lmc

seconding tartine, don't miss it! their gougere is my current favorite.

The Tadich recommendation is good - you get the same tradition as the Wharf restaurants but better food and not as touristy. I work nearby and have lunch or dinner there a few times a month. The cioppino and san dabs are my favorite! Scoma's is not bad, the food is decent but the service is spotty and the view is not as good as Alioto's. I've found Alioto's to have consistently good service. If you decide to eat right on the Wharf I think you're find most of the restaurants have decent seafood. I think atmosphere and service should be the decision points.

The Tuscan Inn is just blocks away from North Beach. You are also one block from the F-Market street car line which will take you to the Ferry Building (Slanted Door, Market Bar) or downtown restaurants or further. You can get just about anywhere in a cab or on public transit, but if you are wanting to walk North Beach and Chinatown are the closet areas with many choices. Gary Danko is an easy walk too. We eat in North Beach a couple times a week. Some current favorites: Ideale; Tommaso's for pizza; Trattoria Contadina.

I only make food that I like because that is what I have experience at cooking. I wouldn’t make something for the first time for guests. That said, I like just about everything. I do take the guests preferences into account, of course. If I am having guests who have not previously been to my home I will make sure to find out if there is anything they do not eat.

I think that must be Kelly's Burgers? I don't know if it's still open or not but they did (do?) have a great burger.

My favorite burgers in San Francisco: Zuni Balboa Cafe Slow Club Pork Store Have not tried Burgermeister but they recently opened just down the hill in North Beach, so we will try it soon. (It is conveniently located in the heart of my Saturday routine: North Beach Library, Graffeo Coffee, and XOX Truffles!)

A lot of it depends on your kids food likes, of course. My daughter would eat oysters or mussels at every meal if she could, so we tend to stick to a lot of seafood places. Any preferences or neighborhoods you are interested in? I agree with the Chow/Park Chow recommendation though I would go with Park Chow because it is easy ½ blocks walk into Golden Gate Park. The Macys at Union Square has a Cheesecake Factory if you’re looking for something near your hotel and if that is the kind of thing your kids like. Also, about two blocks up Powell Street from Union Square is Uncle Vito’s pizza, which is a decent place to sit and have a casual meal. Taylor’s Refresher in the Ferry Building (where the great Farmer’s Market is) has a big outdoor patio and a great people-watching atmosphere and has burgers, sandwiches, salads, etc. If you are at Union Square you can take the cable car all the way to the Wharf which has lots of places that kids would like and is a fun trip. I’d also suggest taking public transit as much as possible, you’ll probably get where you are going faster and with less stress!

Great pictures! I am confused about "Pier 8" though? Pier 39 is the tourist place next door and the actual Pier 8 would be on the opposite side of the ferry building, is the Pier 8 you refer to a restaurant? My family has lived in San Francisco / North Beach for 100 years and none of us tires of the wharf - if you hit it at the right times it is not overbearingly tourist (assuming you are not wandering Pier 39). We live on top of the hill and wander down for crab in season periodically, even thought it is more expensive. The early morning, before the shops open, is great. Eagle Cafe, upstairs at Pier 39, is a wonderful place that has been in San Francisco since the 1920's and was moved to the Pier 39 location in the (I think) 1970's. For what it's worth, from the East Bay it is an easy BART ride which connects directly to the historic street cars ("F-Market" line), which takes you directly to the wharf. From the East Bay < $10 round trip.

I have been very happy with the Thermos Nissan Leak-Proof Travel Mug. I bought mine on Amazon.

Reading this article yesterday I thought it would be very easy to eat this way, living in San Francisco. I had not thought of the wine predicament, though!

jai yun at 923 pacific avenue (415) 981-7438 <br> <br> they offer only a prix-fixe menu and (i think) two seatings per night. small hole-in-the-wall but worth it. if you love chinese food, this is a must. <br> <br> http://jaiyun.menuscan.com/menu.html <br> <br> another favorite (i live a few blocks from chinatown) is house of nanking at 919 kearney street (415) 421-1429. surly staff, crowded, usually lines out the door - but fast and very good, cheap food.

what a great, interesting thread. your pictures and descriptions are wonderful. i would love to wander through that market!