Welcome to our 18th Street Kitchen!

When you walk into our kitchen, you’ll be greeted by the scent of something special already in the works—our team prepping ingredients for the evening ahead. Local snacks await, along with welcoming staff and volunteers ready to guide you in. Feel free to browse our cookbook library and get inspired before we dive in.

Each class begins with a friendly introduction, then it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get hands-on in the kitchen. You’ll cook in small groups, side-by-side with fellow food lovers, using peak seasonal produce and sustainably sourced ingredients. Whether you're chopping or folding dumplings, our volunteer assistants are there to support you every step of the way.

Our instructors—chefs, bakers, and food educators from around the world—bring their unique traditions, personalities, and passions into the kitchen. Each class is filled with stories, laughter, and the joy of hands-on learning. The energy naturally shifts from instruction to creation, as everyone leans into cooking side by side—preparing a feast together.

At the end of the night, we gather to enjoy the meal we’ve made. These classes are more than just about building skills—they’re moments of connection, empowerment, and community.

No matter your skill level, your seat is always waiting at our table.

Our Class Offerings

Whether you're learning to butcher a whole fish, bake the perfect tart, or dive into fermentation, there's something for every cook.

  • Fundamentals & Knife Skills
  • Baking & Pastry
  • Butchery
  • Global Cuisines – Italy, India, Malaysia, and more!
  • Seasonal Workshops
  • Tasting Seminars & Pop-Up Dinners
  • Corporate & Private Classes
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Learn With Us

Our talented team of professional chefs and culinary instructors brings diverse expertise and teaching styles to our kitchen. Each instructor shares a passion for teaching and creating an inclusive learning environment for our guests. For information on policies, waitlists, cancellations, and more, please review our Registration Policies below.

Meet Our Instructors

Volunteer

Our classes run on community—and that includes the incredible volunteers who make them possible. If you love food, believe in its power to connect and empower, and enjoy helping others learn, we’d love to have you on our team.

Learn More

FAQs

How do 18th Street Kitchen Online cooking classes hosted on Zoom work?

Click hereto access a helpful guide about how to take an online class with 18 Reasons.

What is your refund policy?

You can find our refund policy and all other event policies, including how to sign up for a sold-out class and our policy on youth attendees of 18th Street Kitchen events, on ourregistration policies page.

Is 18 Reasons part of Bi-Rite Market?

While we were co-founded by Bi-Rite's founding partner, Sam Mogannam, we are now an independent nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors. Sam is still on our Board, and we consider ourselves part of the Bi-Rite family.

Do 18th Street Kitchen ticket sales fund the Cooking Matters program?

While ticket sales are an important revenue stream for 18 Reasons, they don't cover all the costs of the Cooking Matters program. We raise funds through donations, grants, and fundraising events. We also try to keep our 18th Street Kitchen ticket prices as low as possible, partially by relying on volunteers to assist in our classes.

Where should I park?

We encourage our guests to walk, bike, carpool or take public transportation whenever possible. Most of the street parking located around our 18th Street Kitchen is limited to 2 hours, Monday through Friday, until 9:00pm. Just one block away, around Dolores Park, some streets have unlimited parking all week long (except when noted for street cleaning). The closest parking garages are Hoff St. Garage (at 16th St.) and Bartlett Garage (at 21st St.).

What is the nearest BART station to 18 Reasons?

The nearest BART station to 18 Reasons is the 16th & Mission station. From the station, walk west on 16th St., turn left on Guerrero St. and walk south two blocks to 18th St. Turn right on 18th St.; you’ll see 18 Reasons about two thirds of the way down the block on the right (north) side, next door to the Bi-Rite Creamery (and many very happy, salted-caramel smiles).

What are the closest MUNI lines to 18 Reasons?

The following MUNI lines are within a few blocks of our 18th Street Kitchen: 14, 22, 24, 33, 47, 49, and J.

Rooted in Our Mission

Every time you take a class at 18th Street Kitchen, you're supporting our nonprofit mission: empowering our community with the confidence and creativity needed to buy, cook, and eat good food every day. Your participation supports our free Community Programs – Food as Medicine, Nourishing Pregnancy, and Cooking Matters – which bring life-changing food education to thousands of families across the Bay Area.

Upcoming Classes

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