A friend told me that the Buena Vista Cafe near Aquatic Park is famous for Irish Coffee and is a city "institution."

I'm interested in hearing about other such places, what they are famous for, and where they are located.

Have a drink in the Palace Court Hotel's bar under the Maxfield Parrish mural of the Pied Piper.

Tadich Grill...since 1849...best dish:Nostalgia....wonderful atmosphere.No reservations.Packed at peak times.Enjoy

I see a pattern developing here!

Thanks everyone for getting this one going.

Sam's Grill is another institution, like Tadich's but less visited by tourists so not as crowded. Swan Osyter depot is another great eating institution, famous for seafood. The Palace for brunch is another.

What's the story on Sears Fine Foods?

Will I be able to keep up my high carb, high calorie and excessive fat regime? I'd hate to get puny on this trip!

The Sears family closed the restaurnat due to financial problems, it reopened with new ownership, some remodeling and changes to the menu. Apparently still serving Sears' famous pancakes but IMHO that really isn't Sears anymore.

I prefer my Irish Coffee with breakfast at the Buena Vista.

Hmmm.... the only institution I know is Laguna Honda... I have to eat and drink out more often!

For awhile, Mayor Willie wanted to name ME a SF "Eating-Drinking Institution"...
then he figured out I should BE in one!!!

Wasington Sq Bar and Grill esp if Mike McCourt (bro of Angela's Ashes, 'Tis, author Frank and as entertaining) or "Joey "Blues Eyes" DiMaggio are working.

Mooses (also Wash Sq)for people watching and martini's.

Fior de Italia-oldest Italian Retaurant in the west.

Capp's Corner-Forgot all about this place until last April's trip.

The Saloon-If it's open!
Never know when the SFPD or the ABC or....will close it down for awhile.

London Wine Bar-Gary is the man!

Gordon Biersch's patio for the view and the beer.

Fog City Diner-Meat loaf and Guinness!

Clown Alley for a triple cheeseburger at 2 in the a.m.

Ahhhh..."Brazenhead". Went there once and I never know why we haven't been back. Nice place and from what I hear, you never know who you'll run into there late at night.

Shanghai Kelly's-get there early to get a seat and watch the people come in. SF's "Cheers" IMHO.

SF Brew Co-Good muchies too.

Kuletos Wine Bar in the Villa Florence.

Has the Compass Rose Room in St Francis been reopened/moved? Heard rumors.

Carnelian Room at the top of the B of A bldg. Great views from the cocktail lounge.
Ditto City Scapes at the top of the Hilton.

Haven't been in the remodeled Ferry Building but hear all sorts of good stuff.

Phew...I DO need a trip to SF.

The Compasss Rose just reopened as a high-end restaurant, to the wails of old-timers. The lobby of the St. Francis has been remodelled as well, and the famous clock is now up on the mezzanine.

Thanks again for all the great inputs.

Kal - sounds like you need to schedule another trip.

topping

Swan Oyster Depot on Polk.

Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store for focaccia sandwices in North Beach on Washington Square Park.

A total time capsule is Lefty O'Douls on Geary at Union Square, great artery clogging hofbrau.

Tosca, Specks and Vesuvio all on Kearny at Broadway for cocktails and characters.

The Redwood Room, or after a few drinks the Wedwood Woom, at least it was great before it was "updated".

So sad about Sear's Fine Food. I haven't been there since it reopened. Is it still all pink inside?

forgot to add.the Grubstake on Bush(?) and Polk for A great burger until 3 AM.

Also..a burger and caesar salad with a plate of shoestring potatoes at Zuni Cafe. Or, the shellfish bar at the Zuni

Why nibble around the edges? For real calories:

Go for ice cream at the Chocolate Factory in Ghirardelli Square. Try the Earthquake, it should be enough for two!

Or, if you are on a diet, try the gelato at Sophie's Corner in the Japan Center on Geary.

Kal and Degas together in SF. Now wouldn't THAT be something?!

Yes of course Irish coffees at the BV.

Martinis at Bix.

High tea at the Garden Court in the Palace hotel.

A nightcap at the Top of the Mark.

A bowl of Chowder from the dreaded FW.

Espresso/latte/coffee at Caffe Trieste. Check out all the pix of famous people who have been in there, and the hottie Italo-American boys behind the counter.


late night cheezeburgers at Lil Orphan Andy's in the Castro.

Tommy's Joint at Geary & Van Ness has been there forever. One of the few inexpensive meals in SF.

Agree that Tommy's Joynt (actually JOYNT not joint I believe) is a must. For chocoholics, skip the Ghiradelli and try a local institution: The Chocolate Bear (or Goldleaf Chocolate, some name change or something) on Union Street (fantastic chocolate, has been there at least a decade). Also on Union Street is Perry's, a great restaurant and "institution" - don't miss it!

Feeling like a journey? How about Ireland's 32 or the Plough and Stars in the Inner Richmond...in my mind the two best places for a perfectly poured Guinness in the City (along with O'Reilly's in N Beach)