I have extensive lists for other cities: LA, NYC, HK, Beijing, even Chicago. I still don't feel like I have a great handle on the city I live closest to, San Francisco. I'm going to need your help compiling the goodies. Only the City -- Berkeley, Santa Cruz and surrounding region would be a separate list. What I have so far:
Eat
Halp! What would you recommend?
- Burma Superstar
- Genki - Japanese crepes
- Tartine - Bakery
- Mama's - Brunch
-
Zuni - $40 smoked/roasted chicken, absolutely delicious though and not
something you can easily replicate at home because of their
wood-burning oven.
- Lovejoy's Tea Room - VERY girly, bursting w/ estrogen, but the tea service is really scrumptious
- Mi Lindo Peru - excellent seafood saltado
- Burrito/taco/papusa crawl in the Mission. My favorite place for papusas is several doors north from Mi Lindo Peru, I always forget the name of the place but it's sort of on the corner and it's a brightly lit hole-in-the-wall.
- Arizmendi - coop bakery in the Sunset that is known for its sourdough and pizza
- The Sunset in general is really good for affordable and tasty food.
- Swan Oyster Depot - uber fresh lobster salad, brothy clam chowder and, of course, oysters
- The Slanted Door
- Bourbon & Branch - "secret" speakeasy that requires a password to get in
- Jazz at Pearls - where Garry and I had our first date =) A bit pricey but well worth it.
- Revolution Cafe in the Mission - never been, but my coworker loves it for its beatnik atmosphere and live music.
- Medjool: nice drinks and food and dancing
- Tonga Room at the Fairmont: one of the only remaining west coast Tiki Bars with original 50's decor. recently remodeled, but still elegant, cheesy, dark, and fun. Dig the fake rainstorm every fifteen minutes, and the jazz combo playing 'on the lake.'
- Bamboo Hut on Broadway in North Beach
- Cocktail and view at Top of the Mark (across the street from Fairmont) or the Marriott downtown.
- HeidiSays boutique on Fillmore
- Gigantic Forever 21 store in Union Square
- The Haight: browse overpriced vintage clothing. Walk down the street to Ameoba Records.
- SFMOMA
- Twin Peaks, for the view.
- Golden Gate Park
- Parrots at Telegraph Hill
- City Lights bookstore on Columbus in North Beach
Halp! What would you recommend?