Rasta, I was in that long line at the original Bud's on many many an occasion (Butter Brickle, mmmm). FYI, "Bud" lives in the same building as (I want to say) Stu Dudley's father-in-law.

Wasn't it the corner of Noe and 24th? And then they started selling Bud's at another place called Raskin-Flakker or something like that, maybe in the Haight (fuzzy memories :-) )

Not sure what that has to do with Ben & Jerry's, but Bud's was THE BEST!!!!

>Parking in San Francisco is very difficult and frustrating.<

not to mention expensive.........SF has great public transportation. I never take a car into the city. I refuse to deal with the stress of driving, navigating the one-way streets, and most of all~trying to park!!

I think we are just going to catch a cab, do public transportation. I am not looking for a driving trip this time around.

San Francisco for a weekend doesn't need "research" or planning in my opinion. Just book a hotel (yes Union Square is a good central location) and go. Don't rent a car.

Get a city map. Take good walking shoes and head out on foot, ride the cable car to Fisherman's Wharf and back. Check out Chinatown and the Embarcadero.

For lunch I like Mocca on Maiden Lane (just off Union Square). For dinner www.belden-place.com an alley in the financial district with all kinds of great places to eat.

The hotel I usually stay at is off Union Square but it's a budget place, I think you're looking for something nicer.