Nina sorry you don't like Chestnut.

Hi Vic,<BR>In response to your question re the Castro district:<BR><BR>The Castro is a neighborhood, a real San Francisco neighborhood, not just "gayville". There's a lot of interesting shops on Castro Street and surrounding area. Some good cafes, restaurants, bakeries. The residential streets off Castro have gorgeously restored Victorians and Edwardians. And, of course, the Castro Theatre, one of our last big single-screen movie houses, where an organist plays on stage before most screenings. If you are here on a sunny clear day, combine a trip to Twin Peaks with a walk in the Castro. On a foggy day, especially at about 5:00 p.m. on a July/August evening, stand at Castro & Market and marvel at the huge bank of fog pouring over and through Twin Peaks! Oh, and an insider's S.F. tip - the corner of Castro & Market is the one surefire place in the city where you can always get a cab, 24/7.<BR>Welcome back, and enjoy your trip!<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Thanks for all your great suggestions.<BR>I'll definitely print this off and take it with me.

Vic,<BR>Agree with Nick on Shanghai Kelly's!<BR>GO STEELERS!<BR>I was introduced to it last Sat for the NFL Draft, Kings NBA game and SJ Sharks NHL hockey match. Great people. They may be able to set you up with Giants tics too. Check their website for ballgame specials. <BR>Wind your way down Polk towards Union St.<BR>We also hit the Redwood Room in the Clift Hotel on Geary/Taylor (no sign outside-you have to find it!) and the Grand Cafe at Hotel Monaco. Both very interesting.<BR>A sunset cocktail at the Carnelian Room (top of the B of America Tower) or Cityscapes is also beautiful.<BR>Kal<BR>

<BR>xx - I didn't say that I didn't like Chestnut Street, I guess that was attempted humor on your part :-( . . . or some kind of pay back for liking Fort Point. I was sincere when I said that I was sorry that you didn't like Fort Point. To each his own.

Kal, dude, you are going too upscale for me -- the Redwood Room in the Clift? How was that? Were you scrutinized behind a velvet rope before they let you in? How are the drinks and the crowd?<BR><BR>Some more off the beaten path ideas that involve drinking:<BR><BR>Watch a film at the Red Vic Movie House in the Haight where you can sit on a couch and drink a beer. This month they are showing films including Barbarella and The Shining.<BR><BR>Martinis at Persian Aub Zam Zam on Haight Street, where in past days the bartender was much like the Soup Czar. If you didn't order properly or if you sat at a table instead of the bar he would kick you out. Now Bruno is gone, but the martinis are still the best.

S'pike-What velevet rope? <BR>We just walked right in. Since I was still wearing my Steeler "Throw-back" jersey and after around 5hrs at Shanghai Kelly's maybe they needed the comic relief? <BR>It IS rather..ahem..."upscale" but very beautiful decor.<BR><BR>We haven't been to the Haight in over 5yrs. Mrs Kal was in one of the umpteen tie-dyed shirt shops so I was waiting outside. A "local" slowly walked by eyeballin' me. He turned and walked back and said in a low voice "Hello Officer". Guess I looked like a UndCover Cop? Had some fun there in the early 70s.<BR>We'll have to put those Haight hangouts on our barrhoppin' list. Kezar Tavern still open? <BR>I feel like making another SF run this weekend...but it may rain...:-( Yountville???<BR>Kal