San Francisco Restaurant Tips by pigletsmom

Restaurant Name: Located at Fisherman's wharf

All over Fisherman's wharf. You have to rough it and eat outside but it's the entire experience that's interesting.
I fed some of the bread to the pidgeons after lunch.

Favorite Dish: Fabulous clam chowder and whole crabs at Fisherman's wharf. The clam chowder is served in sourdough bowls for about $5. Very tasty and inexpensive. The whole crabs are about $12 each. The chowder and crabs are the best deal in the area for lunch. Shrimp and crab cocktails can run you $13 for a medium sized portion.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Seafood
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Fisherman's Wharf
Directions: Near Ghiradelli Square and North Beach

Restaurant Name: Lori's Diner at Ghiradelli Square

Festive diner in a very convenient location, in Ghiradelli Square overlooking the water.

Favorite Dish: Burgers, fries, onion rings, milk shakes etc.
Great for families. Nice patio overlooking the bay with wonderful views. Very relaxed atmosphere with a great location for resting after some sightseeing.
2nd Floor of Ghiradelli Square

Leave a Comment

Theme: Diner
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: Located on the 2nd floor Ghiradelli Square
Directions: Ghiredelli Square

Restaurant Name: Real Food Company

The Real Food Company is real expensive, however it has a nice selection of items along with a very nice fresh produce section. Located in the pretty neighborhood of Pacific Heights/Cow Hollow. Even though the prices are high, I still recommend it. The store has a patio outside where you can sit and eat. Staff seems a little somber and aloof.

Favorite Dish: Good deli and produce section.
They sell some gift items, candles, chocolates, and bath stuff.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Health Food
Comparison: more expensive than average

Address: 3060 Filmore
Directions: Filmore & Filbert

Restaurant Name: Juicey Lucy's (Actual Spelling)

Their motto is "Where Nature and Nurture Come Together." This is a very funky hippie place. The owner is very freindly and inviting. Filled with people reading, talking and just relaxing. The restaruant is small, with a coffee house feel.
Brightly, eclecticly decorated.

Favorite Dish: The veggie sandwiches. Organic Juices, vegan dishes and healthy snacks. Everything is organic.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Vegan/Vegetarian
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: 703 Columbus
Directions: In North Beach on Columbus and Filbert.

Restaurant Name: Cafe Francisco

A sweet little cafe that sells sandwiches, omelets, salads, and homemade soups. They also serve breakfast. Staff is friendly and helpful.

Favorite Dish: The Tuna and Swiss Melt. Nothing is over $8.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: 2161 Powell Stret.
Directions: Near Northbeach
Website: www.cafefrancisco.com

Restaurant Name: Luisa's in Pacific Heights

Upscale cozy restaurant serving good Italian food. Pretty decor with chianti bottles on the ceiling and leaded stained glass windows. Owner is slightly obnoxious, but she managed to wrangle us in, but after you sit down you never see her again. The waiter we had was actually from Italy, Venice to be exact, and quite charming and sweet, with a very nice Italian accent.

Favorite Dish: The seafood was excellent. Order the salmon, or large prawns, really, really good. The gogonzola gnochi pasta was fresh, but a little bland.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: On Union in Pacific Heights

Restaurant Name: The Bridge Cafe

Not really a cafe, but a fast food stand at the Golden Gate Bridge Garden near the Strauss statue. As far as Snack shops go, this one is quite stylish. Designed probably at the time of the bridge in an Art Deco design. Employees know nothing about the Bridge, bus schedules or walking tours.

Favorite Dish: Sells sandwiches, pizza, hot dogs, sodas, snacks, etc.
The pre-packaged sandwich I bought was very fresh and tasty. Too large for me to eat it in one sitting.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Fast Food
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Near The Golden Gate Bridge Garden
Directions: Down the street from the Roundhouse gift shop
Website: http://www.goldengatebridge.org/visitors/whattodo.html