What might you suggest for lunches and dinners for my group of 10 high school students who will be in the city next week? We are staying at the Hilton. Under $20 would be perfect with one splurge at $30. What could we walk to? What is worth a cab ride? Anything at the wharf or, perish the thought, Pier 39? Anything would be a HUGE help. thank.

How about the Cheesecake Factory atop Macy's? It's not far from the Hilton.

Great idea, but we have one at home. Any thing a little more SF and California-ish.

There's always California Pizza Kitchen.

I know that locals will cringe, but I think the thing for your group is Fisherman's Wharf -- Scoma's or otherwise. Sorry, I'm not an expert, but this is what you are looking for considering the circumstances. Another option that would be fun is Beetlenut in Union Street. They would love it. Lots of dishes to share. Everybody's happy.

Is that CPK still in Macy's? Thanks for the suggestions.

What kind of foodd is at Betelnut?

Betelnut is a mixed Asian. Noodle stir fry dishes, sushi, etc. Think PF Changs only better and with a really young and trendy buzz. Portions are fairly large and meant to be shared. For $20 a person you can leave stuffed with really good and flavorful food.

Hi there,

I would definitely go to dim sum (only served at lunch). You can go to Yank Sing (www.yanksing.com), just know that it is a bit on the pricey side for dim sum. But if you refrain from ordering some of their innovative specials, you can keep the cost down. You can probably walk to Yank Sing. Other options are City Eatery on Commercial Street and options in Chinatown are Gold Mountain and Great Eastern.

If you don't get dim sum, at least get Chinese food. R&G Lounge on the border of Chinatown and the Financial District is good.

I personally would stay away from CPK or other chain places you can get anywhere.

Betelnut is fun and always packed, but the food is just average IMHO. However, that said, you wouldn't be disappointed because the ambiance makes up for it.

I would also get burritos in the Mission. Cheap ($5-7 each) and soooo yummy and really only available in SF. Everyone has their favorites, but I like La Taqueria (Mission b/n 24th and 25th), La Corneta, or El Farrolito. If you don't make it to the Mission, they just opened an outlet of Pancho Villa next door to the Ferry Building downtown. Definitely worth a stop!

Also, in the Ferry Building and great for teens is Taylor's Refresher http://www.taylorsrefresher.com/, which has more gourmet diner food.

Go to Chowhound.com and you'll get good recommendations http://www.chowhound.com/california/...francisco.html. Enjoy!

http://www.mapwest.com/coupon/coup_24.html gets you discount coupons.

Tony Roma's is by the harbor, and has a broad enough menu that every kid should find something good.

Maybe your kids are sushi-fans, but I really wonder. I guess it depends on where they come from.

And the cable cars beat cabs if you are a teenager, I would think.

thank you so much. This is all very helpful.