San Francisco Mini Trip Report

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

Pete and I were in SF for four days, the week before Thanksgiving. A very nice time to visit as it's not terribly crowded with tourists and the weather was delightful. Layering clothing is definitely the way to go because one minute you are freezing (hanging on the cable car) and the next minute, walking in the sunshine, you are broiling.

We milled around Union Square where we were staying, explored Fisherman's Wharf a couple of times, briefly visited China Town, poked around in the Ferry Building and took a ferry to Sausalito for a day. We pretty much got around by foot and cable car. We discovered after being there two days that getting a three day pass is your best transportation deal: unlimited use of cable cars, street cars and the Bart.

Hotel: The Weston St. Francis. Lovely accommodations, the higher your room, the better the view (and the higher the price, for the same room). We were on the 19th floor which was the perfect compromise on price/view. Great location, right across from Union Square.

Restaurants:
Johnny Foley's, an Irish Pub two blocks from our hotel the first day for lunch. Wonderful food, cute atmosphere.

The Slanted Door: Had reservations, walked in and it's just not our scene at all. Too many 20 somethings trying to be "all that and a bag of chips." Made a 180 and landed at Sinbad's. Nice cozy booth, overlooking the Bay Bridge which is stunning at night. A hellocopter even flew under it while we were dining there. The food was just okay but the atmosphere and vibe were just what we were looking for.

The Crab House at Pier 39: Very fun place where we split 3# of crab and garlic fries. Nice location, decent views of the Wharf. They make a great margarita on the rocks.

The Tonga Room at the Fairmont Hotel: Met a friend who lives in SF here for a drink at happy hour. It's a little campy but fun. Basically, it's a Hawaiian themed lounge set in the old pool area. Tiki huts surround the pool and every half hour or so, a thunderstorm rolls through and pours into the pool.

The House of Nanking: By far, the best food the entire trip and, most definitely, the best Chinese food I've ever experienced. Tables are cramped and we basically shared with another couple who were, thankfully, very nice people. We felt kind of rushed, too, but it was worth it. This place is NOT to be missed. I'd go back to SF just for this food.

Friscati: By far, the BIGGEST WASTE OF MONEY AND BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT!!!! We had reservations and they accommodated us with the perfect table in the loft with a view of the dining room below. Lovely table. From there, it went downhill quickly. Suffice to say, the food sucked, the service was horrendous, and it was extremely expensive. The fact that our plates were almost untouched when they were cleared and there was no question like "was there something wrong with your meal?" as they were taken away tells you a lot about the place. That's $200.00 we threw down the drain.

Lori's Diner: Both of us craving a great local diner for a big breakfast, we thought this place would be just the ticket. Let's just say we had a rough time of it for the first few hours after our huge breakfasts. Sight seeing was put on hold for awhile. And, as we continued on our journeys, we noticed that this little, local gem is actually a local CHAIN. There are Lori's diners on several corners in SF and as we discovered on our way home, there's even one at the airport!

One of the Shacks at Fisherman's Wharf: Not nearly as good as we wanted it to be.

Spinnaker in Sausalito: Fantastic food, fun location in a building built back in the 60's, on stilts, over the water.

Things I wish we had done:
~ Go to the Saloon for Blues music. We were so full from dinner (Nanking) that we just couldn't stay out any longer.
~ Go to Swan's Oyster Depot for carry out.
~ Go to Beach Blanket.

That's all I can think of for now. If you have any questions, let me know. I'm sure I've left out stuff!

[liamsaunt]

Sounds like fun! (Except for the after-breakfast part). Do you have any pictures to share? I've never been to San Francisco. John and I were booked for a trip in 2001. However, our tickets were for September 12--needless to say, we did not go.

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

We do have a few pix. I'll have Pete post them, I'm no good at that.

You should definitely go. It's a city everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

[Teddy Salad]

Thanks for the TR Marcia. We are planning on going to SF next month. Haven't booked it yet. Trying to decide on a place to stay. It sounds like you would recommend the St. Francis.

Thanks for the dining tips!

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

Thanks for the TR Marcia. We are planning on going to SF next month. Haven't booked it yet. Trying to decide on a place to stay. It sounds like you would recommend the St. Francis.

Thanks for the dining tips!

Yes, very much recommend the Weston St. Francis. The cable cars run right in front so you are able to hop onto any line easily there. And, please, be sure to eat at the House of Nanking. So yummy.

[jmq]

Sounds like fun! (Except for the after-breakfast part). Do you have any pictures to share? I've never been to San Francisco. John and I were booked for a trip in 2001. However, our tickets were for September 12--needless to say, we did not go.

Yikes! A big plane leaving Boston for a cross country trip that maybe couldve been booked for the day before? Do you feel like you dodged a bullet?
I worked with a guy who got hired by a big insurance broker a few weeks before 9/11. They were located on the upper floors of one of the twin towers. He was supposed to start on 9/10 but changed his start date at the last minute to 9/17. He was really spooked by the experience, so much so that he left the industry for a few years to pursue an acting career (which didnt work out).

We are thinking about a SF trip in 09, so I may be posting some questions about that sometime in the future.

[RickG]

Thanks for the tips! We're headed out in June for ten days.

Cheers, RickG

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

Thanks for the tips! We're headed out in June for ten days.

Cheers, RickG

I am not sure that you need a full 10 days there, unless you rent a car and drive north and explore the wine country. Honestly, four full days in SF was more than enough.

[California Girl]

Nice report, Marcia! You and I had completely different experiences in San Francisco, which just goes to show you how much there is to do there! I'm glad you had a good time, but sorry to hear about the bad dining experiences. That just means you have to go back and catch up on the places you missed!

[Ondine]

House of Nanking should definitely be on everyones list, assuming there is a desire for Hunan style. I used to live in SF and it was a routine staple meal, and had the running joke of just don't put your fork/chopstick down or they'll clear your plate out from under you! Fast paced place, but food so good you wont want to put that fork down for anything....The Saloon with The Bachleors on Monday nights is a blast, keep that on the list, too. Swans Oytser Depot, go and sit at the counter so you can watch those guys in action, always good stuff there.
I hope you guys made it to the Coit tower and gardens...either way sounds like an enjoyable trip was had overall.