San Francisco

[Hanni]

Just got back from 6 days in San Fransisco and had a great time. There is a lot to do and we got everything we really wanted to see in.

Some notes:

The airport was nice, modern and easy to navigate, not being huge helps with this.

Cable cars are handy midweek/midday in November, come Saturday you wait a long time, same probably goes for peak tourist season.

We rented a condo for the week instead of a hotel, it was cheaper than any decent hotel in the area (we stayed in Nob Hill), had a very comfy king size bed and a kitchen. A good option to consider if you go.

Fisherman's Wharf is something to see for a few hours but beyond one afternoon we had no desire to go back.

Alcatraz was cool.

We got City Pass's http://www.citypass.com/san-francisco which were awesome, Alcatraz, 2 museums, the Aquarium and transit for 7 days was well worth it.

Lots of walking up/down hill, good running shoes are an asset.

Went to Scala's at Union Square for the g/f's birthday, she loved it, mission accomplished. With drinks and tip it was $130 meal for 2. Glad I had a reservation as even on a Thursday in November walk ins were being given times 2 hours later.

Union Square has lots of shopping, but really the prices are similar to here so if you're looking for a deal it's not the greatest.

Didn't have a bad meal the whole time, we stumbled on a little Deli/Cafe called Jonas on Hyde (on the corner of Hyde and Vallejo) on our way to Fisherman's Wharf that had the best sandwiches I think I've ever eaten.

[troutman]

If You’re Going to San Francisco: Six Musical Venues Worth Checking Out

http://style.time.com/2013/02/21/if-...-checking-out/

[OldDutch]

San Fran Thread? Just went a Christmas for my 4th time, and 2nd in 3 years.

My 2 cents for eating (since that is what I like to travel for)

1. Go to Napa, stay at North Block hotel. For eating try try try to get into French Laundry. Meaning call in 2 months to the day ahead as soon as reso lines open. Cross fingers that you are selected. You can probably just eat BK after this since not many other places will top the experience.

2. If you don't get in there. Try Ad-Hoc, I thought it was pretty good, but the atmosphere is very good. Also, must go to Bouchon Bakery for baked goods like no other. The Bouchon Bistro next door is quite good too.

3. For sushi, try Kiss Seafood. Little mom and pop couple, get the Omakase and sit at the bar. Not mind blowing like Sasabune Honolulu, but honest to goodness Japan comfort food made by hand with utmost care.

4. KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) - A must try at Aria Snack Bar. Like giant popcorn chicken with Ramen noodles. Best lunch ever.

5. Dim Sum - Loved Hakkasan. I wanted a Dim Sum dive in Chinatown, but this was highly recommended. Wasn't super expensive even though it is a very upscale place. Not cheap, but the take on Dim Sum was very good.

6. For "Asian Fusion" (Hate that word) - Try the House. Very good little spot.

7. For American Contemporary - Frascati is excellent. Not expensive, although I last went in 2009, may have changed. Very intimate spot for a date night with the wife/girl. Food was awesome, and they have an open air kitchen where you smell your food being cooked. Just perfect to smell the apple desert baking that you are about to eat.

That is all I can think of. I am not a big fan of Fisherman's Warf, but go at least once. Alcatraz is a great tour too. I went to Miur Woods one morning with an epic hang over, and was cured. It was something else.

Also, see a baseball, basketball, or football game, all really awesome experiences.

[Muta]

I spent 10 hours in San Fran last week with no sleep from the previous three days.

I ate a delicious burger at the Embarcadero, rode shady public transit all over to see what it would be like if I lived there, and had my shoes shined by a homeless man who tried to convince me I was from Texas.

All in all, I had a fun Monday afternoon. I actually like increasing my stopover times when flying these days just to see what I can accomplish in a matter of hours before catching the next flight.