San Francisco Sidewalk Vendors
Looking for a 20-year-old bicycle helmet that will shatter in a stiff wind? Done. Choice VHS, unique clothing, and someone's grandmother's jewelry? Done, done, and done when you run into any number of enterprising San Franciscans trying to make a few extra dollars from old junk cluttering up the house. Surprisingly, some of these "vendors" also sell handmade items ranging for clothing and bags to accessories and artwork. Business hours at San Francisco's sidewalk markets are strange and naturally revolve around weather and more obscure variables, but here's a rundown of some the less ephemeral locales.
Valencia & 21st Street
21st St & Valencia St San Francisco, CA 94110
This is a very legitimate stoop with handmade, high quality takeaways such as bags and little books. Everything is professionally laid out in an organized fashion, and … products are new and uniquely presented. Aside from the fact it's on the corner of the street, the spread looks nice. They show up most Saturdays and Sundays around brunch time. [link]
South Van Ness & 24th Street
24th St & S Van Ness Ave San Francisco, CA 94110
It's safe to say he isn't here every Sunday, but if you needed a pair of crutches or a Panamanian comic book, this is your place -- occasionally and randomly. Past top … picks have included a backpack with the original Batman emblem and white Reebok nursing shoes. Regal dresses have also been spotted. [link]
Mission & 22nd Street
Mission St & 22nd St San Francisco, CA 94110
In front of the bank on 22nd on most Fridays and Saturdays, you can find a little cloth mat. Next to the mat you'll see a young man making jewelry with materials he's … brought from Costa Rica, Guatemala, and his home country of El Salvador. Items include bracelets, anklets, and necklaces. Prices start at $2 and climb well within reason. [link]
Horace & 25th Street
25th St & Horace St San Francisco, CA 94110
Compared to the sidewalk spreads of fellow street sellers, this setup is a rung higher on the ladder of ... permanency? Here you don't find shoes and CDs laid out on a … tattered towel, but on a tables and workbenches inside a small wooden storage unit. Phone chargers hang from one wall, and there are miscellaneous hand tools and jackets inside. Meanwhile, a refrigerator, some pants, and a few jackets that were unfortunately made for children dominate the sidewalk. Open every Saturday and Sunday and most weekdays. [link]
Capp & 23rd Street
23rd St & Capp St San Francisco, CA 94110
Looking for DVD flops from two years ago? This is the place to be. Run by a lady from Daly City with a glorious butterfly tattoo with a tiger face hidden within the … intricate colorations ("butterfl-iger face") on the top of her pendulous breasts, this weekly setup has a smattering of all things yard sale. A big cardboard box overflows with pants -- trousers, sweats, scrubs, and corduroy. Throw in some shoes, electronics, a few ceramic pieces, and old Sega Genesis games, and the scene is complete. Open most Saturdays, 9ish-5ish. [link]
Bartlett & 21st Street
21st St & Bartlett St San Francisco, CA 94110
This stoop shows off its "treasures" on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., but these times are only approximate. The "products" are almost entirely old … clothing and beat-up shoes. The Saturday ambiance is pretty sweet thanks to the family atmosphere with daughter, mom, and abuela. [link]
