SLAKE San Francisco Bottle & Sundry: A Neighborhood Bottle Shop Rooted in Integrity and Community

In the heart of San Francisco’s Outer Richmond, a quiet transformation has taken place in what used to be a dog groomer’s storefront. Today, it’s home to SLAKE, a bottle and sundry shop that’s quickly become a local staple — not only for its thoughtful selection of wine, beer, and spirits, but for the values and vision that built it.

The shop is the brainchild of Daniel Lovett, a longtime industry veteran whose career in high-end dining took an unexpected turn in 2019. After breaking his leg and later facing the upheaval of the pandemic, Daniel found himself stepping away from the restaurant world and stepping into a new chapter as a full-time caregiver for his family. During this period, he began noticing a gap in his own neighborhood: while the Outer Richmond has natural beauty and residential charm, options for a well-curated beverage selection were slim. Most locals relied on gas stations or corner stores for a bottle of wine. He saw an opportunity — not just to fill a retail void, but to create something rooted in community and his own passions. Thus, SLAKE was born.

The name itself — slake, an English word meaning to quench or satisfy — reflects the essence of the shop. Despite concerns from friends and family about its obscurity, the name resonated deeply with Daniel, who chose it over more than 40 other possibilities. 

“It captured exactly what we’re doing here,” he explained. “We’re here to slake your thirst — but with intention, with integrity.”

Since opening, SLAKE has steadily grown a loyal following. Monthly sales have improved consistently, thanks largely to word-of-mouth and a strong sense of place. What started as a retail idea has evolved into a true community hub. Whether on the way to an Ocean Beach picnic or hosting a dinner party, SLAKE is a perfect stop to acquire a bottle of wine and even a local good like Cowgirl Creamery cheese or Flour + Water dry pasta. 

 “Even after living here for six and a half years, I didn’t know most of my neighbors,” Daniel shared. “Now I do. The shop brought us together.”

Running the business solo hasn’t been without its challenges. As the shop’s only full-time operator, Daniel has managed everything from inventory to customer service to sweeping the floors. The next step is bringing on an employee to help keep things running — especially as he prepares for a rare vacation in July. 

In the meantime, the mission remains clear: to stock and share products that meet a high standard of quality, sustainability, and honesty. SLAKE prioritizes small production, clean farming, and good value. Everything from a bottle of natural wine, a locally distilled gin, or a thoughtfully chosen six-pack, reflects a commitment to doing things the right way when curating a bottle shop.  

“I’ve built relationships with producers who care deeply about what they make,” Daniel said. “My job is to be a conduit — to connect their work with people who’ll appreciate it.”

The result is a bottle shop that feels as much about people as it is about product. SLAKE is a testament to what’s possible when personal values, professional experience, and neighborhood love come together.