where to go: ferry plaza farmers market. i think it's saturday morning but it might be sunday morning. inside ferry plaza are kinds of fine food shops, purveyors, and restaurants.
where to eat: while you're at the ferry plaza, slanted door. one of the best for high-end vietnamese cuisine. crustacean (not at the ferry plaza but somewhere else in the city) also very good for vietnamese (can you tell i like vietnamese?). my fiance says boulevard is outstanding... waiting for him to take me... haha :)
what to do: i love taking the trolly car! ride the carousel at the metreon. stroll the japanese garden inside golden gate park. take a ferry to angel island for some hiking and the best views of san francisco.
i've never been in the city for new years but i've watched july 4th fireworks rom the roof of a ben & jerry's along the embarcadero - great view!
i'm not from there, but last time i was there, ate at a couple great places:
saha--billed as arabic fusion, really interesting and delicious food.
millenium--probably the best vegetarian restaurant i've been to.
my boyfriend loved zuni cafe, i was somewhat less excited about it, but it was pretty good. i'm veg, and while there were veg options, they weren't nearly as exciting as the meat. if you eat meat, you'll probably enjoy it a lot.
we also went to a low-key thai place on the corner of geary and something (a few blocks up from jones), i can't remember its name, but it was very affordable and we went twice in 5 days if that tells you anything.
check out chowhound.com for more food recommendations, i read a lot of reviews there to pick where we ate (well, i knew about millenium and zuni already).
Ferry plaza is very fun, Alcatraz, as touristy of a thing as it is to do, is totally worth the trip ! SOO MUCH FUN. Shop on Haight street, and eat at
CHA CHA CHA (cuban food and SUUUCCH GOOD sangria !)
for nice food out for dinner try First Crush...
For a relaxed but nice meal try Park Chalet or Beach chalet,
the historic Cliff house (in the same area right by ocean beach) but is a bit more pricey, but there is also the sutro baths, a huge camera obscura out at the beach you can check out out there.
I think the Thai place that Aiee refers to is Osha Thai Noodle Cafe it's at Geary and leavenworth 696 Geary. (my FI lived in the building two places down, we ate there ALLLL the time)
Golden Gate park is fun to hang out at there is museums, a japanese tea garden, botanical gardens, a pond where you can rent row boats, and even Buffalo all in there !
If you like ice cream even a little bit, definitely do NOT miss going to Mitchell's. I have dreams about their avocado ice cream--I am actually planning a trip into the city JUST to get that. The Langka is also super delicious.
New Year's Eve is a troublesome thing - lots of overpriced dinner options or lame bar parties. There is an annual fireworks display at the Embarcadero, which is nice, though it can be chilly outside.
I would second the recommendation for Mitchell's Ice Cream - their flavors are fun and delicious -definitely an old-time ice cream feel with a flavor twist. They do allow tastes, so try something fun and then, if you don't like it, come up with a back-up flavor to order. Baby coconut is my absolute favorite. Also somewhat close is my other favorite ice cream place - Bi Rite Creamery (on 18th between Dolores and Guerrero). Organic ingredients with more sophisticated flavors (salted caramel, orange cardamom, honey lavender to name a few favorites). DEFINITELY worth the trip. Pizzaria Delfina is on the same block (across the steed and down a bit) as is Tartine.
If you go to the Ferry Plaza Farmer's market (Saturday am for the big one), stop by the Blue Bottle booth for delicious local coffee. Inside the Ferry Building, Rechuitti chocolates is divine - fleur de sel caramels are yummy. IF you can't get into the Slanted Door, they have a sister restaurant in the mall downtown (SF Shopping Centre). Out the Door is located in the food court underneath Bloomingdales - they have a reduced menu and is certainly less fancy, but still delicious - you can get food to go or dine in. Much nicer than any mall food court I've ever seen.
On the trolly cart front, the line for the Powell St car is crazy long - try the one that runs down California. It originates at California & Van Ness - hop on at the start to get the best seat, then enjoy your ride through China Town and down to the Ferry Building. Less crazy than the other line with the same crazy hill action.
Alcatraz is a must - especially since it includes a lovely ferry ride, fab views of SF and a fun audio tour. :)
If you know what neighborhoods you will be in/want to visit I can probably make better recommendations. PM me for more info.
FH and I are planning a trip to San Francisco for New Years and I need the help of the local hive!
Any suggestions on what to do for New Year's Eve?
We've both been there separately as kids with our families many years ago so I also need suggestions for:
-Where to go?
-What to do?
-Where to eat?
I'm very thankful for ANY help possible!
posted by kate 7 posts 5 months agowhere to go: ferry plaza farmers market. i think it's saturday morning but it might be sunday morning. inside ferry plaza are kinds of fine food shops, purveyors, and restaurants.
where to eat: while you're at the ferry plaza, slanted door. one of the best for high-end vietnamese cuisine. crustacean (not at the ferry plaza but somewhere else in the city) also very good for vietnamese (can you tell i like vietnamese?). my fiance says boulevard is outstanding... waiting for him to take me... haha :)
what to do: i love taking the trolly car! ride the carousel at the metreon. stroll the japanese garden inside golden gate park. take a ferry to angel island for some hiking and the best views of san francisco.
i've never been in the city for new years but i've watched july 4th fireworks rom the roof of a ben & jerry's along the embarcadero - great view!
have fun!!
posted by tbwinson 12 posts 5 months agoi'm not from there, but last time i was there, ate at a couple great places:
saha--billed as arabic fusion, really interesting and delicious food.
millenium--probably the best vegetarian restaurant i've been to.
my boyfriend loved zuni cafe, i was somewhat less excited about it, but it was pretty good. i'm veg, and while there were veg options, they weren't nearly as exciting as the meat. if you eat meat, you'll probably enjoy it a lot.
we also went to a low-key thai place on the corner of geary and something (a few blocks up from jones), i can't remember its name, but it was very affordable and we went twice in 5 days if that tells you anything.
check out chowhound.com for more food recommendations, i read a lot of reviews there to pick where we ate (well, i knew about millenium and zuni already).
posted by aiee 21 posts 5 months agoFerry plaza is very fun, Alcatraz, as touristy of a thing as it is to do, is totally worth the trip ! SOO MUCH FUN. Shop on Haight street, and eat at
CHA CHA CHA (cuban food and SUUUCCH GOOD sangria !)
for nice food out for dinner try First Crush...
For a relaxed but nice meal try Park Chalet or Beach chalet,
the historic Cliff house (in the same area right by ocean beach) but is a bit more pricey, but there is also the sutro baths, a huge camera obscura out at the beach you can check out out there.
I think the Thai place that Aiee refers to is Osha Thai Noodle Cafe it's at Geary and leavenworth 696 Geary. (my FI lived in the building two places down, we ate there ALLLL the time)
Golden Gate park is fun to hang out at there is museums, a japanese tea garden, botanical gardens, a pond where you can rent row boats, and even Buffalo all in there !
posted by Glitter650 27 posts 5 months agoIf you like ice cream even a little bit, definitely do NOT miss going to Mitchell's. I have dreams about their avocado ice cream--I am actually planning a trip into the city JUST to get that.
The Langka is also super delicious.
Here is their site:
http://www.mitchellsicecream.com/
Also, Zazie is cute and v. yummy. If it is not super cold, definitely try to get a seat in the back patio. http://www.zaziesf.com/
If you are beer drinkers, go to the Toronado: http://www.toronado.com/
I second Golden Gate, esp. the Botanical Gardens, and the Presidio is always gorgeous. And SF Moma is always on my list. :)
posted by aimee 20 posts 5 months agoAnd if you are around Haight and into indie art/design, Giant Robot is always fun!
posted by aimee 20 posts 5 months agoThanks for all the help girls! I've got a great start now! I am going to have to narrow down my restaurant list :( haha.
The only other thing I was hoping somebody who lives in SF might know what should we do for New Years Eve?
posted by kate 7 posts 5 months agoNew Year's Eve is a troublesome thing - lots of overpriced dinner options or lame bar parties. There is an annual fireworks display at the Embarcadero, which is nice, though it can be chilly outside.
I would second the recommendation for Mitchell's Ice Cream - their flavors are fun and delicious -definitely an old-time ice cream feel with a flavor twist. They do allow tastes, so try something fun and then, if you don't like it, come up with a back-up flavor to order. Baby coconut is my absolute favorite. Also somewhat close is my other favorite ice cream place - Bi Rite Creamery (on 18th between Dolores and Guerrero). Organic ingredients with more sophisticated flavors (salted caramel, orange cardamom, honey lavender to name a few favorites). DEFINITELY worth the trip. Pizzaria Delfina is on the same block (across the steed and down a bit) as is Tartine.
If you go to the Ferry Plaza Farmer's market (Saturday am for the big one), stop by the Blue Bottle booth for delicious local coffee. Inside the Ferry Building, Rechuitti chocolates is divine - fleur de sel caramels are yummy. IF you can't get into the Slanted Door, they have a sister restaurant in the mall downtown (SF Shopping Centre). Out the Door is located in the food court underneath Bloomingdales - they have a reduced menu and is certainly less fancy, but still delicious - you can get food to go or dine in. Much nicer than any mall food court I've ever seen.
On the trolly cart front, the line for the Powell St car is crazy long - try the one that runs down California. It originates at California & Van Ness - hop on at the start to get the best seat, then enjoy your ride through China Town and down to the Ferry Building. Less crazy than the other line with the same crazy hill action.
Alcatraz is a must - especially since it includes a lovely ferry ride, fab views of SF and a fun audio tour. :)
If you know what neighborhoods you will be in/want to visit I can probably make better recommendations. PM me for more info.
posted by missm 485 posts 5 months ago