yellowjacket

Where would you recommend to go for a really great dessert in San Francisco? We'd like to stop in some place for a Saturday afternoon treat to relax a bit from seeing all the sights. My initial thought was Ghiradelli, but I've reading a bit that's probably not the best place. What about Citizen Cake? Any suggestions are appreciated!

trippinkpj

I've heard of Citizen Cake, but haven't been there. If you're in Union Square, I like the Cheesecake Factory on top of Macy's. I know it's a chain, but it's good! My daughter and I got cheesecake to go, and shared it on a bench in Union Square.

Neopolitan

I'm not a dessert eater, but there must be some much more exciting recommendations than a shipped in cheescake that you can order online and eat in the comfort of your own home (no matter how delicious it might be)! This is the "culinary" hotspot of San Francisco after all!

Here at least is a link to CitySearch's poll for best San Francisco dessert:
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/b...inners/dessert

trippinkpj

LOL Neo, I just knew I could count on someone to make a comment. ;-)

trippinkpj

Also, the hubby and I had a Tiramisu and Cappuccino at Steps of Rome in North Beach a year or so ago. It was very good:
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/917569

iamq

Citizen Cake is good, but I really like the desserts at Boulevard. It's a very comfortable room. They are open for lunch until around 4pm and open again for dinner at 5pm. Not sure if the timing would work, but you might want to check it out. Saturdays are extremely busy for them.

-Bill

Kerry392

There were many places with pastries in North Beach. Some of them looked delicious! My husband and I got a delicious apple turn-over and piece of pound cake at one of them.
I would go window shopping!
I would make at least one stop at Ghiardelli- their hot fudge is out of this world!

bonniebroad

Hey there Larry, how are you? So happy to hear you'll be going to San Fran! Have a wonderful time! Can't recommend a dessert place, as I haven't been fortunate enough to visit SF. (Have to agree with trippin that Cheesecake Factory does have good desserts. Went there just once, in Raleigh, with family, and their Godiva cheesecake was to die for!)

Have a wonderful trip, old buddy, and don't mention that you-know-who has lost two games as of today!

eemorse

If you love ice cream, check out Mitchell's. Also yes the pastries in North Beach -- but I can't remember the name of the ones I used to frequent. They all were good!

yellowjacket

Thanks for the suggestions. That link at CitySearch is great! All of those places sound delicious! I use CitySearch but haven't come across the Best Of before.

Pastries from North Beach sound delicious...maybe one afternoon we'll pick some up to eat for breakfast the next morning. Boulevard sounds great as well! Maybe we'll have to skip meals and just eat dessert three times a day!

I actually do like the Cheesecake Factory, but we have one here in Kansas City, and I'd prefer to try something only found in SF.

bonniesbroad - I think you have me confused with someone else.

Thanks everyone!

starrsville

Cheesecake is too rich for me, but I do enjoy the Cheesecake Factory's desserts. They used to have an Amaretto Milkshake that was completely OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! It's not on the menu anymore, but sometimes the bartenders will make one for you if you ask.

yellowjacket, I'd go to Ghiradelli's. Why not? Also, get an Irish Coffee at Buena Vista. Those are just two of the things that make a SF trip complete for me.

And, before the sarcasm starts, YES, I know I am a tourist! clap, clap!

Another thought in the Union Square area - go to the Grand Cafe and order anything off their dessert menu. I don't have a specific recommendation, but I love the decor and ambiance of the Grand Cafe, and I've never been disappointed with anything on the menu. I usually narrow my choices to 2 or 3 items, and then ask my server to make the final decision. I rarely am disappointed - they know what is good and what isn't from their menu.

bonniebroad

yellowjacket, indeed I did confuse you with "jacketwatch," and I do apologize ... happy to meet you, though!

Karenpj

Hi Starrsville- I'll join you at BV for that irish coffee anytime.
--Karen

MelissaHI

LOVE Citizen Cake!! Been there multiple times for various meals/items. (Yikes)

Also I like Tartine's Bakery. For multiple meals/items.

Good lord. I'm outta control.
quot;>

starrsville

Dang, karenpj, you sure do have good taste! How lucky are we? At least 2 great Fodorites who knows that they like on this board.

By the way, I can pass on just about anything on the menu, but I'll happily tag along when anyone wants to go to Chili's. Those Presidente margaritas are WONDERFUL!

(Sounds like I drink a lot on this board. I really don't )

bonniebroad

Starrsville, I'm with you on the Presidente Margaritas at Chili's! I request that they be REALLY FROZEN, sometimes with a float of Midori. Heaven, aren't they?

starrsville

I get mine on the rocks. I can't stand the brain freeze of frozen drinks.

Hmmm.... I'll consider the Midori.

Karenpj

Starrsville- I have a Chili's within a mile from me, so I have a lot of Chili's stories. With and without margarita's. They actually make a mean Cosmo too!

Leely

There is a Citizen Cupcake upstairs at Virgin Megastore on 4th and Market for when you want the Citizen Cake dessert without the Citizen Cake attitude.

Sincerely,
Someone Who Misses the Old Citizen Cake (sans attitude) on 14th Street in the Mission

Sigh.

Karenpj

I've been in that Virgin Megastore Leely, and didn't relize that Citizen Cake was there. I'll go there next time I'm on Market which will be in 2-3 weeks.