My boyfriend and I are heading to San Francisco for a quick weekend trip tomorrow. We have both been there MANY times but not for about 2 years.

We had the Zagat Restaurants and Bars book but I lost it!!

What are your favorite places to grab a drink?

What are your favorite restaurants?

Any new and notable places? Some fun trendy bars?

We don't want to break the bank dining out so we are leaning toward more casual places.

We typically stay in the North beach area. This time we are staying at the Marriott downtown of 4th. I think it is considered the Embarcadero Marriott? We are also both in our 40's so places that have a mixed age group would be great.

Thanks!

We like having an Irish coffee at the Buena Vista and watching the cable cars turn around.

I have a fun Buena Vista story. We were walking back to our car, which was parked in a garage close to the Wharf. As we approached the Buena Vista. I aksed my husband if I could stop in at the BV and have and Irish coffee. He said sure, he walked to and got our car. Then was back to pick me up in 20 minutes.

Lefty O'Doul's is close to Union Square and another good spot.

Yeah, I have been to BV many times.

A few years ago one of the bartenders told us it was going to close for good soon. Any update on that?

Love Love Love Lefty O'Doul's across from the St. Francis in Union Square on Geary..a classic bar with piano and a buffet style of food.. mashed potatoes, Ham/Turkey etc with cheap eats. Does have tv's for sports..
Lefty's is old as dirt and a true classic..
Have a drink for me..cheers!

Check out new trendy restaurant Nopar on Divisadero. Also look into Town Hall, Lime, and Canteen.

I went to Lefty O'Douls when I was in San Fran in May. I was the youngest person there! It was fun, and the buffet was good enough for me as I wasn't very hungry. Good pub atmosphere, I guess. Lots of tables. No wi fi.

I just ran out and picked up the 2006/2007 edition of Zagat San Francisco Nightlife and highlighted all the bars you guys have suggested!

This is a late b-day weekend for me so we are going to hit as many bars as possible to celebrate!

Cheers!

Topping for last minute suggestions!

Union Street -- walk along it between Steiner and Van Ness and you'll find many great bars, as well as great restaurants (including one of my favorites, Betelnut, which also has a great bar scene).

www.betelnutrestaurant.com

Enjoy!

I haven't been to SF in a couple of years, but is Spec's still open -- great bar, just off Columbus, near City Lights Bookstore. Spec's is down an alley and a bit tricky to find.

Moose's makes a great martini. It's really a restaurant with a bar area.
Linda

these might seem like touristy suggestions, but i've only been to SF once, and i was a toursit.
there's a semi-famous old beat hang out on the corner right near CityLights Bookstore. name escapes me, but it was a cool funky little place for some drinks.

also, the "top of the world" lounge or whatever it's called in that really tall building. again, i know it's touristy but the views were worth it! that said, drinks were way over-priced and the atmosphere slightly stuff/semi-formal for my personal tastes.

tlf18, I think you are talking about Vesuvio on the first one but the second one could be one of many.

Thanks for all the suggestions! We will see how many we make it to and I will report back.

yes, Vesuvio. thanks

have fun. LOVED san fran, hope to go back someday.