Limpiabotas Shoe Shine in the Mission

I just had my shoes shined with the muchachos at the bus stop on 24^th and Mission (above the Bart station) and it was really something else. First of all — only $ 4. Second, it’s as Mission as it gets. And most important, it’s no comparison to those shoe shine scams on Market Street. There, they’ll dab some color on your shoes, buff em with the same pizazz they’re singing some show tune and wearing a jaunty fedora with — and call it quits. 2 mins max. By the next day, there’s nothing left of the $ 8 shine (+$ 2 tip). My amigo on 24^th, well, he worked at it hard for a full 15 minutes, really gave himself workout on each shoe, and I walked away with pride in my step. There’s nothing like it when you can tear all the snazzy marketing and high prices away and get some genuine service with someone who actually seems to give a damn about doing what he does well. One pair at a time, I’ll be there again!