Alright, now that we have the MS situation out in the open lets get refocused and talk about one of the greatest cities in America. This is our 4th time in SF and like other major cities we are always finding new places to eat, things to see and some of our favorites to revisit.
Where we stayed:
Union Square Marriott-perfect location to get just about everywhere and the price isn't too bad
Below is what we did by day and times:
Thurs Aug 13
Golden Gate pic op-if you leave from Sonoma make sure to go the Golden Gate Bridge route so you can stop off and drive up a cliff to your death to get amazing views of the bridge. It is worth the drive, trust me
Chinatown (lunch)-might sound touristy but one hundo worth a walk around and lunch session. Head to Z&Y to get authentic nibbles and more food than your stomach can handle
21st Amendment Brewery-every trip to SF must include Hell or Highwater beer. If you don't know about this, it is prob because you have been living under a rock for the past few years. No worries, time to get your head right and taste this unicorn juice
Burma Love-Stop what you are doing and focus. Burmese food is all the rage and not only will be one of your favorite meals of the trip but you will be on a quest to find it in your hometown. I heart the tea leaf salad and mint/chili fried tofu (relax it tastes like chickens that fly in heaven) but also make sure to get a coconut to wash everything down with. Yes, a real live fresh as a daisy coconut
Fri Aug 14
Swan Oyster Depot (breakfast/lunch) CASH ONLY-I have said it for trip after trip. If it is is good enough for Anthony Bourdain then it is good enough for me. Get in line, EALRY, get your cash before you go and get a coffee down the street. We were the first in line at 9:30 and they opened at 10:30 a.m. It is worth it. Trust me
Bike Golden Gate Bridge (Bay City Bikes $44 each) 501 Bay
Street (12:30)-Alright, lets go ahead and get this out of the way. Everyone has been saying to do this, "O Meredith, it is so easy and a gorgeous stroll across the bridge." Lies. Those were all lies. If you mean easy stroll up and down mountains to the tune of 8 miles then sure, it is great. Also, I may or may not have had a little spill in Fishermans Warf when my bike tire got stuck in a trolley track... but that is here nor there. Our travel pals went ahead and biked it (they are very fitness friendly) and met us in Sauslito. Jaggs, being the SAINT that he is called us an Uber and I went over the bridge in a Prius. I could blame the bike fall on MS but I am also going to say that MS or not... it is f*cking a hall across the bridge
Sausalito- Bar Bocce-after the bike situation cocktails and brick oven pizza are what heals all wounds. This place is hip, happening and right on the water. The tourist seem to have to gotten here so go while you can
The House (8 p.m.)-hands down one of our favorite spots in all of SF. This meal never disappointments but make sure to make a rezzie before you go
Sat Aug 15
Jane on Larkin (breakfast)-right in the middle of The Tenderloin (google it if you don't know what that means) your taste buds will cry for their coffee and breakfast. A very cute coffee and bread making spot this will for sure be at the top of our list every visit. Get the avocado toast and thank me later
Ferry Building-one of the only touristy things I allow on trips but we love this place. On Saturday's it is rocking on the water with vendors and people. Come hungry because there is a lot to taste
Waterbar-after the Ferry Building walk .25 miles to this spot for SavyB (wine, duh) and oysters with a killer view of the Bay Bridge
Magnolias (Haight & Ashbury)-favorite bar in SF brewing their own beers and just not caring about what is supposed to be cool. Love it here
Shizen Vegan Sushi (dinner)-alright I can see the eye roll. I almost don't want you to know it is all vegan because you would NEVER know once you order the food. Just try it, if you don't like it I will pay for your meal. They don't take rezzies so just get a cocktail and wait to be amazed
Looking back:
I will be the first one to admit I was tired when we get to SF. We drank a looooot in wine country and by the time I got here I think the sleepless nights caught up with me so a lot of what I planned did not happen. Plus my spill on the bike set me back a few days (no one's perfect). There is so much to do in this city that it is going to take a lifetime to do it all. But, we are up for the challenge :)
