Restaurants
Feb 4, 2008 4:27 PM
Click here
for a complete list
of San Francisco restaurants.
Mix Editors' Restaurant Picks
Oyster Heaven
Swan Oyster Depot at 1517 Polk, near California, is my favorite seafood dive. It's tiny, has only counter seating and there's always a line, but it's worth the wait. They have cold beer and the seafood is always fresh. There is a wide array of oysters to pick from, as well as seafood salads, fantastic chowder and other assorted goodies. Double up on your Lipitor and enjoy yourself! It doesn't get much better than this. —Kevin Becka
Lose the Frappuccino
Usually when I see a bunch of people skulking around in an alley, I head the other way, but in this case, I know they’re all just harmless coffee freaks like me. There’s always a line outside the tiny Blue Bottle Coffee kiosk in Hayes Valley, and for good reason: The Oakland-based company takes “microroasting” to the extreme, offering various brews (including) espresso lovingly crafted with organic beans locally roasted that same morning and ground to order. Try any blend, I guarantee you’ll want to lick the cup. Visit the Hayes Valley location (look for the stand built from salvaged materials) or stop by the Blue Bottle cart at the Ferry Building Farmers Market. —Sarah Jones
Red's Java House
Possibly the greasiest (and cheapest) hamburger you'll ever eat, but it's FABULOUS! Make sure you eat outside. Pier 30; they don't accept credit cards, so put your AMEX away. —Sarah Benzuly
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
Lunch With Warhol
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (www.sfmoma.org), with its sleek, imposing brick façade and cylindrical tower looming over Moscone, houses not only a full scope of world-class contemporary art, but a hip, classy café offering surprisingly good eclectic fare. Caffe Museo is located adjacent to the main museum entrance on Third Street, making it a convenient stop for a quick bite to eat—no admission ticket required. They’ll even make you a take-out box if you give them 48 hours’ warning—but then you wouldn’t be tempted to bail on booth duty and take in an exhibit, or two, or three…—Sarah Jones
