Balboa Morning Café · Balboa St
“I know 40 orders by heart. That's not memory — that's family.”
Up at 4 AM every day for fifteen years, Carlos has fueled a generation of Richmond mornings.
Read story →AroundXY brings San Francisco's independent businesses, neighborhood stories, and local events together in one welcoming place — starting in San Francisco, growing nationwide.
We tell the stories of the people behind the city's small businesses — their journeys, their craft, their neighborhoods. A personal connection starts with a name and a story.
“I know 40 orders by heart. That's not memory — that's family.”
Up at 4 AM every day for fifteen years, Carlos has fueled a generation of Richmond mornings.
Read story →“Clay remembers your hands. Every bowl holds the day you made it.”
Aiko's weekend workshops have taught 2,000 neighbors to shape clay — and slow down.
Read story →“Kids who bought candy here now bring their own kids. That's the real business.”
Three decades on the same corner — Sam has watched the neighborhood grow up.
Read story →Tap a district to see its businesses and owner stories.
From morning bakeries to late-night noodle spots — find the independent places that make the neighborhood yours.
Independent spots with a story — the people behind the counter matter as much as what's on the shelf.
Hand-pulled noodles and late-night comfort food in the heart of the Richmond.
Small-batch roasts, fresh buns, and the friendliest counter on the block.
Neighborhood goods, local makers, and everyday essentials with a smile.
Classic cuts, honest prices, and twenty years of neighborhood trust.
Weekend workshops in painting and ceramics — all ages welcome.
Traditional remedies, acupuncture, and a calm space to recharge.
Join AroundXY and put your story in front of neighbors who shop local. It takes five minutes.
Parades, night markets, and neighborhood gatherings — come as you are.
Richmond District's biggest Lunar New Year celebration — parade, street show, 70+ vendor booths on Outer Balboa (34th–40th Ave).
JoinA recurring night market bringing food, crafts, and live performance to the neighborhood all season.
Get notifiedTake the pledge: choose independent Richmond District businesses first, and keep dollars in the neighborhood.
Take the pledgeGuides for opening, growing, and strengthening an independent business in San Francisco.
Permits, leases, and the first 90 days — a checklist from owners who've done it.
Read guide →What the health department actually requires for night markets and street fairs.
Read guide →Where to look, what funders ask, and how to frame a community proposal.
Read guide →AroundXY began with a simple idea: the world can feel vast, but community starts at the point where you are. We connect neighborhood businesses, people, stories, resources, and opportunities in one welcoming place.
New businesses, upcoming events, and community stories — once a month, no spam.
Thanks for subscribing!
List a business, share an event, or just tell us what's happening on your block.
Email: aroundxy@gmail.com
Based in: San Francisco
We read every message and usually reply within a couple of days.