SF: Cheap Eats near Moscone Conv. Ctr.

[MelissaH]

Hi all,

A bunch of us impecunious types will be in San Francisco for the national meeting of the American Chemical Society. We're looking for places to get a few meals. For most of us, $20 a head is at the top end of what we're willing to pay.

Any suggestions, along with clear directions on how to get there from the convention center without using a car?

Thanks!

MelissaH

[melkor]

There are lots of great cheap eats all over the city, what sort of food do you like?

[annachan]

Since you're at the Moscone Center, don't forget to grab some cream puffs from Beard Papa.

http://www.beardpapasf.com/

[Malik]

Moscone is in a relatively expensive area of town, so most of the restaurants nearby would not qualify as cheap eats. But there's some good ethnic places within easy walking distance.

King of Thai Noodles, a small local (SF-only) chain just opened in the Milano Hotel at 55 Fifth St (at Jessie, between Mission and Market), a couple of minutes walk from Moscone. It's the nicest decor of the King of Thai noodles, and unlike the other ones has a good selection of beer and wine. The specialties here are the noodle dishes and salads rather than curries. In particular, I like the beef salad and the larb, the noodle soups, the pad kee mao (stir fried rice noodles), and the gai gra prow (basil chicken).

Another good choice would be Chaat Cafe at 320 3rd St just past Folsom, a stone's throw away from Moscone. They serve good Chaat (Indian street snacks), as well as some simple and relatively light curries (I like the fish one in particular). For the less adventurous, they also have Indian style wraps.

Also Indian, a little further away, is the new branch of Naan 'N Chutney at 474 3rd St between Harrison and Bryant (under the freeway). They serve North Indian/Pakistani style food, with the specialties being the tandoori dishes and curries.

Finally, if you feel like splurging just a bit, Farmer Brown just opened at 25 Mason St near Market, about a block further walk than King of Thai Noodles above. Check out their menu online. It's not very expensive, but you'll be hard pressed to spend less than $20 per person.

[MelissaH]

Malik, thanks for the ideas. I hadn't realized that the convention center is in a pricey part of town. We're willing to travel for good food, but the budget is unlikely to extend past public transit costs.

As far as the kinds of food we like: anything goes. The people I'm likely to be eating with are adventurous enough to try nearly anything, but still appreciate something along the lines of a good burger. For us, well-made but still within our price range is more important than the kind of cuisine.

Bakeries with good bread, cheese shops with nice selections, and farmer's markets open on Friday afternoon/evening and Monday morning are all good. I know there are probably many more markets on weekends, but unfortunately I'll be in meetings of one kind or another starting at about 8 AM on both Saturday and Sunday. But if there's anything open in the very early morning on Saturday or Sunday, this Easterner will undoubtedly be awake and ready to go.

Thanks,

MelissaH

[alanamoana]

within walking distance, there isn't too much cheap. there's a small food court of sorts in the sony metreon complex which is next door.

the ferry plaza is a little farther/further (never know which word to use), but it is walkable but maybe not for lunch if you have limited time. don't know if it is any faster taking the street cars on market street. but, the ferry plaza is also relatively expensive. you might get away under $20/person if you eat at taylor's refresher or at the little taqueria (owned by traci des jardins) but not at the slanted door.

if there's no alcohol involved, you might be able to eat for less than $20/person at LuLu which is just a block south of the convention center on folsom street. it is casual, loud, provencal style food served family style.

[annachan]

One suggestion would be to hop on BART at the Powell station, about 2 blocks from Moscone Center, and get off at 16th and Mission station (it's just 2 stops, should take no more than 5 minutes). The area isn't great, but there are plenty of cheap eats within a block or so. I suggest heading west on 16th Street. You'll come across a variety of cheap eats. Pancho Villa (www.panchovillasf.com) is half a block from the station and serves up good Mexican food at reasonable prices. There is also Truly Mediterranean (www.trulymed.com), also on 16th, another block west, serves good shawerma and such at low prices. Across the street from Truly Mediterranean is Ti Couz, where you can get sweet and savory crepes. There are lots more options around there. Personally, I wouldn't take BART there after dark, but it's alright during the day.

[RB2]

Walk over to Sixth and just before you get to Market you will see Tu Lan. Some of the best vietnamese you will have outside of Vietnam.