Hi, I am looking to go to dinner with a small group (6-8 people) near the Marriott/Moscone Convention Center/Union Square. Should be a bit upscale, cool/modern, but not too expensive. (entrees around 20.00, plus or minus) We will be going on a sunday night. thanks, karen

Tasty Bear Brewing Company sounds like it might fit your description. They serve Spanish cuisine and their tapas are fun to share. It is right next to Moscone Center. I wouldn't call it fantastic, but it is convenient, trendy, and in your price range. A good place for a group.

Thanks 1tiredmama, Funny you should suggest this as one of the people in our group suggested this (he met the owner in FIGI of all places), but I nixed the idea bc it sounded like "just" a bar. Sounds like there is some decent real food to be had, so maybe we will try it.

I ate at the Fifth Floor (which is on the fifth floor of the Palomar Hotel). That place had a pretty hip and sophisticated look and feel to it. There have been mixed reviews posted here, but we really enjoyed the food and ambiance.

Hi, I am actually staying at the hotel palomar (hope it is nice), but i thought that 5th floor was very expensive. it is a social dinner for the people from our dept who are going to a conference, and our university will be paying, so cost is an issue. no multi -billion dollar deals closing, just a bunch of us academics!

Yeah, it was pretty expensive. It was about $150 for us (2) which included cocktails, salad, wine, entree and shared dessert. We added 20 percent tip.

Lulu's on Folsom might work for you--good place for a group of people.

If you like Italian, you can find great food at reasonable prices in North Beach, which is a 10 minute walk. I was in SF for a conference a few weeks ago, and I went to North Beach several times. There are tons of places to chose from. I really liked Steps of Rome.

Or, even closer - go to Chinatown. Lots of cool places there.

Karen