SF Cool dining
 

We are visiting San Fran next Saturday and want a cool happening place to eat. We are prepared to pay $$$$ for good food and a good vibe.

Also want to find a good lounge bar for late drinks / cocktails.

Thanks in advance.

The Slanted Door in the Ferry Building has terrific (Vietnamese) food and a nice, "happening" bar. I don't know if you consider Huey Lewis "happening", but he was eating there the night we went.

Town Hall, Bacar, Quince, Delphina's, Foreign Cinema, come to mind.

I recently tried to obtain a reservation at Slanted Door - they could offer me one all right - a week and a half away! So, call NOW.

Jeanty at Jack's - had dinner there on Tuesday. Nice combination of old-time S.F. ambiance and up to date menu. The bar sure seemed popular.

Or Palio across from Jeanty.

What do you mean by cool? What age range are you in?

We are mid 30's and have enjoyed the New York bar scene while working there last year, just want somewhere with good music laid back atmosphere and good cocktails.

Thanks

i would like to dissent on slanted door. they have always been snotty and overrated and now they are snotty and overrated in a new location.
you can get better fodd at several bay area upscale hip asian restaurants, without the attitude.
our friend was visiting from ny and couldn't stop whining about slanted door. we warned her. we took the 10pm tuesday table and as soon as she walked in she was like: you were so right.
the giant new room is dominated by "business groups eating out together" you know what that looks like. a lot of pastel sweaters, khakis at giant tables. the others were couples form out of town who sat stone silent as they 'experienced' slanted door and watched other people. ridiculous. that is not a scene.
as for huey lewis being cool? not here . he lives in marin, i'm sure he had business nearby and was waiting for his ferry home. whatever.
it is your choice. you can do better in sf.
sorry. one reviewer glows and suddenly the world "must" have their table. it's ridiculous. the place is not worth the trouble. it's an okay place for lunch- that's the only time when you can see the semi-okay view of yerba buena island- but mostly the ferries coming in and out.

How about Betel Nut?

I like Bix. Or is that not "cool" anymore?

Check out Cortez at the Hotel Adagio.
For music, I suggest you go on line at SFGate.com and view tomorrow's (Sunday's) datebook for a list of who or what is playing where.There are so many venues depending on your tastes from the Plush Room(cabaret) to Cafe du Nord(Edie Bickel and the like) to various blues ventures.

or..you might want to check out who is playing at Slim's.