Crafty Corridor: North Park

The Fresh Yard

Stocked with street cred, the Fresh Yard carries hip-hop t-shirts and jackets, hats, and sneakers, Herschel bags, street art books, and local accessories like 9Five sunglasses and Munitio earphones. While light on women’s wear, they have some awesome finds for ladies with a penchant for tomboy threads.

3773 30th Street

Smoking Goat

Can’t get a rezzie at Smoking Goat? Not anymore! This once-elusive lauded little bistro has grown up and expanded to another storefront, with a warm, rustic farmhouse design by Bells & Whistles. Enjoy a special celebratory dinner, or sneak in for a quiet weeknight out. Bring on the quail!

3408 30th Street

Bottlecraft

Little Italy’s perfect beer shop has cloned itself in North Park. Bottlecraft’s second location, at University and 30th, now stocks the ’hood with exceptional brews to go. Look out: They may become full-service, hosting tastings and beer classes just like at their other location, and MIHO could become a semi-permanent fixture.

3007 University Avenue

Thorn Street Brewery

Home Brews & Gardens owner Dennis O’Connor prefers making beer to selling supplies, so he, Dan Carrico, and Eric O’Connor transformed the biz into North Park’s first brewery. Soon it will have company: Hess is coming to town, and Automatic, brewed at Blind Lady in Normal Heights, is on tap at Tiger! Tiger!

3174 Thorn Street

Swoon Dessert Bar

With the farmers market at its doorstep, Swoon puts the food trends all together, plating up tapas-style desserts in a sushi bar-like open kitchen to bring your sweet tooth more options, along with locally roasted coffee, all day.

3139 University Avenue

Protea Gallery

Artist and curator Doris Bittar is bringing serious and meaningful local and international art to San Diego, with a taste for work depicting current issues, an eye for beautiful pieces, and a drive to stand up for female artists. She also packs the place with fresh flowers and friendly conversation.

3780 30th Street