Where to stay in the Marina District?
Jun 1st, 2010, 06:12 AM
#61
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hayes Street Grill,
Been around forever. Friends who dined there recently said it was not nearly as good as it was a decade ago
Albona,
Good hearty food - I have not dined there in over 15 years
Scoma's,
I thought you did not want to dine at a touristy place - this is tourist ground zero
La Folie
I thought you said you did not want to dine at an expensive place. This is one of our favorites - when someone else is paying
Lori's Diner
Burger joint - try Asian or other ethnic food if yo want to save money,
Aziza
Now you're talking - one of our very favorite restaurants,
Tadich Grill (couldnt see a menu for this one)
Along with Sam's, one of the oldest restaurants in the city. I dine here several times a year - usually for lunch
,Pebacco
You're on a roll. This has become another of our favorites. We dined here about 3 weeks ago - for the third time. Excellent
Calzones
We go here to sit at the bar next to the windows looking out on Columbus street, & we have a beer while people watching. We dined here once about 15 years ago - not good at all. Slightly better than a frozen Italian dinner, IMO. Typical North Beach Italian red sauce place. I see the food being served to others - and we are always glad we are not dining here. Very touristy too. Go elsewhere in North Beach for food.,
Enrico's
Of course, everyone knows Enricos - and we probably dined here in the 70s.
Chow Restaurants
Not my style, but it gets some good press. Never dined here,
Mona Lisa, E'Tutto Qua,
Lots of Fodors GTGs at thee places. We dined at E'Tutto Qua at a GTG & it was quite nice - definately better than Calzone
The Cliff House
We dined here about 1 1/2 years ago and it was great. However, things seem to run hot & cold - depending on who is executive chef at the time. The one who had that position when we were there (George Marrone??) has left, I believe.
Lulu's,
Fun place - We've dined there several times - give it a try
Perbacco
You must want to dine here - you put it on your list twice,
Stu Dudley
Been around forever. Friends who dined there recently said it was not nearly as good as it was a decade ago
Albona,
Good hearty food - I have not dined there in over 15 years
Scoma's,
I thought you did not want to dine at a touristy place - this is tourist ground zero
La Folie
I thought you said you did not want to dine at an expensive place. This is one of our favorites - when someone else is paying
Lori's Diner
Burger joint - try Asian or other ethnic food if yo want to save money,
Aziza
Now you're talking - one of our very favorite restaurants,
Tadich Grill (couldnt see a menu for this one)
Along with Sam's, one of the oldest restaurants in the city. I dine here several times a year - usually for lunch
,Pebacco
You're on a roll. This has become another of our favorites. We dined here about 3 weeks ago - for the third time. Excellent
Calzones
We go here to sit at the bar next to the windows looking out on Columbus street, & we have a beer while people watching. We dined here once about 15 years ago - not good at all. Slightly better than a frozen Italian dinner, IMO. Typical North Beach Italian red sauce place. I see the food being served to others - and we are always glad we are not dining here. Very touristy too. Go elsewhere in North Beach for food.,
Enrico's
Of course, everyone knows Enricos - and we probably dined here in the 70s.
Chow Restaurants
Not my style, but it gets some good press. Never dined here,
Mona Lisa, E'Tutto Qua,
Lots of Fodors GTGs at thee places. We dined at E'Tutto Qua at a GTG & it was quite nice - definately better than Calzone
The Cliff House
We dined here about 1 1/2 years ago and it was great. However, things seem to run hot & cold - depending on who is executive chef at the time. The one who had that position when we were there (George Marrone??) has left, I believe.
Lulu's,
Fun place - We've dined there several times - give it a try
Perbacco
You must want to dine here - you put it on your list twice,
Stu Dudley
Jun 1st, 2010, 07:34 AM
#62
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On second thought:
I noticed that there are no ethnic restaurants on your list - with the possible exception of Aziza which I think is more California food than Moroccan. Perhaps you are not an "adventuresone" diner ???? If this is the case, you might not like the same restaurants we frequent. For example, my choices at Perbacco 3 weeks ago were:
- tough choice between the pigs trotters, and the roasted octopus with poached Wagyu beef tongue. I chose the latter.
- my wife had the cured sardines
- Main for me was the Rabbit in spiced red wine & polenta
- Wife had the sea bass
At restaurants I never opt for:
- beef - I can bar-b-que a mean prime NY steak or a marinated hanger steak
- Chicken
- Pork Chop
- Pasta - except maybe if white truffles are shaved on top, or perhaps shaved cured tuna heart like they have at a few restaurants in town
- Salmon - I prepare salmon several different ways at home
- Petrale Sole - this is a quick/simple dinner we have at home all the time with toasted almonds. I like Rex Sole at Tadich or Sams.
- Veal dishes with red sauce
- Mac & cheese and other "home cooking"
- Dungeness crab. I have this at home during crab season. Don't need anyone else to crack & clean it for me.
Stu Dudley
I noticed that there are no ethnic restaurants on your list - with the possible exception of Aziza which I think is more California food than Moroccan. Perhaps you are not an "adventuresone" diner ???? If this is the case, you might not like the same restaurants we frequent. For example, my choices at Perbacco 3 weeks ago were:
- tough choice between the pigs trotters, and the roasted octopus with poached Wagyu beef tongue. I chose the latter.
- my wife had the cured sardines
- Main for me was the Rabbit in spiced red wine & polenta
- Wife had the sea bass
At restaurants I never opt for:
- beef - I can bar-b-que a mean prime NY steak or a marinated hanger steak
- Chicken
- Pork Chop
- Pasta - except maybe if white truffles are shaved on top, or perhaps shaved cured tuna heart like they have at a few restaurants in town
- Salmon - I prepare salmon several different ways at home
- Petrale Sole - this is a quick/simple dinner we have at home all the time with toasted almonds. I like Rex Sole at Tadich or Sams.
- Veal dishes with red sauce
- Mac & cheese and other "home cooking"
- Dungeness crab. I have this at home during crab season. Don't need anyone else to crack & clean it for me.
Stu Dudley
Jun 1st, 2010, 08:26 AM
#63
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 9,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
interesting list of what you never order, Stu.... I don't think I've seen that in discussion before.
I also rarely order (haha) steak in a restaurant. If I am paying a premium for someone with expertise to cook something for me, I want it to be more simple than just cooking a piece of meat that I could do at home. I prefer complex dishes that would be too much trouble for me to make myself.
I also rarely order (haha) steak in a restaurant. If I am paying a premium for someone with expertise to cook something for me, I want it to be more simple than just cooking a piece of meat that I could do at home. I prefer complex dishes that would be too much trouble for me to make myself.
Jun 1st, 2010, 08:40 AM
#65
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Love Perbacco (it's near where I work, and it's a "go to" lunch place for us, when we eat lunch, that is!).
Ristobar - you may have gotten that recommendation from me -- we ate there a week ago and loved it. Several other people in my office have been and have been equally effusive in their praise. Very very good food and not ridiculous prices. Also, it's right on Chestnut Street, so if you're staying in the Marina or Cow Hollow, you can walk. We had excellent service, others have complained a little, but said the food made up for the lack of service.
Momo's - the food is OK (not a place you'd go out of your way for -- but it's good because it's across the street from AT&T). It's directly across the street from AT&T, so if you want a pre- or post- game atmosphere, head there, you can't miss it because they have a terrace out front which will be jam-packed on game days.
Paragon - same -- ok food, "ballgame" atmosphere on game days.
Tres Agaves - also a bar scene on game days/nights. Food is pretty good Mexican.
(The above three are places I would go if I were going to a game, along with Pete's Tavern, but it would be for the atmosphere more than the food. I would not go to any of these but for a game at AT&T, whereas Ristobar and Perbacco I would go out of my way for. Lori's Diner I just don't like the food).
Ristobar - you may have gotten that recommendation from me -- we ate there a week ago and loved it. Several other people in my office have been and have been equally effusive in their praise. Very very good food and not ridiculous prices. Also, it's right on Chestnut Street, so if you're staying in the Marina or Cow Hollow, you can walk. We had excellent service, others have complained a little, but said the food made up for the lack of service.
Momo's - the food is OK (not a place you'd go out of your way for -- but it's good because it's across the street from AT&T). It's directly across the street from AT&T, so if you want a pre- or post- game atmosphere, head there, you can't miss it because they have a terrace out front which will be jam-packed on game days.
Paragon - same -- ok food, "ballgame" atmosphere on game days.
Tres Agaves - also a bar scene on game days/nights. Food is pretty good Mexican.
(The above three are places I would go if I were going to a game, along with Pete's Tavern, but it would be for the atmosphere more than the food. I would not go to any of these but for a game at AT&T, whereas Ristobar and Perbacco I would go out of my way for. Lori's Diner I just don't like the food).
Jun 1st, 2010, 12:59 PM
#67
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the Cow Hollow/Marina area are two of my favorite neighborhood restaurants.
They meet your criteria for non-touristy and not too expensive.
Liverpool Lil's on Lyon at Lombard-just before you drive into the Presidio.
It's a pub and restaurant with VG food.
Lil's has a prix fixe menu between 5-7PM for $23.
On the regular dinner menu there's a wonderful
Paella. Their sister restaurant is the Brazen Head
on Buchanan near Greenwhich.
Dark and cozy. One caveat, don't even think of
driving to these places, the parking is a bear.
R5
They meet your criteria for non-touristy and not too expensive.
Liverpool Lil's on Lyon at Lombard-just before you drive into the Presidio.
It's a pub and restaurant with VG food.
Lil's has a prix fixe menu between 5-7PM for $23.
On the regular dinner menu there's a wonderful
Paella. Their sister restaurant is the Brazen Head
on Buchanan near Greenwhich.
Dark and cozy. One caveat, don't even think of
driving to these places, the parking is a bear.
R5
Jun 1st, 2010, 01:45 PM
#69
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A fine possibility, Stu, if you are driving into the area from out
of town. I was thinking in relation to the OP who is
staying in the area and that they could just walk to dinner.
4-5 blocks to the Brazen Head and the same in the other direction
to Lil's - that about right ?
R5
of town. I was thinking in relation to the OP who is
staying in the area and that they could just walk to dinner.
4-5 blocks to the Brazen Head and the same in the other direction
to Lil's - that about right ?
R5
Jun 1st, 2010, 02:25 PM
#70
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
threadies: just FYI, stu used to live in SF and now is south of SF, neoPatrick - last I knew - lives in Florida, and I haven't the faintest idea where SAB lives and could care less. Her advice is always excellent.
R5 or razzledazzle is north of SF but is a wonderful resource for the Bay Area as well, particularly north of SF.
I'm about 20 miles south of Stu.
As for Lori's Diner - it depends on the age of the person. It's great for kids and for those with a nostalgia for the 1950s. There's one location which had a 1950's Buick suspended from the ceiling. It's that sort of place. Certainly not fine dining, but burgers and French fries.
For classier "nostalgia", Sam's is a good recommendation.
I can't remember everything that has been said on this thread, but San Francisco has a great many inexpensive but very good ethnic restaurants if you are at all interested in more diverse cuisines.
We don't have season's tickets to the baseball games any more, but when we did, Paragon was our favorite pre-game stop.
R5 or razzledazzle is north of SF but is a wonderful resource for the Bay Area as well, particularly north of SF.
I'm about 20 miles south of Stu.
As for Lori's Diner - it depends on the age of the person. It's great for kids and for those with a nostalgia for the 1950s. There's one location which had a 1950's Buick suspended from the ceiling. It's that sort of place. Certainly not fine dining, but burgers and French fries.
For classier "nostalgia", Sam's is a good recommendation.
I can't remember everything that has been said on this thread, but San Francisco has a great many inexpensive but very good ethnic restaurants if you are at all interested in more diverse cuisines.
We don't have season's tickets to the baseball games any more, but when we did, Paragon was our favorite pre-game stop.
Jun 1st, 2010, 09:51 PM
#72
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 36,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
threadies, I am somewhat puzzled by your comments where you mention several posters whom you take to be locals (but aren't -- myself included) then suggest you are interested in their opinions only of certain restaurants.
The idea that you are the only tourist in the world who doesn't want "touristy" restaurants, or the idea that only locals would know good restaurants is absurd. Are you then suggesting that after you go to a number of restaurants your recommendations would mean NOTHING because after all you too are a tourist and couldn't possibly know what is good or not -- as only the locals can?
I find it extremely patronizing to suggest that you would know and care about good restaurants but other tourists couldn't.
The idea that you are the only tourist in the world who doesn't want "touristy" restaurants, or the idea that only locals would know good restaurants is absurd. Are you then suggesting that after you go to a number of restaurants your recommendations would mean NOTHING because after all you too are a tourist and couldn't possibly know what is good or not -- as only the locals can?
I find it extremely patronizing to suggest that you would know and care about good restaurants but other tourists couldn't.
Jun 1st, 2010, 11:42 PM
#73
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
NeoPatrick,
Obviously my suggestion on several posters seeming to be locals was incorrect, but those I mentioned (especially Stu) seem to have so much knowledge of SFO, that it seemed reasonable to assume they were local.
Your second paragraph (above) is itself absurd. You are trying to put words in my mouth that I certainly didnt write or even think of. What you have suggested in your posting is certainly not the way I think.
My object in posting on Fodors is to find out as much as I can from other posters (be they locals or tourists), so that I will gain lots of information prior to my arrival, which will make my holiday much more enjoyable.
Why dont you try to chill out. You seem to be rather touchy.
Obviously my suggestion on several posters seeming to be locals was incorrect, but those I mentioned (especially Stu) seem to have so much knowledge of SFO, that it seemed reasonable to assume they were local.
Your second paragraph (above) is itself absurd. You are trying to put words in my mouth that I certainly didnt write or even think of. What you have suggested in your posting is certainly not the way I think.
My object in posting on Fodors is to find out as much as I can from other posters (be they locals or tourists), so that I will gain lots of information prior to my arrival, which will make my holiday much more enjoyable.
Why dont you try to chill out. You seem to be rather touchy.
Jun 2nd, 2010, 04:37 AM
#74
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 36,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Clearly, I was simply trying to make a point, but it seems you are even more touchy that I am.
I just never understand when anyone suggests they don't like tourist restaurants and only want locals' opinions, because it DOES imply that they consider them more "tasteworthy" than other tourists. The simple fact is that MANY tourists DO have good taste and the bulk of them don't want "touristy" restaurants either. The best restaurants in San Francisco would not survive without the huge tourist population who have sought them out and continue to recommend them. So the bottom line is that those who are frequent travelers to a city often have as good or even better ideas of good restaurants than many locals who often patronize primarily their own neighborhood restaurants.
Yes, Stu is a major source of knowledge. Sorry if I hit a nerve with the comment that other "tourists" CAN have good ideas too and that you are probably not the first person who is looking for "good" rather than "touristy" restaurants.
Enjoy San Francisco. There is much wonderful dining there at any price.
I just never understand when anyone suggests they don't like tourist restaurants and only want locals' opinions, because it DOES imply that they consider them more "tasteworthy" than other tourists. The simple fact is that MANY tourists DO have good taste and the bulk of them don't want "touristy" restaurants either. The best restaurants in San Francisco would not survive without the huge tourist population who have sought them out and continue to recommend them. So the bottom line is that those who are frequent travelers to a city often have as good or even better ideas of good restaurants than many locals who often patronize primarily their own neighborhood restaurants.
Yes, Stu is a major source of knowledge. Sorry if I hit a nerve with the comment that other "tourists" CAN have good ideas too and that you are probably not the first person who is looking for "good" rather than "touristy" restaurants.
Enjoy San Francisco. There is much wonderful dining there at any price.
Jun 2nd, 2010, 07:08 AM
#75
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi, R5!
Not "kind", just the truth. I've benefitted so greatly from your extensive knowledge of the wineries and restaurants north of SF that I'm sure others have and will too!
Everyone should be so lucky as to shed their corporate ID and live in Marin County!
Not "kind", just the truth. I've benefitted so greatly from your extensive knowledge of the wineries and restaurants north of SF that I'm sure others have and will too!
Everyone should be so lucky as to shed their corporate ID and live in Marin County!
Jun 2nd, 2010, 08:33 AM
#76
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 3,184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i'm not sure what other activities you are interested in besides the ball game.
here is a site that will give you discounted tickets to not just the ball game but also some other venues
www.goldstar.com
here is a site that will give you discounted tickets to not just the ball game but also some other venues
www.goldstar.com
Jun 3rd, 2010, 09:10 PM
#78
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
NeoPatrick
Seems we are both touchy!! I agree with your second paragraph above (2 June at 10.37pm) and didnt mean to imply that I wouldnt eat in touristy restaurants as obviously many of those are good. Having said that, I believe that locals know of many good restaurants that aren't on the tourist radar, and those are the restaurants I was looking for.
I have been to San Francisco previously and am looking forward to enjoying it again.
Seems we are both touchy!! I agree with your second paragraph above (2 June at 10.37pm) and didnt mean to imply that I wouldnt eat in touristy restaurants as obviously many of those are good. Having said that, I believe that locals know of many good restaurants that aren't on the tourist radar, and those are the restaurants I was looking for.
I have been to San Francisco previously and am looking forward to enjoying it again.
Jun 4th, 2010, 06:23 AM
#79
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Off the tourist radar:
Pomelo on Church St in the Noe Valley. We dine here more often than anyplace in the Bay Area. Best value in the City, IMO. Kind of place we loved in the 70s - no Pat Kuleto design - just an old storefront turned into a simple restaurant where the waiters are the owners. Ecectic food. No reservations. They have specials, and paella is offered once a month on Thurs, Fri, & Sat - order it if you see it.
Firefly on 24th street in the Noe Valley. I think this was written up in the Wall Steet Journal, but it is in a location that tourists never find. Great fixed price meny. Google it.
Thanh Long - waaaay out on Judah near the ocean. We had a Fodors GTG here and this restaurant was recommended by thereyet. Abranz (see 3 above) and DebitNM (with husbands) were there along with thereyet & another Fodors people. We've returned & will return again. Vietnamese. Noted for their Dungenous crab, but we did not order that (abranz & DebitNM did). Their garlic noodles are fantastic.
Stu Dudley
Pomelo on Church St in the Noe Valley. We dine here more often than anyplace in the Bay Area. Best value in the City, IMO. Kind of place we loved in the 70s - no Pat Kuleto design - just an old storefront turned into a simple restaurant where the waiters are the owners. Ecectic food. No reservations. They have specials, and paella is offered once a month on Thurs, Fri, & Sat - order it if you see it.
Firefly on 24th street in the Noe Valley. I think this was written up in the Wall Steet Journal, but it is in a location that tourists never find. Great fixed price meny. Google it.
Thanh Long - waaaay out on Judah near the ocean. We had a Fodors GTG here and this restaurant was recommended by thereyet. Abranz (see 3 above) and DebitNM (with husbands) were there along with thereyet & another Fodors people. We've returned & will return again. Vietnamese. Noted for their Dungenous crab, but we did not order that (abranz & DebitNM did). Their garlic noodles are fantastic.
Stu Dudley
