San Francisco is known as a foodie capital – a title well earned. Too many choices can lead to decision paralysis.
Below are my favorites – this is a good way to get your feet wet.
Cocktail Bars
Black Bird
Go often for their seasonal drinks. Have a chat with the bartenders and let them surprise you with an original creation.
The barrel aged cocktails are a must.
Cantina
Cozy small place
Pisco Latin Lounge
Great selection of piscos and other drinks as well as excellent tapas.
Amélie’s
Great wine bar. Go early or you’ll be standing. (Which is not necessarily a bar thing)
Beer
Fat Angel
Small place with a lot of good choices
City Beer Store
A great place to check out even for those less inclined to drink beer. Try the sour cherry beer.
With a dozen beers on tap and more bottles than one can try in a lifetime, we always stop by on Saint Patrick’s day!
Restaurants
Canella
A great Spanish tapas place (as certified by my Spanish friend Manuel). Try the grilled shrimp, moorish kebabs and save space for dessert.
Piqueo’s
A charming Peruvian place with delicious and artfully crafted plates.
Boot and Shoe service
Located in Oakland, the things they do with dough will make you salivate uncontrollably. You must try their pizza. If you go for brunch, don’t miss the zeppole and take some morning pastries to go. You’ll thank me later.
Rangoon Ruby
Based in Palo Alto this Burmese delight with amazing service will not disappoint you. Start with the tea leaf salad and try one of the Kebats.
Sweet Maple
Awesome brunch. Try their millionaire’s bacon – you only live once, right? Great omelettes and crêpes. Their coconut latté is to die for (If you like coconut, but not everyone’s perfect).
Cafés for Work
Farley’s
Great spot for work with power plugs and wifi. They also have a good selection of magazines too, including the Monocle.
Let me know how you like them.
