We took the ferry to Tiburon and had a great brunch at Sam's. That way you get your ferry ride and your brunch. I also LOVE Nan King and go there each time I visit the city. I like Scomas for clam chowder and other seafood. I didn't find it too tourist.

Tiburon! Oh my, is that better than Sausalito (and are pelicans there too)? Clearly we need more time to visit.

Ronda: thanks for the recommendation on the church. We'll make a point of seeing it.

Montgomery: appreciate the Sausalito link. I've been researching San Francisco so much I hadn't gotten around to it. Handy map there.

cd: we always take our peanut butter along, ;-)

I'm printing out the restaurant recommendations. Any more?

If you like garlic, you must seek out the Stinking Rose. We had a great dinner there.

Sausalito has a great local breakfast joint called Freds. We like it better than the Lighthouse.

Chowhound.com has a huge SF board--there's a lot of foodies in that area.

Just keep an eye out for the Bushman.

The bushman! He has been on the Wharf for as long as I can remember. Every year I am in the city I say it must be his last but he keeps "jumping out" like clockwork. More reliable than Big Ben!

Well, I have yet to have a good meal anywhere in Fisherman's Wharf, with the exception of chowder and crab from the outside vendors (and In n Out Burger!) I suggest taking a quick cable car ride up the Hyde street line and eat at one of the Russian Hill restaurants on Hyde just a few blocks past Lombard. Within a 4-5 block area, there are some really great little restaurants. I'd recommend Frascati (Cal-Med), I Fratelli (Italian), Zarzuela (Spanish - great sangria), Hyde Street Bistro (French bistro), Sushi Groove ("sceney" but good sushi), Za Pizza (casual), and for dessert, Swenson's Ice Cream (made fresh at the store). For Italian in North Beach, Trattoria Contadina is wonderful. For breakfast, you really can't beat Dottie's True Blue in the Tenderloin, but unfortunately there's always a line on the weekends. Have a fun trip!

We've stayed at Tuscan Inn and eaten both a dinner and several breakfasts there. Respectable food, nice atmosphere, medium pricing. One of my favorite restaurants in that area is Albona, an Istrian restaurant (Istria is that little peninsula between Italy and the former Yugoslavia) The chef/owner Bruno is a real character--a hand kisser and general schmoozer. It's a very small place so reservations are advised. The food has hints of Austrian and Italian. It's quite unique and also reasonable. It's a couple of blocks up the hill from the Tuscan Inn.

WuWuWu, you might find this helpful.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl.../CM100REST.DTL

I love that they have noise ratings at that site, Marianna. I would take food of lesser quality for a quieter atmosphere.

What's the story on this bushman? Does he leap out at people?

The Tenderloin gets such bad press, is it safe to go there in the daytime? Curious name - does anyone know how it came about?

The bushman is down on the wharf. He hides behind a large bushy shrub branch and jumps out at people. Hence the name the bush man.

There are parts of the Tenderloin that I personally would not feel safe in during the day but there are also areas including the outer edges of it that are fine. Just use your common sense and walk in a group if possible. The Tenderloin has some good places to eat and also Glide Methodist Church there. Someone else may have more specific information.

Ok, thanks. Good to know, so I'll be less likely to jump out of my skin. What interesting info one picks up here at Fodors!

I would recommend Scoma's. I live in the Bay area and that is the place I recommend to our friends/family. It is not that cheap but you get a piece of old San Francisco. The wait staff have been there for years. I went for the first time 8 years ago and the saw the same people working there since. It is down in the wharf area. Watch for the sign - it is down a small street towards the water. Worth going to. You will get plenty of great food, so be hungry! The place is casual dress.
For great Crab-go to the Crab House on Pier 39. I am not sure when you are going so I don't know if it will be crab season.
And take a Bay Cruise or go to Alcatraz. make sure to pack a jacket-Alcatraz is very cold. Even though it is summer it gets cold at night!
Have fun!

I want the San Francisco experience so 'a piece of old San Francisco' sounds good to me. (I also like places that keep their staff.) WuWuWu is going about mid August; we're going in the last half of September. Will order our tickets for Alcatraz soon.