The Firehouse 8 soft opening last weekend introduced me to a bunch of local artists and designers that I didn’t know anything about.
The space is an old firehouse that’s been redone beautifully. Contraband Coffee was selling single cup brewed coffee, so I drank so much my heart started pounding and I started to sweat (how is that not a cardio workout?). The Missing Link was parked outside but I had already eaten so I just pestered the nice guy behind the cart to tell me what elk, buffalo, wild boar, and pheasant taste like. Apparently pretty good, judging from the steady line of customers.
Firehouse 8 felt more like an artists’ cooperative than a retail store. Theresa, one of the owners, told me that along with a well curated, cohesive collection of local artisans, and designers they’ll be bringing in new pop-up shops and food carts from local designers and vendors weekly.
This time I saw pop up shops with fascinators by Rose La Mer (shown in the photograph above), handmade jewelry that uses vintage pieces from D.M.S.F by Unforgettable Vintage, a natural handmade body care line called By Nieves, the amazing photography of Steven Hight, and local clothing designer Katheleen van der Spek with a rack of perfect clothing for San Francisco (also made in SF). I also saw handmade steampunk jewelry from Earthly Treasures by Amy Levine, some of which she makes with the help of a man she visits through Project Open Hand.
With great food, coffee, and an on going stream of new local designers and food, Firehouse 8 promises to be a place worth checking out every week.
Firehouse 8 is located at 1648 Pacific Avenue (between Polk and Van Ness). They’re open Saturdays from 11 AM to 6 PM, Sunday from noon to 5 PM.
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