San Fran for a romantic weekend!
 

I'm surprising my husband with a weekend in San Francisco to celebrate our 1 year Wedding Anniversary. Would like any input and ideas from Fodorites!

Here's what I've got so far,

Fly in Thurs pm, staying at the Omni Hotel. (Good place for drinks after we check in within walking distance?)

Fri- 11am Alcatraz tickets. The rest of the day is open. I want to have sunset cocktails at the Top of the Mark around 7pm then take the cable car to the Embarcadero BART station. BART to Berkeley for dinner at Chez Panisse.

Sat- all day open. Dinner that night at Aqua.

Sun- 1pm Giants vs. Padres game. Fly home after the game.

So if anyone would like to give me some great ideas for lunches (especially in North Beach), cocktail places, things to try and do on our first trip to SF (we've both been before but always for work) I would love it!!

Thanks!

Forget North Beach for lunch. Head out to Union Street and walk. Have lunch at Betelnut.

Sunday brunch at Zuni (greatest Bloody Marys ever) before the game.

The Saturday market at the newly redone Ferry Building is fun. Lunch at the Slanted Door (if you book ahead).

It's been a few years since I've been there, but for North Beach, how about Moose's?

I agree with Patrick, go to the Ferry Building for lunch. Making RSVP for Slanted Door for dinner is tough.... Lunch MUCH easier, great place to walk around. Easy walk to Pac Bell.

PS: I had my wedding reception at the Top of the Mark...have a cocktail for me please.

Great lunch spot before the game: Paragon Restaurant on the corner of 2nd and Townsend.

Website: paragonrestaurant.com

Drinks, especially before or after dinner - top of the Marriott on 4th and Mission.

Enjoy!

oh thanks guys! I'm making lots of notes on suggestions!

I'm checking in with a second vote for Paragon... easy walk to Pac Bell... had a great dinner there and they make a fantastic mojito! Also a fun place for a drink is at the Hyatt on the Embarcadero... I think the bar is on the 14th floor. The room rotates and the views of the city, bay and bridge at night are incrredible.

Excellent!

I am definately going to check out the Ferry Market too. Does anyone know if there is a bus or trolly that goes from pier 41 (Alcatraz tour) to the Ferry Market? I'm thinking about 3 dozen oysters and a bottle of wine might be nice after the tour!

The F train runs along the Embarcadero starting around the Ferry Building and going to Fisherman's Wharf/Pier 39 and back. The F trains are all restored streetcars from all over the country. The fare is $1.25 and they take $1 bills.

And any MUNI pass is valid for the F line trolley.

I see that I can pick up 3 day MUNI passes online. This seems like a good way to get around. I understand it doesn't include BART but covers all bus and cable car rides. Anything else that I should be aware of with this?

Hi stormygirl,
For your first evening, how about a drink at the Carnelian Room (top of the B of A Building) which would be right across the street from the Omni. Afterwards, you could eat at one of the restaurants on Belden Lane, a block away. The SF Chronicle's Sunday edition had an article detailing just about every establishment on Belden. My favorites are B-44 for Catalan food and Plouf for mussels. Have not yet tried the new-ish Brindisi, which is supposed to have good Italian seafood.

dovima, THANK YOU!! I didn't know that the BofA had a bar up there. Perfect for our first night as we won't get in until 10pm.

And we LOVE mussels!! will check out Plouf if possible.

stormygirl,
I believe the Carnelian Room closes at 11:00 p.m. Can't think of another place right by the Omni - do ask your concierge, there's certainly something else. San Francisco does not let its travellers go thirsty!

It is a few blocks away, but Bix is a great place for a drink - your guy won't know where you are taking him when you turn down the little alley-sized 1-way street but walk through the doors and you are in this great 2-story high supper club with live music and a giant mural behind the classy bar. Great food too, and the Bubble Lounge is only 2 blocks away. Where are you flying in from? If it is the East Coast and you land at 10 you might be dragging by the time you check into your hotel.

we are flying in from Seattle so we will be excited to celebrate and ready to go!

He doesn't know I've planned all this and our anniversary is today! I'm very excited to give him his gift!!!!

MoMos for a drink before the game is a MUST..it is right across from Pace Bell Park.

Anyone have any suggestions for late night menu places near the Omni for Thurs night noshing? We won't be heading out until about 10pm and would like to grab a moderately priced small meal (bistro, tapas, small plates, etc).

Btw I gave him his gift on Tuesday and he is so excited to go to SF!!!

Plouf is open until 11pm on Thursday nights and that is very close by. Globe, at Pacific and Battery, is a popular late night dining restaurant because it stays open until 11:30.