Where Should I Eat/Shop in San Francisco?
Serious Eaters, I am going to change Annie's New York Eats into Annie and Carol's San Francisco Treats starting 8/8/08. My best friend and I are going to spend a week in San Francisco, followed by another week in Yountville (and surrounding area) and a few days in Santa Cruz.
I have read all the SF threads on this board, as well as Zagat, Chow and Yelp, but I need more, more, more.
Please tell me about restaurants, bakeries, food shops, malls, "only in San Francisco" experiences, and whatever else you feel I ought to know.
I made my reservation on a Friday specifically so that I could be in SF for the Saturday Farmers' Market at the Ferry Building, and I have reservations at Gary Danko's, Manresa, the Acme Chophouse, Incanto, Sushi Ran and, ahhhhhh, The French Laundry.
Also I really want to hit In-n-Out.
Please tell me All.
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31 Comments:
la taqueria on 25th and mission is a must eat at for me when i go home for a visit. it's nothing to look at but the tacos and quesadillas are the stuff dreams are made of. get a licuada to wash them down and then have a pastry at deanda's next door.
greens in fort mason is an elegant vegetarian restaurant with a spectacular view of the bay.
the most wonderful produce market of all time is in berkeley. it's called the berkeley bowl and is located on adeline and shattuck. if you're going in august, tomato season should be in full swing. i dare you to leave without buying something!
you also might want to consider spending some time at the cheese board in berkeley. their baguettes and scones are like crack. conveniently, it's just up the street from chez panisse. i wouldn't miss eating there. it's still one of the best restaurants in the country. you can drop in and have lunch at the cafe if you can't make a dinner rez.
pier 39 in SF is home to many sea lions. they hang out and swim and sun themselves. it's an amazing sight.
when you're in santa cruz, make sure to have a meal, preferably a crab louis, at one of the restaurants on the pier near the boardwalk. sit at a table next to the windows facing the ocean, so that you can watch the pelicans dive bomb into the water and catch fish. i never tire of watching them.
have a great trip.
cybercita at 11:20PM on 07/30/08
I was just in San Francisco in June :)
In San Rafel, there is this fabulous Puerto Rican restaurant called Sol Food that is very much worth the trip.
Also, I don't know if you are much into the sports scene, but a NY Times article pronounced the crab sandwich at AT&T park the absolute best food you will find in any ballpark across the US. I ate it, and agree.
Enjoy your vacation!
agk685 at 11:28PM on 07/30/08
I was just there a couple weeks ago and I had the greatest dinner at Delfina in the Mission district. Also, in addition to the Ferry Building Farmers market, check out the Berkeley Bowl in, surprise, Berkeley. Also the Cheeseboard in Berkeley for an AMAZING cheese roll for breakfast. Also, the Slanted Door in the Ferry Building for lunch (green papaya salad...green papaya salad...yum!).
And for great dim sum, check out Yank Sing (sp?) in downtown SF, but be sure to make a reservation!
ChristineB at 11:37PM on 07/30/08
Hi I'd like to welcome you to San Francisco. I know you have check out some of the major sites about San Francisco. But I think you've missed one http://www.discovering-sanfrancisco.com
you'll find most of the restaurants in San Francisco on this site. like "Foodie" Favorites, Comfort Food & Cheap Eats,Fine Dining, Taquerias & Deli's
their also a little story about each one with phone numbers, maps and directions. I hope you enjoy your trip
DONTK at 2:12AM on 07/31/08
Annie, if you make it to Berkeley and want a tour guide for a few hours, I live three blocks from the Cheeseboard. My email is in my profile.
In S.F., you can do the fabulous shops in Union Square--but it's the same fabulous stuff you can get in New York. (There are a lot of great art galleries there, though.) Head to the Fillmore for some more unique and locally owned places. Timeless Treasures (www.timelesstreasuressf.com) is a place where Pottery Barn goes to get its props for photo shoots, and there are book stores, boutiques, etc. all around the neighborhood.
maered at 3:11AM on 07/31/08
Cybercita is correct with La Taqueria in the mission.
Also, Yountville actually has a bunch of charming little places along Washington Street -- do not miss the Bouchon Bakery, which is delicious. I did a 16-mile self-concocted wine-tasting bike tour that started and ended there with excellent reason!
Also, when driving in between SF proper and Napa/Sonoma, pull over to the silver carts along the roadways. Possibly some of the freshest, best Latino food I've had in my life...and I live in Queens!
savecara at 9:33AM on 07/31/08
Silver carts? You don't mean like hot dog carts along a thruway, do you? Or are the roadways more like our parkways? This is really interesting!
annien at 9:45AM on 07/31/08
I have to 'third' la taqueria on 24th and mission.
Also make sure to hit up Tartine Bakery! A must.
When I was visiting this past month, I had a spectacular brunch at Absinthe Restaurant in Hayes Valley: eggs benedict w/the most delicious collard greens and fried green tomato; morel, gruyere, thyme omelet, etc etc.
Of course you already know about Acme Bread and Cowgirl Creamery cheese (you can get these and much much more in the Ferry Building). Also in the Ferry Building, get some pastries at Frog Hollow and oysters at Hog Island Oyster Bar.
Oh! I almost forgot -- Betelnut in Marina district/Cow's Hollow. You have to go to Betelnut and get as many things as you can.. The szechuan green beans, scallops with xo sauce, short ribs, firecracker shrimp, green papaya salad.....and fun drinks.
I love San Francisco.....
Sorry I only talked about food -- it pretty much drives me, as you can see.
Also take a ride or two up the glass elevator in the St. Francis hotel.
jbeach at 10:08AM on 07/31/08
If in SF for brunch on Sunday, try 2223 (on Market Street)...the place is electric and the food is very, very good...also, the view at sunset from Greens in Fort Mason is a perfect match for the great vegetarian menu...
iwannacook at 10:27AM on 07/31/08
@annien...think old-fashioned "lunch truck" type things. Typically they'll be parked off to the side of a gas station or convenience store, with a small seating area with picnic tables.
savecara at 10:42AM on 07/31/08
Lucca's delicatessen on Chestnut Street in the Marina is Great. Go there, assemble a picnic lunch and then walk over to the beach by Crissy field and marvel at the beauty of the Bay: the blue water, the GG Bridge, Alcatraz, the sail boats, etc. Can't beat it.
Stephanie at 10:52AM on 07/31/08
I agree with jbeach that you HAVE to go to tartine. the croissants are the size of your head and the bread is expensive but soooo yummy. also, as others have mentioned, berkeley bowl is fantastic, although if I was on vacation it would be totally agonizing to go there because all I would want to do it go home and cook! maybe if you have a kitchen?? you definitely have to get some sf style burritos. as others have mentioned la taqueria is good, as is taqueria can-cun. I also really love papalote since they have more vegetarian friendly food (although I went with my meat eating bf and he LOVED it) and they have the most addictive salsa of all time. seriously I have licked my plate...in public...it is that good. Also, as ChristineB suggested, Delfina is awesome. if you go, you can skip dessert and go across the street to BiRite creamy for really good ice cream. my favorite flavor is orange cardamom. oh yea, do not miss in-n-out! if you like vintage cookware, there's a really cool store on divisadero b/w oak and page called Cookin'. basically there are piles and piles of awesome cookware that the owner collects. it's crazy expensive but fun to look around. if you are clumsy, like me, be really careful because its kind of a small space and Im not exaggerating when I say the stuff is piled up high and could easy tumble if you bump into it. have fun!
banana at 10:54AM on 07/31/08
Oh man, I'm really jealous of your trip! I grew up in a small town between San Francisco and Napa, and went to summer camp outside Santa Cruz so all the places you're going bring back memories!
Ok, first of all I second the suggestion to eat at a taco truck. There's a few great ones in SF and you can also find them in the 'burbs. If you find the right one, it's amazing and even the "just ok" ones are better than any mexican food in NYC.
I'm sure you know to avoid eating at tourist spots, so make sure you've had your fill from the ferry building before you head over to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. But they're fun places, and worth a peak. Oh, and don't bother with going out to Alcatraz - the view from the city is more interesting and will save you money and time.
Definitely have some In-n-Out (you'll pass at least one if you take highway 80 out of the city, through Pinole, and there's one in Napa which should be on your way to Yountville. There is one in the city, but you'll get the full California experience if you arrive in a car instead of on foot), and another California chain to try is Coffee Bean & Tea leaf. They make a fantastic tea latte! I recommend the English Breakfast or Moroccan Mint - and I prefer my drinks on the less than sweet side, so I order with "half power" - the powder is either vanilla or chocolate used to flavor the drink.
I've sure you've read on the message boards, but Bi Rite Creamery really is worth the hype. Go after your tacos in the mission, and hang out in nearby Dolores Park for a bit.
As far as shopping, you'll get tons of that in SF. Union street, in the marina, is good for a stroll and some browsing and it puts you not too far from the Palace of Fine Arts, which is good for a nice stroll - you'll recognize it from a lot of SF movies. And on your way to Yountville, stop if you see signs for the Napa Premium Outlets - I always find something there!
Ok, this is getting long but you're going to my favorite part of the world so I'm going to keep going!
If you have a car in the city, drive through the Presidio and up to the Lincoln Park golf club for fantastic views of the golden gate. There's also a nice hiking trail in the area, but the name escapes me - sorry! I'm sure it's in guidebooks.
Ok, back to food. I hope that I don't over-hype this place because I grew up with it, but if you need a lunch stop on the way to Yountville (and can handle a seriously girly atmosphere) stop through Benicia. Yes, yes, it's my hometown so I'm a bit biased, but there's a lovely main street with cute shops and a nice marina. And on that main street is the best Tomato Bisque soup I've ever had at the Camellia Tea Room. The house salad is also great, so are the sandwiches, and I highly recommend the blackberry tea.
http://www.camelliatearoom.com/
Ok, I'll stop now. Sheesh, I love NorCal.
LizNYC at 11:10AM on 07/31/08
Oops, forgot one thing: the weather. Everyone always thinks of "sunny California" but San Francisco is COLD and frequently windy. The summer there is really August - October, so the heat is just barely getting started. Even if you're blessed with warm days (and in SF it really is a blessing) it will always cool down in the evenings. When you walk around the city and see tourists wearing SF branded sweatshirts and fleece? Those are the people who thought it would be warm and didn't pack anything for cold weather.
The best advice I can give is to pack layers for your time in SF and Santa Cruz (mornings and evenings at the beach are cold!). Yountville will most likely be warmer, but still expect it to cool down in the evening.
And without the blanket of humidity that the East Coast is used to, even temperatures in the 70s might feel cool to you.
LizNYC at 11:36AM on 07/31/08
I agree with LizNYC. Layers are your friend in July and August. It's been in the low to mid-60s during the day and 50s in the evening in my part of SF. Napa will be nice and warm though.
If you have time, wander around the Mission and check out Bi-Rite (Market and Creamery) as well as the plethora of taquerias and cool restaurants in the area. My favorite taco in the Mission is the al pastor at Taqueria San Jose at 24th and Mission. La Taqueria's tacos are pricier but pretty big. Tartine's morning buns are like craaaaaack.
Will you have a car? In addition to the Ferry Building, check out the Alemany Farmer's Market on Saturday where they have more Asian produce and other ethnic goodies at everyday prices. The La Estrellita ladies are very sweet and make fresh pupusas on the spot. All-Star Tamales hits the spot. Also, the alfajores stand has excellent alfajores as well. Regular folk come here for groceries at very reasonable prices.
If you feel like comparing Chinese egg custard tarts (dan taat), a lot of people like Golden Gate Bakery on Grand in Chinatown though I think they've either changed owners or something recently.
mandabear at 12:16PM on 07/31/08
As an Acme addict, I vote you skip the Ferry Market location and head over to the original bakery on San Pablo in Berkeley. The freshness is amazing...and if you're in Berkeley, then you can make pit stops in the Gourmet Ghetto for Kirala and the Epicurious Garden, the Asian ghetto, the Cal cheap-ass student eateries like Top Dog, Cheeseboard, omg YES DO IT DO IT!
ahem. A little overexcited here. :) But do please give this route consideration. I know you asked for SF, but why pass up Berkeley when you're SO close?? (parking is easier to find as well...hehe).
but who am I kidding? Get your Acme at the Ferry Building, then get it AGAIN on San Pablo! win-win!
Pammeh at 2:30PM on 07/31/08
Haven't seen anyone recommend Zuni Cafe -- home of the famous Zuni Roast Chicken. Yum.
kjgibson at 2:57PM on 07/31/08
Chez Panisse of course!! I had the great lunch when I was there in April. Also a friend bartends at a new spot called Fish&Farm right on the edge of the tenderloin and it was very very decent local offerings and amazing cocktails.
Also, you should check out the Empress China http://empressofchinasf.com/
I have never had the food (my sister said it was good) just sit in the bar to get an amazing view of SF (it's on the top of the building) and the cocktails were great too. And one of the best dive bars in SF is RIGHT across the street, the Buddha Lounge. I had a $3 Sapphire Martini. Coming from Brooklyn, that's a GOOD deal.
midgepingleton at 3:16PM on 07/31/08
I'll also recommend the Ferry Building Marketplace. Within are a few restaurants, including The Slanted Door, which was my favorite meal when I was in SF. I also liked Zuni Cafe (my 2nd favorite meal in SF) and ordered the delicious roast chicken.
mepm231 at 5:16PM on 07/31/08
This is terrific, guys. Please keep it coming.
annien at 5:19PM on 07/31/08
There are some wonderful places to eat and shop in Oakland. Probably the best is Rockridge - - anchored by Oliveto Resturant and cafe in Market Hall, which is a little foodie paradise with great everything and predates the Ferry Building - - new and used clothing, housewares, bookstores, bars. Good stuffed pizza can be had at Zachary's Pizza - - order first and then wait for a table.
Oakland is usually warmer than SF, but we have had a cold summer.
thezippyone at 5:32PM on 07/31/08
This is great. I live near San Francisco -- have done so for the past couple of years -- and it's been hit and miss with the restaurants for me. It was extremely disappointing when we took my mother-in-law to S.F. a couple of weeks ago and ate at a disgusting restaurant in the Sunset district -- especially when we had eaten at a delicious crepe restaurant in the same area (Crepe Vine -- not as good as other crepe places, such as one in Noe Valley and one in Cole Valley, but satisfying). We have a chance to make up for the bad experience when we take my MIL to S.F. again on Saturday! We just have to eat something cheap but tasty.
misseditor at 6:11PM on 07/31/08
^ misseditor, where did you go in the Sunset? I'm assuming you ate somewhere in the Inner Sunset/9th and Irving area.
mandabear at 6:36PM on 07/31/08
Yes. I can't remember what the restaurant was called, but I believe it was on 9th or 10th St. It was an Italian eatery -- just dirty, the bathrooms were gross, and my MIL's food was cold.
misseditor at 6:57PM on 07/31/08
bike over the golden gate bridge, eat lunch in sausalito, and take the ferry back. there is an amazing seafood restaurants called "fish." in sausalito.
swensen's ice cream and bi-rite are both wonderful. miette bakery for cupcakes in the ferry building. zazie for lemon ricotta pancakes. everything else has pretty much been covered.
numnums at 2:45AM on 08/01/08
We had Zachary's for dinner tonight--was quite tasty!
Back to S.F., I'll be another shill for Tartine. I had my birthday lunch there this year and it's a fun atmosphere with great food. I can't shill for Zuni, though. I know everyone raves about it, but I've been there three times and I've never had a good experience. Three times is enough for me.
I'd also recommend Citizen Cake, Taylor's and, ooh oooh, you have to hit the Beard Papa near the MoMA.
Also in the Ferry Building, Mijita has good Mexican. Pricier than the trucks, of course, but the tortillas are handmade and it's all very fresh. I love the entire concept of Boulette's and it's a visually stunning place, but I got a talking to when I tried to take a picture in there.
maered at 3:01AM on 08/01/08
Some stuff not to miss..
I have to say: the one thing in the Bay Area I've totally fallen in love with is the coffee at Blue Bottle. Made with care, and just delicious.
Great Mexican is everywhere (check out Redwood City, if you're willing to go down there)... I like the carnitas tacos/nachos/burritos at Taqueria Guadalajara on Mission St.
Taylor's is also fun -- try the ahi tuna burger for a change. I love a good cheeseburger, but this ahi sandwich makes me think twice about ordering beef. :)
Hog Island Oysters has a great oyster stew, clam chowder and grilled cheese sandwich. Comfort food at it's best.
ENJOY YOUR TRIP!
doctorj at 5:19AM on 08/01/08
Was just going to say Taylor's Refresher. Try the one on 29 on the way up to Yountville, its better than the one in the Ferry Building.
I happen to be partial to Gordos for burritos, but definitely still like La Taqueria and Cancun.
For a culinary tour down Clement Street, try Giorgios Pizza, Burma Superstar and Clementine.
beaches at 12:56PM on 08/01/08
This takes me down memory lane, for when I used to live in SF. Thankfully, I'm also taking a trip back West in the next week or so, a respite from NYC, so this is a good reminder of all those good eats.
Gary Danko is a must-visit. I'm surprised no one's mentioned Peet's Coffee, which I miss dearly. Their artisan pastries and muffins are wonderful. True, Blue Bottle coffee is to-die-for as well, is it still setting up stall at the Ferry Building farmer's market?
I like Cactus taqueria in Rockridge for cheap, simple Mexican; Bouchon brasserie in Yountville (the boudin blanc's outstanding), Plouf (French seafood bistro) set in a cul-de-sec - fab mussels and seafood served by authentic French waiters. The list goes on...enjoy!
Pintchow at 6:16PM on 08/01/08
Zuni Cafe is a must given the rest of the places you've got on tap already. It's different than all of them and really is an only in SF experience, to boot. Order the oysters, the Cesar salad, the roast chicken, the espresso granita and whatever fruit tart or crumble they have for dessert that night. The gnocchi are spectacular if they have them. Its really a terrific restaurant and my wife and I loved all of our meals there. (We never did manage to not order the chicken, either.)
ccbweb at 6:40PM on 08/01/08
I just had dinner at Absinthe the other night. Had pork confit served over creamed corn with chunks of bacon and fingerling potatoes. It was really really good! And the shared plates (think tapas) were really good, especially the fried chickpeas.
They have lots of great cocktails too -- although we stuck with their substantial wine list.
kjgibson at 6:56PM on 08/01/08