2 days in San Fran, need lots of ideas
#1
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2 days in San Fran, need lots of ideas
A friend and I will be traveling to SF in late January for a conference. We have decided to fly in early and enjoy some of the sights. I know this is not the best time to take what SF has to offer, but it will have to do. We would definitely like to hit the high lights: The Bridge, The Park, Filmore, and Alkatraz. But we would really appriciate some suggestions on night life (nice hang-outs), music (my friend is a big jazz fan), resturants (some casual, some fancy), and definitely a nice little B&B that is close to the action and priced under $125 (anyone heard of the Grove Inn?)
Thanks in advance for all your help.
Jenelle
Thanks in advance for all your help.
Jenelle
#2
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some ideas for you from a local:
Dinner (fancy) - Hawthorne Lane & Boulevard are both very, very good. Don Johnson's restaurant, while in a touristy area, is still very good & I would highly recommend it. It is on the backside of Ghiradelli Square - Ana Mandara.
Dinner (trendy) - if you are looking for something that will be more upbeat/trendy - Le Colonial usually has good food & a good scene. Slanted Door in the Mission.
Dinner (casual) If you like Marguerita's / Tequila, make the trek (it is a little out of the way) to Tommy's Tequila Bar - they have hundreds of tequilas and it is a cool little place.
Good casual food (both Mexican) - Cafe Marimba on Chestnut or Left at Alberquerque on Union Street - you can walk around and go shopping on either Union or Chestnut - you should see both of these areas - this is where many of the SF natives live & go. You can even walk from Chestnut down to the Marina Green where you have great views of the Golden Gate and Alcatraz. If the weather is not foggy - make the trip up to the top of Twin Peaks - it is the best view in/of the city and bay. If you want good nightlife, XYZ Bar at the W usually has a good crowd, something more casual, but still with character, is The Royal Oak, on Polk, I think. I don't really know good places to stay - sorry. Hope that helps! Enjoy your trip.
Dinner (fancy) - Hawthorne Lane & Boulevard are both very, very good. Don Johnson's restaurant, while in a touristy area, is still very good & I would highly recommend it. It is on the backside of Ghiradelli Square - Ana Mandara.
Dinner (trendy) - if you are looking for something that will be more upbeat/trendy - Le Colonial usually has good food & a good scene. Slanted Door in the Mission.
Dinner (casual) If you like Marguerita's / Tequila, make the trek (it is a little out of the way) to Tommy's Tequila Bar - they have hundreds of tequilas and it is a cool little place.
Good casual food (both Mexican) - Cafe Marimba on Chestnut or Left at Alberquerque on Union Street - you can walk around and go shopping on either Union or Chestnut - you should see both of these areas - this is where many of the SF natives live & go. You can even walk from Chestnut down to the Marina Green where you have great views of the Golden Gate and Alcatraz. If the weather is not foggy - make the trip up to the top of Twin Peaks - it is the best view in/of the city and bay. If you want good nightlife, XYZ Bar at the W usually has a good crowd, something more casual, but still with character, is The Royal Oak, on Polk, I think. I don't really know good places to stay - sorry. Hope that helps! Enjoy your trip.
#4
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Janelle, for a great nightlife experience and some good jazz you should check out Bimbo's 365 Club. Check their lineup, the website is www.bimbos365club.com. Also, Cafe du Nord usually has good acts and a fun, funky atmosphere. For really fun bars I'd recommend the Zodiac Lounge near the Castro and the Beauty Bar in the Mission (also of NY fame). While in the Mission there's also Bruno's, a fun jazz club. And if blues are your thang you could check out Biscuits and Blues. Have fun!
#5
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For great dinner, try Betelnut, also on Union Street just down the street from Left at Albuquerque mentioned by another reply.
For good breakfast, there are several places on Chestnut Street and Lomboard Street where locals go. I especially like Bechelli's (on Chestnut) and Home Plate (Lombard and Steiner, I think).
The Boom Boom Room at Fillmore and Geary has great blues 7 nights per week, frequently with famous bands from out of town.
I'd recommend going to Alcatraz at night. The Night Tour is a few dollars more than going during the day but is a whole different, and better, experience. It was selected "Best Tour of the Bay Area" by San Francisco Magazine a few months ago and they are right. It's a tour designed specifically for locals, so I'd recommend it.
Enjoy and don't worry about the weather -- just bring a windbreaker and an umbrella. At least it won't be snowing!
Kate
For good breakfast, there are several places on Chestnut Street and Lomboard Street where locals go. I especially like Bechelli's (on Chestnut) and Home Plate (Lombard and Steiner, I think).
The Boom Boom Room at Fillmore and Geary has great blues 7 nights per week, frequently with famous bands from out of town.
I'd recommend going to Alcatraz at night. The Night Tour is a few dollars more than going during the day but is a whole different, and better, experience. It was selected "Best Tour of the Bay Area" by San Francisco Magazine a few months ago and they are right. It's a tour designed specifically for locals, so I'd recommend it.
Enjoy and don't worry about the weather -- just bring a windbreaker and an umbrella. At least it won't be snowing!
Kate