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Food Recs, New Mochi Donuts, and SF's Office Comeback

The Bay Area's the place to be

Author

Wilson Leung
August 15, 2025

Live from the Bay Area!

it's a warm, breezy weekend, and things are heating up across every corner of the region. From Latin American food pop-ups to big returns in downtown SF, here’s your insider look at what’s shaping real estate, food, events, and policy this week.

Let’s get to it.

Reminder: Back to School Backpack Giveaway

Space is limited—be sure to RSVP and choose a time slot to reserve your backpack. We hope you can be a part of it! 

OWN Real Estate is excited to host its first ever Backpack Giveaway on August 24 and 25! (9am-5pm) This family-friendly event is part of our ongoing effort to give back to the community by supporting local families and helping students head into the school year feeling confident and prepared. We’ll be giving away backpacks to local students, along with light refreshments, a pop-up photo station, and a pin station where kids can personalize their backpacks. 

🍔 FOOD & DRINK

Mercado Market Kicks Off Aug 13 @ Salesforce Plaza
A new Latin American food series is taking over Salesforce Plaza every Wednesday through Sept 24. Expect rotating vendors like WAHAKAN, Puerto Rican mofongo, and Salvadoran snacks from 11 AM to 2 PM—plus live music happy hours on select Wednesdays.

Taco Bell Cantina Coming to Fisherman’s Wharf
The first SF Taco Bell Cantina is under construction at 333 Jefferson Street, bringing boozy Baja Blasts and waterfront views to the Wharf.

$10 Meals Still Exist in SF
Try Saigon Sandwich in the Tenderloin ($5.50 banh mi), Yamo in the Mission (spicy Burmese noodles under $8), or Dumpling King in the Outer Richmond (xiao long bao for $9).

SF’s Best Happy Hours (Right Now)
$5 sashimi at Bubu (Lower Pac Heights), $2 oysters at Little Shucker (Pacific Heights), and $10 cocktails at Causwells (Marina).

Top 5 Brunch Spots in South SF
Local faves: Brothers Cafe, Wildflour, The Hangar, Antigua Coffee Shop, and Hula Hoops.

Modo Mochi Donuts Coming to the Sunset
The cult-favorite mochi doughnut shop from Hawaii is opening at 1353 Taraval Street, serving chewy classics like ube and matcha, plus poke and lattes.

Mega Mart Korean Grocery Opens Sept in East Palo Alto
At 50,000 sq ft, it’ll be California’s biggest Mega Mart, featuring a K-beauty zone, gluten-free bakery, and $20 Korean-style bentos at the new Pogu Picnic counter.

🌟 EVENTS

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck @ Hillsdale (Aug 23)
The pink truck returns with anniversary-exclusive merch, cookies, macarons, and tote bags. 10 AM–7 PM across from Pinstripes.

August Museum Picks

  • Ruth Asawa retrospective @ SFMOMA

  • Paul McCartney photos @ de Young

  • Everyday War (final week) @ Asian Art Museum

  • Bay Area Then @ YBCA

  • Rainforest dome & dino hall @ California Academy of Sciences
    Free days available for Bay Area residents.

🚫 LOCAL NEWS & POLICY

San Jose Opens First Sanctioned Encampment (Aug 18)
Located at 1157 E. Taylor Street, the site will house 56 residents with meals, showers, and case management—part of a broader transition strategy.

🚫 LOCAL NEWS & POLICY

SF Surpasses LA in Return-to-Office Rate
New Placer.ai data shows SF leads in year-over-year office visit growth, topping LA, Denver, and DC. The comeback is real.

From Brentwood’s amphitheater buildout to East Palo Alto’s new Mega Mart, the Bay Area is full of projects reshaping how and where people live, shop, and gather. Whether you're curious about buying near future growth or wondering how regional shifts may impact home values, we're here to help decode the trends.

 

That's it for this week's newsletter. If you found something useful, please share it with friends. Stay tuned for more updates on detailed developments, new restaurants, news, and other Bay Area things. If you would like us to cover something you know about, please let us know!

— Wilson Leung