San Francisco Restaurant Tips, From a Picky Local

If you're going to San Francisco, forget the flowers insandwiches. NYC can't beat this slice of Italy. 373
your hair. Take it from a local--these are theColumbus Ave (between Grant Ave & Vallejo St)
restaurants to try:415-421-233 Open 9-5 except Sundays.
-Heading to the AT&T Ball Park for a Giants-The Absinthe Brasserie & Bar is located in the
game? If your love southern and soul food, or are apopular Hayes Valley neighborhood, near the Civic
Golden State Warriors fan, try Big Nate's Barbeque:Center. It's a popular choice for classic upscale French
Former Golden State Warriors Nate Thurmondfare for lunch, dinner, or late-night café after the
opened the popular Memphis-style barbeque joint innearby symphony, ballet and opera. Brunch is served
1974. Carnivores say the oak-smoked ribs areon Saturday and Sunday. The bar offers over 500
addictive. Take out, eat in, or they deliver. For moredomestic and international wines, and Thursdays are
info: 1665 Folsom St, San Francisco, (415) 861-4242their popular "Flight Nights" from 7-12M. Visiting hipsters,
Open Mon-Sat 11am-9:30pm; Sun 12pm-9:30pmgo here. 398 Hayes Street. Check it out: -Farallon--If
-For traditional San Francisco low-key power-dining toyou and your sweetie are hitting the upscale shops in
impress the boss, granddad, or potential in-laws, or ifUnion Square and want an equally impressive dining
you are in the Financial District on business, don't missexperience, Farallon is your fantasy spot. Named for
the nearly 160 year-old Tadich Grill. Opened in the Goldour offshore islands, Farallon is one of the best and
Rush days as a coffee stand, it's the oldest restaurantmost beautiful restaurants in the country. For more
in San Francisco. The dark wood walls, white linen andinformation: -Hog Island Oyster Farm. Just above San
enclosed booths give it the feel of a men's club. TryFrancisco in the Tomales Bay is a vibrant oyster
favorites: fried calamari, Dungeness crab cakes, sandcommunity and the famous Hog Island Oyster Farm.
dabs, cioppino, and creamed spinach is a favorite too.This is their bay view eatery in The City located in the
Arrive early because they don't accept reservations.historic Ferry Building a short walk from Pier 39. Lively,
Located on the California cable car line at 40 Californiafun, a place to take the kids. Check out the website
Street between Battery. 415/391-1849for information on the beach picnics at their farm at
-Swan Oyster Depot: This atmospheric spot on PolkPoint Reyes north of The City. -The French Laundry.
Street has been a fixture since 1912. It's casual andAn hour above The City in Yountville, in Napa Valley, is
perfect if you're walking all over the City. Hop on theone of the ultimate restaurants in the world.
California cable car line and get off at Polk and you'reReservations are required as far as two months in
there. Sit at the marble counter and dig into crab,advance. A favorite choice of the Napa Valley
oysters, sour dough bread and sauvignon blanc.honchos and visiting celebrities from around the world.
1517 Polk St. 415-673-1101Dinner is served 7 nights a week, lunch on
Mon-Sat 8am-5:30pm. Cash only.Friday-Sunday. 707-944-2380. Reservations are
-Molinari's Delicatessen has been in North Beach sincerequired approximately two months. Their website is
1896 making quintessential take-out 5-star ItalianBon appetit.