For a great Italian dinner in North Beach, take her to the one restaurant I recommend to anyone going to San Francisco..... Michelangelo Cafe It's a couple of blocks away from the City Lights Bookstore and Vesuvios. There are only about 10 tables and they do not take reservations or credit cards, but it will be one of the most incredible Italian dinners you've ever had. If you order the pasta & seafood special, which is what I get each time, be prepared....it literally comes in a trough, filled with penne rigate, shellfish, scallops and fish in a homemade slightly spicy marinara. You will have to walk around the neighborhood to walk it off.
this is the ONLY reason to go the the fisherman's wharf. or you could check out the "nightlife" Fidel Castro: Eh, the Americans aren't so bad. They named a street after me in San Francisco. Aide whispers to him: Fidel Castro: It's full of what?
My favorite thing at Fisherman's Wharf is the sea lions. Those guys are truly fun to watch. They get loud...they get quiet. They push others off the barge...they sleep on top of each other. They really are quiet fascinating...and free! There's a little mini doughnut shop at Pier 39 (I think that's where it is). They're super yummy and super cheap! If your wife likes charms (for a necklace or bracelet), there's a really nice store there called Charms By the Bay. They have one of the best selections I've ever found. I second the recommendation of Boudin's...they have some super cool shaped bread, too.
ok from someone who lives in SF. - agree that Fishermans Wharf is overrated but if its your first time here go do the tourist thing. Here is the plan for the morning. Start in Chinatown as there is lots to see. Then walk over to Downtown (Union Square) girls love to see the big stores. You can catch a cable car from downtown to Fishermans Wharf - agree you should eat at some of the outdoor pier restaurants for crab or clam chowder. Walk down to the end of the pier and find Ghiradelli Sq for some dessert You will also find another cable car pick up station so you can take it back to downtown or transfer to your hotel. try to see the Golden Gate Bridge, if you can rent a car great if not I think a bus will take you there so you can walk around and take pictures. For Dinner Crustaceans $$$$$ pricy but great seafood House of Prime Rib $$$$$ pricy but awesome steak Kitaro $$ affordable and has great rolls (long wait) Burma Superstar $$ affordable and some of the best Burmese food ever (my fav) After Party Bubble Lounge is tight great atmosphere, hip, mixed crowd (near N Beach) Hope this helps. *Since a BBS brother you can email me if you have more questions. room4rentsf@hotmail.com J
The seals are definately cool, but they've got some serious attitude. They're more agressive squatters than the abnormally agressive San Francisco panhandlers. The other SF rule is if you see somebody on a fast looking motorcycle, they are going to speed by you at 150mph, try to kill you by cutting you off, then they're going to flip you off for not dying. The older Hell's Angel looking guys are generally much more relaxed on the road.
2 things to note. They're not known for their steak, so don't bother ordering anything but prime rib if you got here. More importantly, DO NOT go to House of Prime without a reservation. Last time I did that I waited from 6:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. for a table for 2. Besides, Lawry's in Beverly Hills is better, I've heard.
