STREET DATE

Washington Avenue, Richmond

Stephanie Wright Hession

Thursday, June 7, 2007

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Although it's part of the city of Richmond, with its vintage brick buildings, charming storefronts and petite streets, Point Richmond feels like its own little village. A neat mix of restaurants, a playhouse, inviting cafes and an early 20th century hotel makes it an engaging spot to spend the day or even the night. The unassuming people you'll meet here live and operate the businesses in this gem of an enclave just off Interstate 580. Not too far from downtown, there's also a lovely yacht harbor.

1. Little Louie's Cafe and Deli

49 Washington Ave.: Butter-colored walls, rich wooden wainscoting and classical music give this casual deli and cafe an uplifting vibe. Prime rib, grilled salmon burgers, deli sandwiches, specialty coffees and delectable deserts such as tiramisu make this the perfect lunch stop. Order up at the counter and find a table in the spacious dining room. (510) 235-3108.

2. Hotel Mac

50 Washington Ave. (hotel at 10 Cottage Ave.): Wandering into this three-story, red brick restaurant and hotel built in 1911 feels like being transported to another time. Now fully restored, Hotel Mac's main floor contains a restaurant with grand windows looking out onto the street, a lounging area with a ruby colored settee, fringe lamps and a long wooden bar. And for those wanting to spend the night, its rooms provide cozy spaces and include fireplace suites. (510) 233-0576. www.hotelmac.net.

3. Kao Sarn

130 Washington Ave.: Ginger scallops, red snapper green curry and Panang beef round out some of this Thai restaurant's specialties. Dine from the extensive menu in its peaceful setting with gracious service or take it to go. (510) 233-8585.

4. The Incurable Collector

140 Washington Ave.: Sweet cream and sugar sets, German beer steins, decorative plates and prints are some of the treasures found among the shelves of this cute antique shop. (510) 234-7611.

5. Point Richmond History Association

139 1/2 Washington Ave.: Look for the taupe-colored, petite wooden building housing a museum operated by the Point Richmond History Association. Open 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, it offers a glimpse into this city's past through historical photos, books and more. www.pointrichmondhistory.org.

6. DeWitt Gallery and Framing

121 Park Place: Yachtsman and painter Jim DeWitt expresses his love of the sea and sailboats through his dramatic, beautifully saturated watercolors including "Golden Gate Racing" and "Breaking Wave." (510) 236-1401. www.dewittgalleryandframing.com.

7. Masquers Playhouse

105 Park Place: This delightful community theater delivers quality productions, and each seat in the house is a good one thanks to its cozy size. "Ring Round the Moon," by Jean Anouih, adapted by Christopher Fry and directed by John Hull, runs Friday through July 14. (510) 232-4031. www.masquers.org.

PARKING

Free, two-hour street parking 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. All day Sunday and holidays.

GETTING THERE

BART: From the Richmond BART station, take the AC Transit bus route 72M. Exit at Tewksbury and Washington avenues in Point Richmond. From San Francisco: Take Interstate 80 East across the Bay Bridge and continue on I-80 East toward Berkeley. Take I-580 West toward Point Richmond/San Rafael, then exit at Canal Avenue toward Garrard Boulevard and turn left. Turn right onto West Cutting Boulevard and turn right onto Richmond Avenue. Turn right onto Park Place and turn right onto Washington Avenue. From the Peninsula: Take Highway 101 North toward San Francisco and follow the directions above.

GOOD TO KNOW

The 2007 Point Richmond Summer Music Festival, a free afternoon summer concert series in downtown Point Richmond, features a variety of live music. 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 13 and Aug. 10. www.pointrichmond.com/prmusic.

Stephanie Wright Hession, 96Hours@sfchronicle.com

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