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 Sophisticated, modern speakeasy |
1725 Haight Street at Cole Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 666 0822 http://www.alembicbar.com/ |
The Alembic's Southern theme and intimate setting are an intriguing variation from the local pubs and hippie hang outs usually found in the Upper Haight. From the owners of the Magnolia Brewery, the Alembic brings a menu of small plates that can best be described as upscale Soul Food and a diverse drink list full of interesting variations on traditional cocktails as well as beers from around the world. Especially interesting is their entirely local draft beer selection. Low lit and intimate, the Alembic has the feel of a modern speakeasy and is the place to go for unpretentious sophistication in the Haight. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: vintagedramas |
 Photo: OhioCapCity |
 Photo: Jeff Scott  |
 Witness gender illusions |
201 Ninth Street (at the corner of Howard Street) San Francisco, CA 94103 United States +1 415 255 2742 http://www.asiasf.com |
You will not be able to tell if the person serving you is a man or a woman. Welcome to the land of gender illusionists. It is essential to start off your experience here with one of their signature alcoholic drinks named after the ladies of Asia SF. And while the food here is not initially the main attraction, the menu offers great dishes that surprise with their creativity and balance. Start with an "Asia-dilla" - jack cheese, smoked duck and sun dried cherries in a grilled tortilla. Then for an impressive main course dish, try the Miso Glazed King Salmon on a bed of black rice and a tomato-edamame salad; this dish is delectable and surprisingly cohesive. After you eat, continue your night in the club, where DJs spin R&B/funk, house, as well as salsa and merengue. Cover: varies with event. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aaron Franklin |
 Photo: Josephine |
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Everything French but the Kiss |
400 Dewey Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94116 United States +1 415 242 0960 http://www.chouchousf.com/inde... |
In French, Chouchou means "cutie pie" and that is precisely how to describe this charming French restaurant. Tucked away in small corner of San Francisco's Forest Hill district, Chouchou holds a mighty reputation among those who have discovered it and for good reason. Not only does the restaurant serve mouthwatering dinners like Duck Leg Confit, Steamed P.E.I. Mussels Marinieres, and Pan Roasted Pork Tenderloin, but they also have a full brunch menu with a delectable selection of omelettes and sandwiches. Chouchou also specializes in pastries and tarts that can be ordered online or in-store and have to be tasted to be believed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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New England Flavor |
100 Connecticut Street San Francisco, CA 94107 United States +1 415 552 4440 http://www.theyankee.com |
This New England-style sports bar is authentic in its menu, decor, and staff. A great place to enjoy a Joe Montana (scrambled eggs with spinach, ground beef and onions) and a cold draft while you watch Sunday morning football. The bartenders have East Coast accents and the whole joint is decorated with sports memorabilia. Tons of TVs and satellite channels make every game its home. Dishes are aptly named after famous athletes like the John Elway (Denver omelet), the Cal Ripken (crab cakes), and the Dr. J (Philly Cheesesteak). See website for menu, photos, live music calendar and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Molly | Orangette |
 Photo: Stuart Steinhardt |
 Photo: Marilyn |
 Photo: Matt Shepherd |
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It's an adventure in here! |
1600 Old Bayshore Highway San Francisco, CA 94010 United States +1 650 259 9585 http://www.elephantbar.com/ |
Where can you find an eclectic mix of BBQ pork ribs, Vietnamese spring rolls, New York cheesecake, an indoor waterfall, and leopard-print carpeting? Only at the Elephant Bar Restaurant does this peculiar combination of sights, tastes, and sounds make sense. Embark on a culinary safari with "elephant-sized" portions and a friendly staff. Be sure to try the Oriental chicken salad, the basted lemon herb salmon, or the massive Steamer Trunk Super Sampler. Leave room for dessert! The chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich is delicious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Victorian dining |
201 Washington Street Jack London Square San Francisco, CA 94607 United States +1 510 465 4996 / +1 510 891 9659 http://www.thefatladyrestauran... |
The legend of this popular Victorian bar and restaurant dates back to its construction in 1884. The story goes that the "Fat Lady" was a madame who ran the busiest brothel on the Oakland wharf and that Jack London may have been a customer. The decor at this family-run place is lavishly Victorian. On weekend nights the salon-style bar is filled with locals enjoying the live music. During the workweek, it is popular with professionals. The menu features an electric mix of steaks, seafood, chicken, pasta, burgers, salads and more. The house liver pate made with ground walnuts and cognac. The double-cut French Lamb Chops are marinated in virgin olive oil and fresh rosemary. Weekend brunch dishes include Cinnamon Bread French Toast soaked in a special Grand Marnier Batter and topped with Berries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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24-Hour Weekend Dining |
901 Taraval Street San Francisco, CA 94116 United States +1 415 661 3303 |
San Francisco's Sunset district has plenty of bars you can find yourself at all night, but when that last call bell rings and you don't want to go home yet, head to the Island Cafe. Capitalizing on the amount of late night traffic in the area, this restaurant stays open round the clock on weekends, serving up delicious plates of Pork Lau Lau, Chicken Katsu, and, of course, Spam! These island dishes are a great way to preempt a hangover while still providing quality taste. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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For Kosher meals |
477 S. California Ave San Francisco, CA 94306 United States 650-329-0700 http://www.izzysbrooklynbagels... |
This place has more to it than just bagels. The menu boasts of a variety of Kosher dishes that are prepared with traditional recipes. There is an extensive range of salads on offer, which includes Eggplant Salad, Hummus, Egg Salad, and the ever-popular Tuna Salad. For the main course, try the Falafel Wraps or the Focaccia Sandwiches. If it's a Friday, then go for the Friday Special Shabbat Menu, which has delicacies, such as Challah Rolls, Jerusalem Noodle Kugel and Challah Bread Pudding. End your meal with mouth-watering sweets like Cinnamon Rolls, Babka, Homemade Walnut Brownie, Knish, and Assorted Muffins. Corporate delivery is available throughout San Francisco. This take-away has another branch at Palo Alto. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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All-American Home Run |
333 Geary Street San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 982 8900 http://www.leftyodouls.biz/ind... |
Serving traditional, hearty food with an all-American feel, Lefty O'Doul's is a cafeteria-style restaurant and sports bar where regulars as well as tourists can eat, drink, and watch a baseball game surrounded by baseball and celebrity memorabilia. And an unexpected bonus: every night features live piano performances. This bar/restaurant was initially created by baseball legend and San Francisco native, Francis "Lefty" O'Doul, as a place for friends and family to mingle with sports legends in a relaxed atmosphere. So to try the Corned Beef and Cabbage special or just to have a drink with fellow sports fans, head to this historic neighborhood meeting place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Art, Music, Dance & More |
701 Mission Street (Yerba Buena Gardens) San Francisco, CA 94103-3138 United States +1 415 978 2787 |
This one-day festival takes place outdoors and features a variety of entertainment possibilities to enjoy. It is where you can listen to the jazz melodies of A Gathering of Ancestors, watch traditional Native American dances, and gather for storytelling. It also offers art exhibits and craft workshops. The all day event is not only fun, it is an educational and cultural experience. This festival is free. Some vendors may take credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Revolutionary talk over fruitful sangria |
1109 Valencia Street San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 824 7659 |
If the thought of traveling through Mexico to get to Cuba seems excessive then simply have a drink at the alter-culture, Radio Habana Social Club. After walking through the doors of this Cuban Café you will be immersed in the ambiguous wall accessories and backwards service. Rubber chickens, dolls with anteater heads, and a crutch with a plastic foot hang from the ceiling. Don't be surprised if both Albert Einstein and a fake video camera stare at you as you choose between South American Wine, Mexican Beer or the fruitful house special, Sangria. The regulars are almost as colorful as the décor, belching Spanish, reading, and enjoying the wild Cuban music. There is a list of tapas and entrees, including Indian Samosas, Chicken Tamales and Chilean Emanadas. Drinks are from $3-$5 and meals $4-$6. Most guests spend hours humming to Buena Vista Social Club, sipping to their freedom until the wall decorations begin to spin above them. - Erin Podlipnik Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hawaiian heaven |
1940 Taraval Street (30th Avenue) San Francisco, CA 94116 United States +1 415 731 8900 http://www.ricksaloha.com/ |
What do you get when you cross an English pub with a Hawaiian luau? You get this place, full of people from all walks of life having a great time. The menu is full of international, self-styled comfort food such as Pot Roast, Chicken Marsala and Lamb Curry. You can top it all off with the 'uber' comfort food - Coconut Custard. The wine list offers several good domestic and imported vintages. On Sundays there is a champagne brunch with live jazz and blues on tap and a complementary glass of bubbly or a Mimosa as well as terrific Hawaiian Bread French Toast. On the first Monday of every month, join a real luau, with authentic fare. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Neiman Marcus' first class experience |
150 Stockton Street San Francisco, CA 94108 United States +1 415 362 4777 |
Located on the top floor of Neiman Marcus, one of The City's most upscale department stores, this restaurant serves incredible looking (and tasting) California cuisine. The glass dome topping off this dining venue comes from The City's historic City of Paris building built in 1909, where Neiman Marcus now stands. The restaurant's boasts impeccable service and great views of Union Square. It serves highbrow Californian cuisine like Beluga caviar, gourmet salads and legendary entrees. Imagine Lobster and Shrimp Spring Rolls so beautiful you feel guilty eating them. The Pepper-crusted New York Steak Sandwich features a honey-mustard ailoi and house-made gaufrettes. For dessert, try the Pecan Ice Cream Ball comes with a Wild Turkey Bourbon Sauce, or the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee has an orange-scented burnt sugar crust. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: GastronomicFightClub |
 Health & Happiness in a Cup? |
498 Sanchez St (at 18th Street) San Francisco, CA 94114 United States +1 415 626 4700 http://www.samovartea.com |
A samovar is a metal container used traditionally in Russia to boil water for tea, and the Samovar Tea Lounge in the Castro aims to promote a lifestyle of relaxation, social intimacy, and health by doing the same. An extensive tea menu is paired with a menu of small plates, both inspired by world cultures, and customers are invited to mix and match or to select a cultural tea service. The Tea Lounge in The Castro provides a peaceful moment in the middle of a busy city, and the second location at Yerba Buena Gardens often hosts tasting and concert events. Loose teas and Tea Ware are available for purchase. See website for Yerba Buena location and Newsroom Events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Unbeatable Burgers |
1204 Sutter Street (at Polk Street) San Francisco, CA 94114 United States +1 415 885 3288 |
Slider's is the local favorite that no one talks about; this location is basically the jewel of the Tenderloin. The burgers here are great and aside from the traditional they serve the best turkey burger in the city, an incomparable grilled chicken sandwich and phenomenal veggie burgers. The chili fries and onion rings are amazing here too and the best part is you can get it all to go. When your order is up you build your own burger at the condiments and salad bar and there is literally everything your heart desires. The service is great and there are two other locations; one in the Inner Sunset and one in the Castro. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Numbing Flavor Experience |
1325 Fillmore Street (Between Eddy Street & Ellis Street) San Francisco, CA 94115 United States +1 415 409 2888 http://www.eatspices.com/ |
Spices! at Fillmore is the latest addition to the Spice Sisters' restaurants in San Francisco. Adding to the tradition of tasty, spicy food, Spices on Fillmore offers all you can eat sushi, Chinese, and Korean BBQ. You can enjoy these and more with an added punch of "numbing chili oil," "fire cracker," or "fire burst." With a variety of spices to choose from, dining at Spices! is a unique Chinese food experience for anyone who enjoys Asian cuisine that makes you work up a sweat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Clever and Delicious |
1058, Valencia St. San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 643 5000 http://www.sporksf.com |
From the moment you take a seat in the sleek vinyl booths and have your water poured from a clear plastic coffee pot, you will feel a distinctive vibe here. There have been many attempts to create diner-chic restaurants, but Spork is truly on target. Votive candles illuminate the pop art that decorates this comfortable and inviting restaurant. The food, like the art, is a triumph in simplicity. Start with the savory gnocchi gratin, and then try the kooky but delicious "mussels and pork with a spork." Spork also offers classics like the steak au poivre that are sure to satisfy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Garlic a go-go |
325 Columbus Street (between Vallejo and Grant streets) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 781 7673 http://www.thestinkingrose.com/ |
Billing itself "A Garlic Restaurant", this North Beach favorite is one of the locals' guilty pleasures. Although the Rose primarily caters to curious tourists, most San Francisco residents have popped inside for a dose of garlic-infused food at one time or another. The 40-Clove Garlic Half-Chicken is a favorite, as is the Roasted Rabbit with Pancetta and Veggies. Lots of classic garlic dishes such as pastas, pizzas and appetizers are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rob Brooks-Bilson |
 Photo: Zhang Li Xing |
 Photo: Zhang Li Xing |
 Photo: Stephen Shull |
 Photo: Robby Russell |
 Photo: nguyen le |
 Photo: Todd Turner |
 Photo: Au Contraire |
 Photo: Benjamin Williams |
 Photo: Patti Bao |
 Photo: Nick Kurihara |
 Photo: Alan Berman |
 Photo: Su, Tze-Her |
 Photo: Tom Bennett |
 Photo: radek2166 |
 Photo: jennifer joy staab |
 Photo: Llima Orosa |
 Photo: Christina Clouse |
 Photo: Perla Thrastardottir |
 Photo: Jodie Danenberg |
 Photo: Timothy Ault |
 Photo: David |
 Photo: marticagle |
 Photo: missizii |
 Photo: Christian Plettau |
 Photo: Aaron Latty |
 Photo: chainway |
 Photo: SZM |
 Photo: Daryl |
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Spicy, delicious and original |
3300 Geary Boulevard (at the corner of Parker Avenue) San Francisco, CA 94118 United States +1 415 668 1783 |
This little gem is located far from the center of town, but that does not detract from its appeal. It is one of the few places where one can find top-quality Singapore-style cuisine. Any menu item is a sure winner. Try Roti Prata, a grilled Indian-style bread dipped in Potong Kari Ayam, Singapore-style Coconut Curry Chicken. The curry is creamy, smooth and good enough to drink. A full dinner and one drink at Straits could cost as little as $22, and served by a gracious and efficient wait staff. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Balthazar of the West... |
100 Brannan Street San Francisco, CA 94107 United States +1 415 593 9000 / +1 415 593 5900 (reservations) http://www.lasuitesf.com/ |
This is another edition to San Francisco's already endless list of bistros and brasseries. But this place offers traditional French cooking with a twist. The fare is very contemporary and urban; for appetizers, try the warm Lobster Salad, Seafood Platter or Beef Tartare. Or dig into the Whole Roasted Fish and Daube of Duck Leg. For those who care for the smaller things in life, there's dining on the patio. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Creative Community Cuisine |
3499 16th Street San Francisco, CA 94114 United States +1 415 626 1700 http://www.tangerinesf.com |
Beautiful presentations, exceptionally fresh ingredients, and generous portions have made Tangerine a San Francisco staple since its opening in 2002. Situated in the trendy Castro district, owner Peter Goss has transformed the former space into a decidedly intimate atmosphere with hints of tropical flavor accenting the chic, homey interior. Chef Sean Pattansuvoranun delicately prepares each dish, focusing on the excellent presentation and sumptuous creativity for which the restaurant is known. With a focus on Asian fusion cuisine, starters such as the Grilled Prawns with Sun-dried Tomato Glaze and Croissant Salmon with Artichoke Dipping Sauce provide the perfect prologue with light portions and full flavors, enticing the palate and paving the way for such outstanding items as the Grilled Salmon Steak with Mango Salsa and Grilled Plum Wine Marinated Pork Tenderloin. However, do not let the phenomenal dinner menu deter you from visiting the famed Weekend Brunch. Each meal is accompanied with attentive, warm service, evoking the same neighborhood feel as its prime location. Peter Goss is fully aware of the interior aesthetics, encouraging the local art community by gracing his walls with various works by local artist Pete Hackett. Should you need to give your wallet a rest, try one of the advertised nightly specials such as "2 for 1 Mondays," "20% Off Tuesdays," or "Thrifty Thursdays," all of which encourage the community spirit while maintaining a slight air of sophistication. Tangerine successfully provides its adoring patrons with a symphony of flavors, innovative cuisine, and a dining experience to judge most others. -Casey Doward Review © 2007, Wcities |
