Thursday, October 30, 2008
Click here to see the original

Market Street (Deco Ghetto), San Francisco: While riding on a vintage streetcar down Market Street on the way to the Deco Ghetto, thoughts turn to the glamour of that era and silver-screen stars such as Jean Harlow. In this three-block retail neighborhood between Guerrero and Franklin streets, you’ll discover dual characteristics: People push shopping carts loaded with recyclables past attractive refurbished buildings. Stylish storefronts display plush Art Deco sofas and antique statuary while homey cafes cast an amber glow on the street. 

Art Deco Collection.com features period and period-inspired European and American furniture, decorative accessories and art. (Eric Luse / The Chronicle)

1. Art Deco Collection.com 1632 Market St., suite A: An ode to Art Deco, this spacious, elegant showroom features period and period-inspired European and American furniture, decorative accessories and art. On a recent visit, these included a restored 1930s arched maroon crushed-velvet sofa and chair set, finely crafted cabinets made with a variety of wood, exquisite vases and beautifully cut glass perfume bottles. (415) 255-1902, www.artdecocollection.com.

2. Zuni Cafe 1658 Market St.: Open for lunch and dinner, this famous, bustling restaurant serves raw oysters, such as the Hog Island Pacific variety, as well as a generous Caesar salad, wood-fired brick-oven pizza and chicken, mesquite grilled coho salmon and Willis Ranch house-cured pork chops. (415) 552-2522, www.zunicafe.com.

3. Modern Artifacts 1639 Market St.: This sleek, minimalist-style shop sells post-World War I furniture and art. From midcentury sofas to abstract oil paintings to silver desk lamps from the ’80s, it’s an eclectic selection. (415) 255-9000, www.modernartifacts.net.

4. Christopher Albanese Antiquario 1645 Market St.: The owner of this store chooses whatever appeals to him, resulting in a space packed with an interesting mix of antique and vintage pieces, including an ornate late 18th century French clock, fanciful furniture, a cobalt blue glass Italian chandelier and a carved alabaster light fixture. (415) 621-6453, www.antiquario.1stdibs.com.

5. Bell’occhio 10 Brady St. (at Market Street): Spools of vividly colored ribbons from European countries – including Switzerland, France and Germany – adorn the walls of this tiny shop. There are also pink paper gift tags, white mesh gift bags and paper adorned with cats. (415) 864-4048, www.bellocchio.com.

6. Caffe Trieste 1667 Market St.: Top off your day with a cappuccino and a cup of gelato at the downtown version of North Beach’s most famous cafe. Sit next to the mural depicting an Italian fishing village or by the window. The computers in the back provide Internet service for a fee. (415) 551-1000, www.caffetriestedowntown.com.

PARKING Because metered parking on Market Street is limited, public transportation is highly recommended. Another option is City Park parking garage, 1390 Market St., (415) 626-5095. Open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

GETTING THERE Public transportation: By BART, exit at the Civic Center station and walk up to Market Street. Take Muni’s F streetcar westbound to Gough Street. By Muni Metro rail, exit at Van Ness station, walk up to Market Street and head a couple of blocks west. By car: From I-80, take the Fell Street/Octavia Boulevard exit. Turn right onto Market Street.

GOOD TO KNOW Explore tango dancing at Tango Revolution, 6 to 10 p.m. Sundays at Caffe Trieste. The evening includes an hourlong introductory tango class, an hourlong Argentine tango music open rehearsal and two hours of tango dancing to live music. Free with food and drink purchases at Caffe Trieste. (415) 661-1852, www.intimateembracetango.com. - Stephanie Wright Hession,96Hours@sfchronicle.com

This article appeared on page G – 41 of the San Francisco Chronicle