SAN FRANCISCO Columbus Weekend Week
Sep 9th, 2015, 04:56 PM
#1
SAN FRANCISCO Columbus Weekend Week
Will be interested in any favorite restaurants and activities as my husband and I visit this fair city in a few weeks.
We love dining out - from Michelin starred to local ethnic spots.
I love art, walks, markets, natural beauty.
My husband likes tagging along with me.
We will do some wine tasting as part of the event we are attending the latter weekend. We have visited the wine country before but are not actually big drinkers so would drive to a beautiful spot more than for a particular wine.
Am thinking of one or two day trips in area.
We are looking for more of a relaxing time than a list checking action packed week. (Well I am anyway, hee, hee.)
We love dining out - from Michelin starred to local ethnic spots.
I love art, walks, markets, natural beauty.
My husband likes tagging along with me.
We will do some wine tasting as part of the event we are attending the latter weekend. We have visited the wine country before but are not actually big drinkers so would drive to a beautiful spot more than for a particular wine.
Am thinking of one or two day trips in area.
We are looking for more of a relaxing time than a list checking action packed week. (Well I am anyway, hee, hee.)
Sep 9th, 2015, 05:23 PM
#3
Treasure Island has a few wineries to visit and it makes for a fun afternoon. Nice views of the city & Bay Bridge. Go during the flea market if you can. Avoid Oct 17 18 unless you think you'd enjoy the music festival/crowds.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sottomarino-...-san-francisco
www.treasureislandflea.com
www.treasureislandfestival.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sottomarino-...-san-francisco
www.treasureislandflea.com
www.treasureislandfestival.com
Sep 9th, 2015, 07:26 PM
#4
Gruezi, I was in the wine country for my mom's 75th bday weekend a few weeks ago and we saw David Beckham, Posh Spice and their kids at dinner one night. Otherwise I know nothing about the wine country. 
I'd try to get into State Bird Provisions for the experience. Sometimes you can score a reservation for early on a week night randomly. It's fun and the food, while occasionally uneven, is good. They take walk-in, people line up, but I'm not one to line up anywhere so probably would only go if I had a rez.
Rich Table is quite good--can be crowded and scene-y, though. Once I was seated right by the bar. Doosh-y.
Outerlands is way out there, but a really stellar example of the San Francisco dining ethos elevated.
La Ciccia is excellent for Sardinian food in a low-key environment. We usually order and share several courses.
Kin Khao is conveniently located near Union Square in a sort of odd location in a hotel. Excellent, refined Thai food and delicious drinks. If you are staying nearby I'd say make it a priority.
Cotogna is also great for slightly more Cal-Ital. Perbacco is also good, more traditional Italian, located within walking distance of most "downtown" hotels.
I like Mandalay for Burmese but everyone has a favorite here.
Upscale-ish Mexican: Nopalito or Padrecito.
New, veggies-are-the focus: Al's Place in the Mission. I liked it but wasn't in love. I feel the same way about Bar Tartine, also in the Mission, also showered with praise.
Atelier Crenn is phenomenal but a super-spendy, tasting menu experience so a big commitment in money and time. Chef Crenn recent,y opened Petit Crenn in Hayes Valley, a casual(ish) seafood-focused bistro. I haven't been but want to check it out. You go and let me know, okay?
Other usual-suspects, modern fine-dining-wise: Coi, Saison, Benu. I've been to Coi and Benu and would return to both if someone else was paying. I'd pay my own money for Atelier Crenn.
Anyway, this is just off the top of my head and doesn't include any good, neighborhood joints. I was just thinking where a tourist with some interest in restaurants might want to go. Not knowing where you'll be hanging out or what you both like to eat.
I'm on my iPad so I'll come back with links later.
I'd try to get into State Bird Provisions for the experience. Sometimes you can score a reservation for early on a week night randomly. It's fun and the food, while occasionally uneven, is good. They take walk-in, people line up, but I'm not one to line up anywhere so probably would only go if I had a rez.
Rich Table is quite good--can be crowded and scene-y, though. Once I was seated right by the bar. Doosh-y.
Outerlands is way out there, but a really stellar example of the San Francisco dining ethos elevated.
La Ciccia is excellent for Sardinian food in a low-key environment. We usually order and share several courses.
Kin Khao is conveniently located near Union Square in a sort of odd location in a hotel. Excellent, refined Thai food and delicious drinks. If you are staying nearby I'd say make it a priority.
Cotogna is also great for slightly more Cal-Ital. Perbacco is also good, more traditional Italian, located within walking distance of most "downtown" hotels.
I like Mandalay for Burmese but everyone has a favorite here.
Upscale-ish Mexican: Nopalito or Padrecito.
New, veggies-are-the focus: Al's Place in the Mission. I liked it but wasn't in love. I feel the same way about Bar Tartine, also in the Mission, also showered with praise.
Atelier Crenn is phenomenal but a super-spendy, tasting menu experience so a big commitment in money and time. Chef Crenn recent,y opened Petit Crenn in Hayes Valley, a casual(ish) seafood-focused bistro. I haven't been but want to check it out. You go and let me know, okay?
Other usual-suspects, modern fine-dining-wise: Coi, Saison, Benu. I've been to Coi and Benu and would return to both if someone else was paying. I'd pay my own money for Atelier Crenn.
Anyway, this is just off the top of my head and doesn't include any good, neighborhood joints. I was just thinking where a tourist with some interest in restaurants might want to go. Not knowing where you'll be hanging out or what you both like to eat.
I'm on my iPad so I'll come back with links later.
Sep 10th, 2015, 07:44 PM
#6
Sep 11th, 2015, 10:58 AM
#7
Might not be your thing, but I always see people who have rented bikes cycling around Golden Gate Park and in the Presidio and by the bridge and they're always smiling (maybe because they're finally on flat streets!).
An ambitious run or walk might include Golden Gate Park (pass the bison paddock), Ocean Beach, up past the Cliff House, around Sutro Baths and Land's End--would be very scenic. If I'm doing a long run, I continue past Land's End through Sea Cliff, to Baker Beach, and onward, through some hilly trails to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Any chunk of this might be nice. One could easily cab/Lyft/bus out and then wend one's way back by foot.
http://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/landsend.htm
If you go to the De Young museum, make sure you head up to the observation tower and visit the sculpture garden (sculpture garden is free so go anyway). Might check out the Legion of Honor.
http://www.famsf.org/
I'm always taking my niece and godson to the California Academy of Sciences, across from the De Young in the park, but some adults might find things of interest there.
I like the museum of African Diaspora and the Jewish Contemporary Museum too. Check out what's going on at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Asian Art Museum?
Mural Walk in the Mission? Visit Mission Dolores?
B Patisserie? Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous for ice cream? Marlowe for a burger and perhaps take in a Giant game nearby?
An ambitious run or walk might include Golden Gate Park (pass the bison paddock), Ocean Beach, up past the Cliff House, around Sutro Baths and Land's End--would be very scenic. If I'm doing a long run, I continue past Land's End through Sea Cliff, to Baker Beach, and onward, through some hilly trails to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Any chunk of this might be nice. One could easily cab/Lyft/bus out and then wend one's way back by foot.
http://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/landsend.htm
If you go to the De Young museum, make sure you head up to the observation tower and visit the sculpture garden (sculpture garden is free so go anyway). Might check out the Legion of Honor.
http://www.famsf.org/
I'm always taking my niece and godson to the California Academy of Sciences, across from the De Young in the park, but some adults might find things of interest there.
I like the museum of African Diaspora and the Jewish Contemporary Museum too. Check out what's going on at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Asian Art Museum?
Mural Walk in the Mission? Visit Mission Dolores?
B Patisserie? Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous for ice cream? Marlowe for a burger and perhaps take in a Giant game nearby?
Sep 11th, 2015, 07:50 PM
#10
HRD on 3rd Str towards The Embarcadero for some Asian fusion madness. Lines are a little too crazy-long during the lunch rush, however
www.hrdcoffeeshop.com
For a nice spot in the Ferry Building...
www.hogislandoysters.com
Try the mussels and a heavenly grilled cheese.
www.hrdcoffeeshop.com
For a nice spot in the Ferry Building...
www.hogislandoysters.com
Try the mussels and a heavenly grilled cheese.
Sep 12th, 2015, 11:20 PM
#12
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If you are coming during Oct 5-12th? This is fleet week and many activities attached to this event. Was not quite sure exactly when you were coming?
Oct should be wonderful weather. Leely2 gave a really nice list of places. I am local and when we go into the city I refer to the top 100. Every year the San Francisco Chronicle lists the top 100 restaurants in SF and the Bay Area. This is a wonderful resource.
A few years ago we did a foodie walk in Hayes Valley. Discovered so many places to go eat, drink and just have fun.
Hope that helps?
Oct should be wonderful weather. Leely2 gave a really nice list of places. I am local and when we go into the city I refer to the top 100. Every year the San Francisco Chronicle lists the top 100 restaurants in SF and the Bay Area. This is a wonderful resource.
A few years ago we did a foodie walk in Hayes Valley. Discovered so many places to go eat, drink and just have fun.
Hope that helps?
Sep 14th, 2015, 02:44 PM
#13
Thanks Marc! Yes we arrive the 3rd and leave the 11th. I shall look into Fleet Week. Someone else also mentioned the Top 100. I will get a copy.
I passed Leely's list to my husband to try to make some reservations. I notice we will be at an event at a new restaurant by the State Bird chefs. Can't recall it's name but it sounded good.
I passed Leely's list to my husband to try to make some reservations. I notice we will be at an event at a new restaurant by the State Bird chefs. Can't recall it's name but it sounded good.
Sep 15th, 2015, 09:49 AM
#16
Oct 3rd, 2015, 09:17 PM
#17
Just checking in to say thank you all again and let you know we've arrived to beautiful weather in SF.
Had a very nice dinner at Claude's - a warm, inviting and friendly French bistro with live jazz to boot. Great oysters and delicious foie gras.
Tomorrow we plan to head to the Ferry Building and hopefully get to Hogs.
Apparently Mr. Gruezi has booked a table at Atelier Cren and is referring to it as "the place your friend recommends." I love that he gets that my Fodor's friends ARE my friends. Hee, hee.
He also reserved at Boulevard? Not sure who recommended that - maybe Stu.
So, I have to look into some museums and walks now and will check out the suggestions here. I had no time to plan ahead for this trip but I'm not feeling super touristy so it's okay. We shall be underachievers.
Had a very nice dinner at Claude's - a warm, inviting and friendly French bistro with live jazz to boot. Great oysters and delicious foie gras.
Tomorrow we plan to head to the Ferry Building and hopefully get to Hogs.
Apparently Mr. Gruezi has booked a table at Atelier Cren and is referring to it as "the place your friend recommends." I love that he gets that my Fodor's friends ARE my friends. Hee, hee.
He also reserved at Boulevard? Not sure who recommended that - maybe Stu.
So, I have to look into some museums and walks now and will check out the suggestions here. I had no time to plan ahead for this trip but I'm not feeling super touristy so it's okay. We shall be underachievers.
Oct 4th, 2015, 09:36 AM
#18
Get thyselves to the DeYoung Museum at Golden Gate Park and be sure to go up to the observation deck for some photos. P.S. Museum admission is free this Tuesday, the first Tuesday of the month!
The Exploratorium is not just for kids though it can be filled with school groups. This Thursday night it's adults only from 6 to 10 (early dinner that night maybe? Coqueta, nearby @ Pier 5, for tapas is good) and you'll get a great view of the bay. They open a couple of bars in the museum too
http://www.exploratorium.edu/visit/c...dark/10-8-2015
The Exploratorium is not just for kids though it can be filled with school groups. This Thursday night it's adults only from 6 to 10 (early dinner that night maybe? Coqueta, nearby @ Pier 5, for tapas is good) and you'll get a great view of the bay. They open a couple of bars in the museum too
http://www.exploratorium.edu/visit/c...dark/10-8-2015
Oct 4th, 2015, 11:56 AM
#19
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The Deyoung - Yes, but not today! (Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in the park, is a huge music festival, making access to everythingnear the park more difficult, but what a day for a music festival!!)
