon feel with friendly service and a decent selection of beer, and it is pretty clean to boot. 2496 3rd St

Retox Lounge
The Retox Lounge exhibits a bit of the changing demographic of the neighborhood and is a bit more upscale than what you would expect from a neighborhood bar. The crowd is a bit more yuppified, but it is still an okay place to enjoy an adult beverage after a hard day’s work.
628 20th St

Reno’s Liquors
It is pretty much the only place for to-go booze in the neighborhood, and the selection is pretty damn good. And if you need a laugh with your beer, the guys that work there are pretty damn entertaining.
728 22nd St

Rent-A-Wreck / Coast Truck Rental
Rent-A-Wreck and Coast Truck is a family-owned business that has been in the Dogpatch since 1991, and the service and prices blow away any of the chain rental places in San Francisco. (Full disclosure: I work here.)
2955 3rd St

Sea Star Club
The Sea Star is the premier neighborhood dive bar. With old-school pinball, darts, pool, a diverse jukebox and superstar bartenders—‘nuff said. It rocks.
2289 3rd St