Though San Francisco is home to some of the world’s largest brand-name retailers, and one of the most glamorous malls in the country, I prefer the one-of-a-kind boutique shops that offer locally made products.

Fine Arts Optical

Manufacturing eyewear since the 1930s, Fine Arts Optical on Valencia Street in the Mission District is a 4,000-square-foot space that specializes in the fabrication of bamboo, buffalo horn and wood frames. Most of its unique merchandise is made in San Francisco. There is also a large selection of vintage hats and horn jewelry.

Fine Arts Optical
888 Valencia Street. Tel. (415) 913-7414