In a place where hot new restaurants and bars are, let's be real, a dime a dozen, design-savvy entrepreneurs are looking to art to help distinguish their brands from the pack.
But we aren't talking about nice little painting in frames. Nope, murals, and even graffiti, are making big statements inside the buzziest restaurants of San Francisco and Oakland. From feminine florals to testosterone-driven hunting scenes to playful street art–inspired works, check out 10 local eateries winning at the art game.
(Courtesy of Anina)
The owners may have gone for testosterone in the artwork at Junior (previous slide), but at Anina, it is a celebration of femininity: The floral mural by Argentinian artist Lucila Dominguez has been a darling of Instagram since the place opened in the spring of 2017. Known for her delicate yet wild botanical drawings, Dominguez brought this small Hayes Valley space to life with bromeliads, calla lilies and various tropical blooms, setting a sunny tone at one of the few SF bars to actually have sunlight on the patio. "The whole feel of the space was meant to be natural and textured, and I wanted a mural to give the space some warmth, color and make it feel alive, " says Sayre Ziskin, interior designer. The art wall matches perfectly with the fresh, colorful cocktails on the menu (order the Lucila, named after the artist). // Anina, 482 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), aninasf.com
