Hi everyone,

We will be seeing a 10:00 Saturday night performance of Beach Blanket Babylon. Can you suggest somewhere close to the theatre for dinner? We like all kinds of food and budget is not a big deal. Thanks in advance.

Moose's!!!

While BBB is in North Beach and surrounded by Italian restaurants, I was going to make the same recommendation as localgal-- Moose's is our traditional before (or after) Beach Blanket Babylon place!

Third vote for Moose's. Enjoy.

Evidently Ed Moose is or has sold his restaurant but will stay around for awhile. I sure hope that this great restaurant doesn't go downhill. It is a great place to go to although sometimes IMO the staff has an attitude. And sometimes (but not always) I have felt the food is overpriced, but not to the point it is a big deal.

Another good but casual restaurant that I enjoy is the MonaLisa Restaurant which is just a few doors down from the cross street Vallejo on Columbus.

North Beach Restaurant is an old SF restaurant that many like also.

North Beach is a compact area, so whereever you choose to dine you will be close to the BBB. Have a wonderful time in SF!

I'm with LoveItaly and liked the MonaLisa. We had dinner there after our matinee on a Sunday and the food was delicious and it was also very reasonably priced.

We also went to Moose's after the Sunday early evening performance.
Should have gone before as they were out of several items.
M

There are many restaurants around that area - some good, some fine. In that area, I like El Raigon for Argentian (=steak), Trattoria Contadina, Cafe Jaqueline (only if you have a lot of time) for something romantic, House (pan-asian). Moose's is good, but has suffered a lot of chef turnover in the past few years. I haven't been there recently to comment.

This has nothing to do with the play but I love the restaurants on Belden Place, like B44, et al. (google it, there's a website). It's basically in the financial district, tucked away, an alley full of fun and interesting restaurants (plenty near enough to North Beach to make a 10pm show with no stress). It's quite unique and VERY "San Francisco" IMO.

Hi suze, good suggestion! Beldon Place is the former alley right off of Bush Street. I love Plouf's. If one is a lover of mussells this is sure a great restaurant to go to. Although since I always get the dish that is loaded with garlic don't order that before going to the theater, LOL.

We loved Beldon Place and especially Ploufs, but isn't it a hike to somewhere close to the theater?

Hi Budman, I would think that probably after dinner at Plouf's or any other fantastic restaurant in Beldon's Place probably that most people would want to take a taxi to BBB. The restaurant will be glad to call one. One could just wait on Bush St where Beldon Place begins.

I have more than once walked from Beldon Place to North Beach (walk off the dinner so to speak) but didn't have a show to go to. Just wanted to go to North Beach for espresso and to enjoy the enviroment which is a bit different then having to be at BBB at a certain time. Best wishes!

I'm a big fan of B44 and the Northern Spanish dishes in the restaurant. Go for the Paella with squid ink - it's tops.

BTW, for the benefit of those wishing to map the street online, the correct spelling is BELDEN Place.

Yes, it is Belden Place. To clarify further it is off of Bush between Kearny (west) and Montgomery (east).

But closer of course would be eating at a North Beach restaurant as you will be right there by BBB. Enjoy!

Thanks for all the great suggestions. Now I just have to make up my mind. You've given me plenty of ideas. I'll report back when we return. Thanks again.