San Francisco, CA

Eating out in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco restaurants are so numerous and varied, and hold such high culinary standards, that many people visit the city just to eat! Even locals find little reason to cook at home, spending more money on dining out than any other city in the US. There are over 3,000 eateries for every taste and budget. The masterful ways of the city's long list of brilliant chefs are enhanced by California's fertile land and health conscious society. Locally grown fruits and vegetables, abundant fish and seafood, free range meat and poultry, and top quality dairy products are the foundation of the delicacies that make their way to your dinner table.

Gourmet

The Pacific is one of the city's best-kept secrets - a quietly glimmering oasis tucked away in the Pan Pacific Hotel with terrific cuisine, a gorgeous room, and sharp waiters. It all adds up to a first-class restaurant where you can still get an easy reservation. 500 Post Street.

Highly Recommended

Farallon is a must-visit if only for the ambiance, though certainly the food is as lavish as the interior. Seafood is the theme of both the extravagant decor and the splendid coastal cuisine. Back-lit kelp-bed columns, sea-urchin lights, hand-blown jellyfish lamps, a sea life mosaic floor, and a tentacled bar make up this whimsical underwater setting. The food ranges from basic oysters to striped bass pillows with prawn mousse - with an honorable-mention menus for meat lovers - and the service and wine list are top-notch. 450 Post Street.

Local Flair

McCormick and Kuleto's is an immense Ghirardelli Square seafood house that fulfills tourists' expectations of "a nice place at the Wharf," with stunning views and a broad selection of classic fare from the sea. 900 North Point Street.

Romantic

At the Fleur de Lys, the plush and extravagant decor of Renaissance France surrounds you as you're presented with course after course of sumptuous cuisine. "Symphony" appetizers and artistic desserts frame some of the most original entrees you'll ever taste. To round off the experience, there is a selection of 300 French and California wines. 777 Sutter Street.

Going party in San Francisco, CA

Unlike New York or Los Angeles, you don't need lots of money and even more attitude to have a great night out in San Francisco. It also isn't an all-nighter type city, though that can be found here and there, as well. Rather, the approach to socializing here is best identified with smooth supper clubs and a bar scene that covers all types and budgets. The opera deserves its world-renown, and the ballet and theatre are also well-respected. Some of the most dazzling city views in the world can be found in the skyscraper lounges and the dance-club scene is one of the best outside New York. The clubs are cool and wallet-friendly, with a live music scene that is the city's best nighttime attraction. Rock, jazz, pop, and folk bands entertain all over town, often for no more than the price of a drink. For current happenings, check the San Francisco Weekly and the San Francisco Bay Guardian, both free.

Café Du Nord

This former speakeasy is now a popular club for dining, socializing, and dancing. A revolving weekly entertainment is packed with top-notch local musicians.

The Make-Out Room

This hip and friendly locals bar has high ceilings and a small stage that regularly features the best of the area's college rock bands.

Storyville Classic Jazz Club and Restaurant

Quality jazz is the specialty of the house at this intimate, warm club reminiscent of a 1950s jazz club. It also offers a full bar and restaurant featuring Southern and New Orleans cuisine.

Beach Blanket Babylon

Now in its 25th year, this zany, fast-paced musical revue sends up an ever-changing roster of celebrity caricatures like Madonna and Elvis, presented cabaret-style.

War Memorial Opera House

Counted among the great international opera companies in the world, the San Francisco Opera presents flawless performances of the grand masterpieces starring the world's finest singers.

Cobb's Comedy Club

Every Monday night, 14 comedians go on stage to work their punch lines, with national stars appearing Tuesday through Sunday. Food is served from the adjoining restaurant.

Bottom of the Hill

Recently chosen by Rolling Stone magazine as "the best place to hear live music in San Francisco," this club presents some of the finest established and up-and-comer acts from around the globe and the Bay Area spanning every musical style. Full bar, pool tables, late-night kitchen, and an outdoor patio help make every night a blast.

Common events in San Francisco, CA

Chinese New Year

The streets of Chinatown erupt in festivities that begin with a Miss Chinatown pageant and a week later spotlight the famous parade of marching bands, rolling floats, fireworks, and a block-long dragon weaving its way through the crowd. February.

San Francisco International Film Festival

It began 43 years ago and is America's oldest, featuring more than 200 films and videos from over 50 countries. Awards ceremonies bring in renowned honorees to join in the festivities. Tickets are quite affordable and screenings are open to the public. New talent and established filmmakers show their work in this exhibition. April.

Art Deco Society of California

Celebrate the 1920 and 1930s with vintage clothing, elegant music, and classic cars with the Preservation Ball, Gatsby Summer Afternoon, architectural tours, lectures, and more. April.

Union Street Art Festival

Celebrate the city with gourmet food, music, entertainment, and a juried show with more than 350 artists. The bars along Union are packed to overflowing with the upwardly-mobile crowd during this event, merging the festivities between street fair and club scene. June.

Haight Street Fair

The alternative street fair, featuring crafts, ethnic foods, rock bands, and a lot of die-hard hippies and teens jamming and drinking around the music stage. June.

Stern Grove Midsummer Music Festival

Free concerts where a picnic lunch on a blanket is the best way to enjoy the classical, jazz, and ethnic music and dance. Food booths are on hand if you forget to bring along snacks, but don't forget a sweater! Sundays, June - August.

A La Carte, A La Park

Try all the delicious foods from all the restaurants you won't make it to during your visit. Over 40 restaurants, 20 microbreweries, and 20 wineries offer tastings in Golden Gate Park, along with entertainment. Labor Day Weekend.

The Renaissance Pleasure Fair

Visit 16th century England with thousands of brilliantly costumed performers at this festival of rare handicrafts, theater, pageants, food and drink, games and jousting. Weekends, September - October.

San Francisco Fall Antiques Show

Includes over 65 distinguished antique dealers from the US and Europe. Two integral parts of the show are an exciting Loan Exhibit, along with an educational and entertaining Lecture Series. The show has become the preeminent event of its kind on the West Coast and is recognized as one of the world's greatest antique shows. Fall.

Halloween

This is a huge night in San Francisco, and a wild crowd gets together at Market and Castro Streets to parade in a display of extraordinarily imaginative costumes. October 31.