Now: Portola is one of San Francisco's "hidden" neighborhoods. It's situated between Excelsior/McLaren Park and Bayview. Relatively few San Franciscans know about it, let alone visit it. The adventurous who do are rewarded with a cool variety of eateries, markets and bakeries.
Then: Established in 1869, it was rural and sparsely populated until just after the 1906 earthquake, when a place away from the tall buildings probably didn't look so bad.
How To Get There: A few buses come out this far, including the 9-line, which skirts around Montgomery Station, passes Civic Center Station, and then takes the long route down Potrero Avenue. If you're driving, you can exit 101 at Silliman Street and turn directly onto San Bruno Avenue. Parking is not difficult around the side residential streets.
Portola Banner on San Bruno Avenue
San Bruno Avenue at Silver Avenue, in the Portola district
Pizza Joint, on San Bruno Avenue
Imperial Garden Seafood Restaurant on San Bruno Avenue
El Toro Night Club on San Bruno Avenue
Breakfast At Tiffany's on San Bruno Avenue between Silliman Street and Felton Street
Fat Beli Deli on San Bruno Avenue at Burrows Street
San Bruno Avenue in Portola
J & C Market in Portola
San Bruno Avenue in Portola
Hawaiian Drive Inn, on San Bruno Avenue
The Avenue Theatre, in use as a church
Cinco de Mayo Taqueria
Saleema International Salon of Beauty in Portola
San Bruno Avenue at Bacon Street
Sululagi M. Palega Jr. Recreation Center, on Felton Street at Somerset Street
Palega Playground, in Portola
Tennis Courts at Palega Playground
Portola Playground building in Palega Park
Palega Park lawn, west toward Somerset Street
Path along the edge of the reservoir at Felton Street near University Street in Portola
Comment about Portola/San Bruno Avenue here: