It’s marvelous how things have changed on Divisadero, the large SF street that stretches the length from Lower Haight, through Western Addition, now dubbed NoPa, and on to the Presdio. The Mill and the new BiRite market are some of those modern shiny new attractions for young hipsters and of course savvy parents too. On my recent visit, in the midst of admiring this spruced up street, my mind wandered, and my feet began to follow, to the old stomping grounds where I and other San Franciscans have frequented. And where we have frequently found that little miracles can and still do happen.
Alamo Square’s glorious Painted Ladies is a sight loved by locals & tourists
Here are some of the extraordinary businesses on Divisadero where miracles are part of a daily routine:
1. KK Café: In this locals’ favorite café that from the outside looks like nothing special, you will be surprised to find a special couple, selling their special drinks, coffee and burgers and most special drink that they call peanut milk, made from boiled peanuts and couple more simple ingredients that they claim will give special powers to heal, increase your energy and overall well-being. The owner Jack, (husband and co-owner to Margaret pictured below) invented the Peanut drink practically by accident, and says it gave him a second lease on life. I tried it before, during and after I was pregnant and I loved it every time and now so do my kids (especially the chocolate)! Read what SF Weekly wrote about their inspiring story here: http://www.sfweekly.com/2002-05-08/news/miracle-at-the-kk-cafe/ For almost 23 years, this pair has sold their elixir to hopefully help as may people that are willing to give it a try. Try it too when you happen to go by. 
KK Cafe Owner Margaret Chang
2. Madusalon: Curly Hair Mamas (Papas and Everyone) Unite! Owner Marie France Cesar and her savvy staff of stylists will not cut any corners to make your curly hair absolutely everything you dreamed it could be. This trendy salon is the first in San Francisco trained in the Deva haircut, a specialized method of cutting curly hair (although they will cut any type of hair here too). I was sent to Marie by my sister in law, and after I visited her once, my life as curly headed girl in frizz-making-foggy SF was forever changed! Miracle!!
3. Little Chihuahua: With a space as tiny as its name, I have an affinity for this flagship restaurant (on Divis in Lower Haight) since it served us the first meal that my baby ate besides pureed baby food. Don’t tell him his first meal was really spicy! Eat in or take out.
4. Green Earth Natural Foods: I wandered in in search of good soap and chemical free kids sunscreen and was so pleasantly surprised that they had an abundant selection of thoughtfully selected body and bath products for children & adults. Excellent find for me, yet locals have loved this health food corner market for many years… my only wish was that I had more time to shop before running to relieve the babysitter.
5. Yury’s Lights and Beyond: “You see this,” Yury says pointing to an adapter for my lamp, “this is how good I am!” And he’s right, every lamp store in the area will send you to Yury if you have a question they can’t answer with a lamp that you seek to salvage, repair or refresh. He might be just the man to save your favorite lamp as he has for many San Franciscans for decades.
6. Kids and Maternity Fashion Finds: Wee Scotty (workshop and design & sewing school for more than 20 years) and the Nest Maternity are both next door to Yury’s for a good fancy clothing fix.
7. Alamo Square: A trip down miracle lane is not complete until you veer off the street and go up a block to visit the “Painted Ladies” and the lovely SF style structure on the playground at Alamo Square.
Now isn’t it time for you to rediscover Divisadero Street too? And do tell us what you find.
By Lillian Berman