Women-owned businesses we love

Women’s History Month is upon us, which means it's time to celebrate and honor the many amazing women who have made, and continue to make, considerable contributions to the Bay Area and beyond. One way to show your love is by supporting Women owned businesses. There are plenty to choose from in the Bay -- we've listed some BARTable standouts. 

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Stephanie Sala, owner of Five Little Monkeys. Photo courtesy of Five Little Monkeys.

Five Little Monkeys | El Cerrito Plaza and Lafayette

Stephanie Sala is the eldest of five little monkeys. She created her environmentally conscious, hands-on, educational toy store with her younger siblings in mind. With her parent’s support—renowned toy designers and children’s wear manufacturers—Stephanie started Five Little Monkeys in 2001. Five Little Monkeys has two BARTable stores; one in Albany and one in Lafayette. Take BART to El Cerrito Plaza and walk 18 minutes to 1240 Solano Ave or take BART to Lafayette and walk 10 minutes to 3527 Wilkinson Lane.

Osha Thai owner and executive chef Lalita Souksamlane. Photo courtesy of Osha Thai.

Osha Thai | Embarcadero and Powell St

Osha Thai has been San Francisco’s quintessential Thai restaurant for 25 years. Established in 1996 by renowned executive chef Lalita Souksamlane, the Osha Thai journey began with the opening of a small noodle house on Geary Street in 1996. Since then, Osha Thai has grown to become one of San Francisco’s most sought-after names in Thai cuisine. For Osha Thai BBQ, take BART to Powell St and walk 13 minutes to 696 Geary St. For Osha Thai Restaurant and Bar, take BART to Embarcadero and walk three minutes to 4 Embarcadero Center.

Cupcakin' owner Lila Owens frosting cupcakes. Image courtesy of SF Chronicle.

Cupcakin’ Bake Shop | Walnut Creek

Cupcakin’ Bake Shop started as a cupcake catering business out of owner Lila Owens’s house more than fifteen years ago. In 2014, Owens opened her first brick-and-mortar shop in Berkeley. The business has since expanded to four storefronts – including a BARTable location in Walnut Creek. Take BART to Walnut Creek Station and walk about 15 minutes to 1388 N Main St.

Erin Coburn, co-owner of Minimo. Photo courtesy of Clara Rice.

Minimo | 12th St/Oakland City Center

Erin Coburn grew up with wine on the table. Raised in Salinas by an Italian-American mother and a father who worked in agriculture, Erin spent much of her childhood on and around vineyards. Now, Coburn along with partner Sarah Miller, co-own Minimo, a natural wine shop in Oakland’s Jack London Square. The shop promotes independent and family-owned wineries that follow sustainable practices in their farming, sourcing, winemaking and workforce.Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center and walk nine minutes to 420 3rd St.

The creative team behind Smitten Ice Cream: Brooke Mosley & founder Robyn Sue Fisher. Photo courtesy of Good Eggs.

Smitten Ice Cream | 24th St Mission

Smitten Ice Cream founder and CEO Robyn Sue Fisher is as innovative as they come. From conceptualizing to invention and fruition, this innovator has given a new life -- and sense of fun -- to ice cream. Smitten has easily become a destination for its high-quality, mouthwatering product, and for the experience of seeing it made… right before your eyes! Take BART to 24th St Mission and walk about 10 minutes to 904 Valencia St. 

Cafe owner Natalie Wong. Photo courtesy of Always Yours Bakery Cafe.

Always Yours Cafe | Castro Valley

Natalie Wong had always dreamed of owning her own bakery. That dream became reality with Always Yours Bakery Café. The beloved Castro Valley bakery is known for its Asian-inspired, locally made desserts and drinks. Don’t miss the precious macarons, which come in a variety of flavors ranging from salted caramel to lychee. Take BART to Castro Valley Station and walk 11 minutes to 20634 Rustic Drive.

Club owner Shannon Boughn. Photo courtesy of 17th Street Athletic Club.

17 Reasons Athletic Club | 16th Street Mission

Shannon Boughn at 17 Reasons Athletic Club brings humor and inspiration to every workout she leads. This is not your every day, run-of-the-mill exercise club; rather, it's a place that fosters community with fun, kindness, support and accountability. Shannon is the studio owner, lead instructor and master motivator in a place that is inclusive, diverse and supports anyone trying to achieve their goals. Take BART to 16th St Mission and walk 14 minutes to 1920 Bryant St.

Gayle Pirie, chef and co-owner of Foreign Cinema. Photo courtesy of Foreign Cinema.

Foreign Cinema | 24th Street Mission

With over 20 years of experience in the San Francisco restaurant scene, Foreign Cinema co-owners Gayle Pirie and her partner, run this unique dining institution as chef-owners. Featuring a changing menu with seasonal ingredients, décor, cocktails and film, Foreign Cinema in an ever-evolving popular and exciting dining destination that will leave you in awe. Take BART to 24th St Mission and walk six minutes to 2534 Mission St.

Let's talk about it.  

What small businesses are you supporting during Women's History Month and beyond? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat, and have fun around the Bay.