San Francisco

Willow

It's that time again where I travel. I've had the pleasure of meeting a couple people from here. We are heading to San Fran and Paolo Alto the week of April 18-25. Couple of things, what do you suggest we do/see. Where to eat? We are staying at the Mandarin in the Financial district. Of course if anyone is free and would like to meet up, please let me know.
Yes we will do some tourist things but we prefer off the main path type. I would like a good sushi restaurant as well as a couple lounges and or wine bars (no night clubs or after hours clubs either) any other types of restaurants I should look for? we'll do Alcatraz and not sure what else right now...any ideas. Maybe some local markets or some places locals like to keep secret.

Many thanks

tonyb

Do you know the way to San Jose ? lol

San Fran...there's a good place to eat almost on every corner. Thought 40 minutes north and your in Napa, maybe worth some consideration. South of San Fran....I'd head over to Carmel, though it's about 1.5 hours drive.

You have to go to Fishermans warf.....China town while in San Fran, maybe see Alcatraz too....ride the cable cars....hit the Golden gate, then beat it out of town for the more serene area's either North to Napa, or south to Monterey/Carmel, which are next to each other.

Willow

Thank you. I planned on hitting China and Japan town. Fishermans warf too. Goldengate and cable car. I'll mention to my wife the other areas and see what she thinks.

Msabot1

Man..if you are in the Financial district..you owe it to yourself to go check out Tadich Grill....that place has been in business for around 160 years...Their clam chowder is to die for...a San Fran original......

tonyb

I'm terrible with names of restaurants, but ask any local, hard to go wrong on eats in San Fran. Caution though, while in China town try to avoid using your CC there. I had my # stolen from just using it at a restaurant in China town.

San Fran is a great city, but it can wear on ya after 2 or 3 days. You'll see what I mean. It's a good idea to plan your escape either south or North of the city. South along the cost is a nice drive but the cities in between SF and Monterey are kinda run down with not much to see.

If you happen to treck north and go to Napa, there's a place called Rutherford's Grill on the main drag. Excellent place for eats, the wife will love it and not expensive. Do not stop in the town of Napa, keep going. The town itself isn't worth the stop.

Monterey has the pier which is nice and of course the world class Aquarium. Nestled between Monterey and Carmel is Pebble Beach which you can do the 17 mile drive and lust over the houses you'll never be able to afford. Yeah, they charge for that drive too. If you make it over to Carmel, you'll experience Pleasantville, no kidding. A good place to eat is at Clint Eastwoods Mission Ranch. Good food, great surroundings, not expensive, and Clint comes in from time to time and sits at the bar on weekends. Ya have to hit the beach in Carmel too.