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CLOSE TO MOSCONE

Big, Huge Pasta
Yeah, it’s a chain. Yeah, the food is only ok. But where else (at least in this town) can you feed a dozen people for chump change, with meatballs the size of your head? Buca di Beppo, that kitshy “Italian” restaurant famous for its gigantic portions, friendly service and crazy décor. There’s one right down the block from Moscone, making it a convenient pit stop if you’re looking for a fun place to fill up a hungry crowd. The restaurant can have hours-long waits during trade shows, so it’s best to book ahead—ask for the Pope room. 855 Howard Street—Sarah Jones

CLOSE TO MOSCONE

Haight Ashbury: Cha Cha Cha's
Cha Cha Cha’s is a Haight district favorite, known for its raucous bar, great sangria and Caribbean fare. The atmosphere is celebratory on the weekends and the wait can be significant, but if you’re game for a night of people-watching, or don’t mind indulging in their cool libations, time will go by quickly. Their spicy, authentic entrees and tapas-style servings should not be missed if you’re in the neighborhood: The colorful décor and upbeat scene is bound to drown any tradeshow blahs. 1801 Haight St.—Breean Lingle

Mission District: The Slow Club
Perfect for an upscale meal, this warehouse-based eatery is the place to hit for great California and Mediterranean cuisine. Flavor runs deep and dishes are prepared before your eyes; try the bass special or pork chops—both are local favorites. Sadly, the popularity of the Slow Club is its biggest downfall: Jubilant diners, aided by pre-dinner drinks, make for stadium-sized amplification. Bring earplugs. 2501 Mariposa St. (at Hampshire)—Breean Lingle

A Taste of France in Hayes Valley
Two favorite spots in my ‘hood, Hayes Valley, bring a touch of chic Paris to a gastronomically decadent night in SF. First, visit Hotel Biron, located down an alley called Rose, near the corner of Market and Page (near Zuni Café). The tiny, bistro-style bar offers an extensive wine list, mostly French and Californian, with many rare varieties. Sample imported cheeses, olives or truffles if you wish, and be sure to study the local art before you go.—Heather Johnson

Zeitgeist Tamale Lady!
Okay, I already used Zeitgeist as my entertainment pick, but if you're looking for a midnight tamale that is killer, head over to Zeitgeist (199 Valencia Street) for a well-deserved tasty treat! Look for the lady rolling the happy food cart -- though you might be waiting a while. While waiting, enjoy the atmosphere and grab yourself a cool beer!—Sarah Benzuly

Magnolia Pub and Brewery
The Haight-Ashbury's only brewpub combines good beer, fresh food, and friendly service in a comfortable pub setting. Located at the bustling intersection of Haight and Masonic, Magnolia is a refuge from the pace of urban living; a place to relax among friends. The pub fosters the tradition of classic English and European ale houses and the best of San Francisco's unique style. Magnolia Pub & Brewery is open from Noon until Midnight Monday through Thursday, Noon until 1 AM Friday, 10 AM until 1 AM Saturday and 10 AM until Midnight on Sundays. Saturday and Sunday, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM, we feature our special brunch menu which has become a Haight Street favorite. Stout for breakfast—who knew? Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Chef Kevin Clancy's unique, farm fresh twists on brewpub cuisine are sure to delight. Owner Dave McLean is an old friend of the Mix family, do stop by and say hello, tell him your friends at Mix sent you! 1398 Haight St., 415/864-PINT, www.magnoliapub.com. —Christen Pocock

Nectar and Naples in the Marina
Unless I’m on my way to a run in the Presidio, I stay the heck away from the Marina district. Too many SUVs. Too much khaki. But I’ll make an exception to visit Nectar, one of the newest wine bar/lounges to hit town and by far, one of the most fabulous—stylish décor, reasonable prices, an excellent small plate menu and more than 41 wines by the glass; hundreds by the bottle.

But don’t sample too much; you’ve got to save room for dinner at nearby A16, one of the most bustling restaurants in town. The menu is southern Italian, as in Campania, the area around Naples. Choose from halibut with celery and capers, chicken Genovese and wood oven-baked pizza and pasta. Reservations a must. 415/771-2216.—Heather Johnson

North Beach Flavor
Vesuvio: Popular watering hole for the Beats, established in 1948. Head upstairs for a table near the windows and look down on the vibrant Columbus-Broadway North Beach scene. Stop in before dinner for a drink and take in the local flavor; quirky decor; the wood alone makes it feel like 1956. 255 Columbus Avenue at Jack Kerouac Alley, the heart of North Beach, next to City Lights Books. Oh, when you come out, take a look south on Columbus. That triangular green-bronze building is the home of Francis Coppola’s Zoetrope Studios, where they edited The Godfather, Godfather II, The Conversation and mmany other films. www.vesuvio.com—Tom Kenny

Tom’s Favorite North Beach Food
Michelangelo Cafe: North Beach is loaded with great restaurants, but if you make it to the top of Columbus, catty-corner from Washington Square is Michelangelo Cafe, a small, family-run establishment with a great vibe. The line moves quick, and it’s worth the wait. Friendly, family-vibe staff makes you feel welcome. Known for its ciappino and other seafood dishes, but Tom likes the linguine pesto, while Sarah always orders the Tortellini Michelangelo. The very good house red comes in a rooster; the Tiffany lamps in the ceiling inspired the game 3guess my favorite lamp2; and gummy bears are served with almond cookies at the end of every meal. Be sure to ask for the BIG wheel of parmigianna. Fun, bold art blended with Roman sculpture. Cash only.—Tom Kenny

If You Only Have Time for Lunch
Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store and Cafe: So you want to duck out for a morning and make the climb to Coit Tower? On your way back, tired and famished, stop in at Mario’s for a foccacia sandwich or a thin-crust pizza. Bohemian 1970s vibe, with large murals and cramped quarters; sit outside with your cappuccino and rest your feet for the night ahead. Or go across the street to the park and take a look at SS Peter and Paul Church. Columbus near Washington Square.—Tom Kenny

A Charming Lunch/Dinner Hideaway
Thanks to a SoMa-savvy friend, I was recently introduced to Le Charm, a cozy French bistro just a few blocks from Moscone. Their menu features a la carte items and a three-course prix fixe menu—a great deal at only $25 per person. Friend and I both had the salmon, then shared a fig salad, a bottle of merlot and a dessert that consisted of two poufs of some sugary meringue-type substance drizzled with caramel and sliced almonds. Yum. The small dining area leads to an outdoor patio—heaters cranked in chilly weather. I left—oh geez, dare I say it?—charmed. 415/546-6128—Heather Johnson