Not trying to steal the other thread's thunder, but my wife and I are going on vacation to Cali this summer. We're staying in San Francisco for three nights at the end of our stay and could use the same recommendations in the other thread (food, bars, things to do). We're squared away on our hotel (Nob Hill area) but any other recommendations would be great.

If you're a local beer type person, hop on the local public transit Muni line, I usually wind up on the N line but almost any of them get you to the right spot, hop off just after you get through the tunnels and you'll be in the Haight area. About 3 blocks away there's a great bar called the Toronado that I've been to a couple times. Dozens of locals on tap. If you're there in the evening and cheap, there's a really solid place to get a sausage next door. Find a table at the Toronado, order your sausage(s) while someone holds that table, wait/drink about 10 minutes, then come back and get them. Drink night away. And you'll probably want another sausage. But be warned that the sausage place closes early (like 9, IIRC)

 

If you're just south of Downtown, there's a place called Rosco's that I keep going to for lunch every time I'm there for the annual convention. Bit hard to get to/find if you're not in the area, but if you're close...yay.

 

There's really no excuse for you being at this site and not catching a Giants game. Or at least visiting the ballpark. I believe I passed the hotel Mark Twain worked at while walking to the ballpark. Just F***ing gorgeous.

 

For a great nighttime view, the "Mark Hopkins hotel" sits on top of one of those hills and has a very nice but kinda expensive martini bar/food place at the top. Great view.

 

What else can I offer?

Giants are at the Mariners that weekend (June 14th-17th).

 

I'll definitely check out the local breweries. Neither of us have ever been there (save for me being in the airport a few months ago) and we don't have anything planned right now. We'll be coming off several days at Yosemite, so a whole bunch of hiking and walking probably isn't going to happen.

Edited February 28, 201214 yr by StrangeSox

Giants are at the Mariners that weekend (June 14th-17th).

 

I'll definitely check out the local breweries. Neither of us have ever been there (save for me being in the airport a few months ago) and we don't have anything planned right now. We'll be coming off several days at Yosemite, so a whole bunch of hiking and walking probably isn't going to happen.

If that'd be a "definitely" on your list, just do the Toronado. Trust me. Or go trust Yelp, Yelp loves that place.

 

And seriously, hanging out by the ballpark and taking a look at the bay right next door is really nice.

Not trying to steal the other thread's thunder, but my wife and I are going on vacation to Cali this summer. We're staying in San Francisco for three nights at the end of our stay and could use the same recommendations in the other thread (food, bars, things to do). We're squared away on our hotel (Nob Hill area) but any other recommendations would be great.

Obviously, tour Alcatraz.

Obviously, tour Alcatraz.

There's been this strange rash of murders lately that appear to have something to do with that prison, I might consider skipping it...

 

Similarly obviously, head down and catch a view of the bridge. Or drive over it if you're driving.

There's been this strange rash of murders lately that appear to have something to do with that prison, I might consider skipping it...

 

Similarly obviously, head down and catch a view of the bridge. Or drive over it if you're driving.

I took one of those boat cruises that goes underneath it. It also circles around Alcatraz if you don't have time for the tour.

Oh, visiting the Chinatown Gate/walking through Chinatown is a solid experience. Haven't really eaten there but I'm sure that's quality.

SS, some recommendations from the food queen (the girlfriend):

 

Gotts Roadside

Quince

Frances

Gary Danko

Kokkari Estiatorio

Wayfare Tavern

The Slanted Door

Dottie's True Blue Cafe for breakfast

Zuni

 

If any of you guys want recommendations for NY, feel free to ask...she literally follows chefs like we follow sports.

PacBell (or whatever it's called now) is awesome. I sat on the third base side looking out into the bay and saw the steroidal Barry Bonds hit a game winning HR into it. I didn't like him even when he was with the Pirates, but I have to say that it's a pretty solid top sports moment that I witnessed in person.

 

Just walking along the bay to Pier 39 to see the sea lions is pretty cool, too.

 

I was only there a few days for work, so I didn't do much else.

 

ps It's much colder than you might think, so pack some fall type clothes.

Edited February 28, 201214 yr by Middle Buffalo

Alcatraz is a must, but book your tickets early, you can't just walk up and buy. Also, book a tour in the morning, there is less of a crowd and easier to get around everything, do the audio tour, etc. Then by the time you're done with everything you'll dodge the big crowd.

 

Even if the Giants are out of town, do the tour, it was like 15 bucks and well worth it.

 

Gotta hit up some of the piers, good food (fish) and stores there.

 

Bridge - rent a bike and bike across, it's pretty fun. Then you'll end up in Sausalito, which is a pretty cool town. You can then take a ferry back, very common to do so. Or you can bike it back again but most people hit up the ferry.

 

As Balta said Chinatown is cool to walk through. We did have some food there and it was great, don't remember which place though.

 

Eat dinner here and order the "The Best Damn Crab Cioppino":

 

http://www.yelp.com/biz/sotto-mare-san-francisco

 

And yeah it's colder than you think, obviously check the weather but you'll want some long sleeve t's and some jackets out there.

Edited February 29, 201214 yr by IlliniKrush