As much as it's changed over the last fifteen years, the Mission isn't swank. Oh sure, there's Liberty Heights, or Foreign Cinema, or that one bar where all the Marina people disgorge from limos, and there's a lot of condos, TIC's, and "lofts", but that hasn't changed the Mission's dirty, artfreaky little heart. And I still love the Mission.
I had a hankerin' for a donut, and I visited Dynamo Donut. Of course, it's been in the Mission for over a year so it's probably played out, but whatevs, it's donuts. Also, I'm 41 years old, and I don't care.
I went in the afternoon on a Sunday and it was real quiet. There's the counter there, on the sidewalk, and there's some seating inside.
That's right. These donut flavors are little round brothers to Bi-Rite Creamery's ice cream flavors. And yeah, check the prices.
Nevertheless, they're very good. Ugly, but good. Sweet but not so much your teeth hurt, you know? That's a spiced chocolate, a candied orange blossom, and a pumpkin chocolate chip. And no, I didn't eat three...I brought the pumpkin one home to Jackie.
It's very San Francisco to gourmet up some common food, and Dynamo does it Mission style. Well worth the visit.
How to get there Dynamo Donut + Coffee
2760 24th St at Hampshire. Ten minute cab ride from downtown, or take the BART to 24th and walk about six blocks, Eastward through the always "colorful" 24th St area. If you drive, take care where you park.
And if you hang out in that neighborhood, you could get lunch at Roosevelt Tamale Parlor (although it's really not the same since it's been remodeled), or have a sandwich at the St Francis Fountain, not to mention getting more coffee at Philz Coffee.
Bi-Rite Creamery's maybe a 20 minute walk from this area, if you feel like seeing if they have any identical flavors.