The unique, impact-centered mission of this coffee shop makes their brew extra special. Founders Brooke McDonnell and Helen Russell have cultivated strong relationships with coffee farmers, a commitment to sustainable farming and land stewardship, and a passionate California customer base. Equator Coffees has proved that coffee can be an agent for change and for cultivating community. Fun fact: Their roasters and trucks use limited fuel and all their coffee grounds are composted!

When Brenda's Meat & Three opened in 2014, it brought the Bay Area its first genuine meat and three-style restaurant — a type of cafeteria-style restaurant popular in the South. The Southern eatery is a joint venture between Brenda Buenviaje, Libby Truesdell, Andre Larzul, and Jennifer Larzul. Their ever-evolving menu is home to classic dishes like BBQ ribs, fried catfish, and shrimp etouffée as well as up to 20 different sides, which include vegetarian, vegan and/or gluten free options.

Business partners and power couple Rachel Herbert and Dana Oppenheim are the minds behind Precita Park Cafe, the newest location for the Park Cafe Group. The restaurant works with other local, sustainable, family-owned businesses to curate its menu full of modern takes on American classics.

Pinhole Coffee is a vibrant Bernal Heights gem serving coffee with care. Owner JoEllen Depakakibo opened her cozy, family-friendly coffee shop in 2014 with years of coffee experience under her belt. Their main roaster partner is local San Francisco-based coffee company, Linea Caffe, but you can also find other rotating selections of coffee as well as fresh pastries from local bakeries.

Animal lovers Paula Harris and Celia Sack opened Noe Valley Pet Company in 1999, deeming it a mom and mom store. Since then, the corner store has grown to become the neighborhood’s go-to spot for a doting cat sitter referral, Friday puppy social, sophisticated dog collars, or organic pet foods.

Jesse Woodward and Dana Gleim opened Hi Tops in 2012 with the goal of running an easygoing gay bar open to all. The bar has sports on multiple televisions, occasionally topless male bartenders, trivia night, and more themed celebrations. The quality bar food ranges from blackened ahi tuna burgers to warm, soft pretzels and house-made corn dogs.

What began as an eager pop-up in 2015 has since become a tropical Filipino oasis in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland. When you walk in, you’ll be greeted by bold palm tree wallpaper and aqua blue motifs. Owners Brandi Dulce and Janice Dulce are the creative minds behind the food and the space and they’ve become a community staple for their friendly service and delicious lechon kawali. Pro tip: Try the pork adobo or tortang talong!

Planning a last minute trip to the outdoors? Last Minute Gear lets you buy, rent, and borrow free outdoor gear and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week every day of the year (Yes, they're actually open 24/7!). How it works: Last Minute Gear's 24/7 access allows you to use your smart phone during staffed and unstaffed hours to pick up and drop off rented equipment inside the store. Owner James Dong opened his outdoor gear shop with the mission to help you get outdoors and save money.

Omnivore Books on Food is the only culinary bookstore in the Bay Area. Owner Celia Sack opened the bookstore 10 years ago and sells all kinds of food-related books, ranging from 19th Century agricultural guides to today's best selling cookbooks. In addition to supplying new, antique, and collectible books on food and drinks, Omnivore Books on Food has hosted numerous events featuring local and world-renowned authors and chefs.