San Francisco is an iconic location that accentuates the “Melting Pot” ideals of a great American city, filled with unique experiences for visitors to enjoy, from cuisine to arts and other cultural celebrations throughout the Bay Area.

The American Thoracic Society prioritizes the promotion of local, diverse-owned businesses to support the local economies of the International Conference host cities and also to ensure visitors experience the city’s authentic locales that make it special.

For ATS 2025 San Francisco, the Society has collaborated with the following diverse-owned businesses for attendees to visit during their stay to experience the local flavors of San Francisco.

Kokak Chocolates
3901 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114

Kokak Chocolates was founded in 2020 in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco. The shop specializes in small-batch, single-origin heirloom chocolates. “Kokak,” meaning ribbit in the Filipino language, stems from Founder and Head Chocolatier Carol Gancia’s Asian roots and passion for making adventurous flavors with the rare cacao variety, “Naciónal.” Kokak Chocolates offers handcrafted, giftable boxed chocolates, bars, truffles, and hot chocolate drinks that are luscious, umami, and fun.

Mac Repair SF
Mobile Service Offered

Don’t let technical issues slow you down in San Francisco. If you need a quick fix, this military veteran-owned small business brings the best knowledge and tools to every job, specializing in troubleshooting system software problems such as startup crashes and hard drive malfunctions. Owner Luis Lamassonne is a tech specialist with a deep knowledge of Apple products. Mac Repair SF offers house calls or remote phone support for those in need, including Spanish-speaking customers.

Mariposas
825 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Nestled within San Francisco’s incredible culinary scene, this Peruvian restaurant tantalizes taste buds with a symphony of flavors centered around expertly prepared meats. From succulent anticuchos, skewered and grilled to perfection, to savory lomo saltado, a stir-fry masterpiece blending tender beef with vibrant Peruvian spices, this menu is a celebration of the country’s rich culinary heritage. With each dish, guests embark on a gastronomic journey that reflects the bold and diverse essence of Peruvian cuisine. Mariposas is large-group friendly and offers reservations and take-out dining options.

Sextant
1415 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 & 539 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

A sextant is a tool sailors have used for centuries to navigate and explore. It is also a symbol of how coffee was originally transported out of Africa, as well as of Sextant’s ongoing efforts to find the highest quality beans and bring them to its customers.

As such, the business only buys from sources they have cultivated direct, sustainable relationships with. In fact, many of these farmers are family and friends. Founder Kinani Ahmed, a first-generation Ethiopian, works directly with farmers across Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, and elsewhere to showcase the most flavorful coffees throughout the world. Sextant believes that the best cups are the result of careful expedition — from the farm to roasting to the brewing process itself — and strives for excellence at every step.

Sextant offers online delivery or pick-up orders, including beans or grounds you can bring home with you!

Social Cafe
804 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Social Cafe’s mission is to create an authentic Cuban bakery experience that transports customers to the vibrant streets of Havana. They achieve this by meticulously preparing traditional Cuban pastries, bread, sandwiches, and coffee, using high-quality ingredients and time-honored recipes.

Owner and Chef Terry Romeu was born in Cuba before moving to Miami as a child. He remembers his stops at the local bakery serving pastelitos and croquetas before heading off to school. He would continue that ritual as he became an adult. Cafe con leche, pastelitos and croquetas were staple items.

The warm and welcoming environment of the restaurant, coupled with exceptional customer service, ensures that every visit to Social Cafe is a delightful and memorable experience. The business actively engages with the local community, fostering cultural appreciation through events, collaborations, and partnerships, making it a premier destination for those seeking an immersive taste of Cuba.

Sohunan
804 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

In 1974, Henry and Diana Chung opened the first Hunan restaurant in San Francisco, called “Original Hunan.” After receiving national praise, the restaurant was rebranded as Henry’s Hunan, which is recognized as a San Francisco institution to this day. More than four decades later, Original Hunan lives on as Sohunan. Their signature Hunan Dumplings or Kung Pao Chicken are sure to satisfy your Asian cuisine cravings! Sohunan offers online delivery and takeout options in addition to dine-in service.

Three Babes Bakeshop
2797 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Founders Anna Derivi-Castellanos and Lenore Estrada turned a small stand at local farmers’ markets into a San Francisco sensation! Their passion for pies and other baked goods has spread through the city, with the pair receiving recognition for their exceptional sweets from The Today Show, the Cooking Channel, and publications like Food + Wine. They are open for pick up at their shop Tuesday-Sunday. Their farmers market stand at the Ferry Building is also open on Saturdays.

Uji Time Dessert
121 4th St #135, San Francisco, CA 94103 & 22 Peace Plaza #440, San Francisco, CA 94115

For nearly a decade in the Bay Area, Uji Time Dessert has transformed traditional Japanese desserts into a tasty selection of soft serve, ice cream, and fusion sweets. Their very first taiyaki soft serve pop-up was a smash hit, thanks to its one-of-a-kind flavor combinations. Since 2016, they’ve made it their mission to create craveable treats that mashup cultures and ingredients for a true “Far East meets West” experience. Uji Time Dessert takes timeless treats and gives them a spin that’s uniquely their own with matcha, hojicha, black sesame, and other Asian elements. With new seasonal specials all the time, every visit promises something new for your tastebuds!

ZOË Cocktail Bar
579 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

What started as a humble watering hole founded in 2023 has evolved into a cornerstone of the local community. Step through the doors, and customers will find themselves enveloped in an atmosphere that’s equal parts nostalgia and innovation. From the timeless charm of the modern décor to the pulsating energy of our live music nights, every corner of Zoë exudes warmth, charisma, and a hint of mystery. With its boldly original cocktail menu and Southwest-inspired cuisine, Zoë’s offers a great experience for those looking to unwind in San Francisco.