I used to go to this restaurant called Something Fishy in Santa Barbara, and it's a fantastic Japanese restaurant with hibachi (grill with cook cooking in front of you) like Benihana. Does anyone know of a similar place in the bay area?

This is one of the worst restaurants in Santa Barbara. I know everyone has different tastes, but ug I hate that place.

Yelpers seem to agree with your assessment:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/somethings-f...-santa-barbara

Either way, I think we can all agree that "Something's Fishy" is the WOAT name for a restaurant.

There are Benihana's in the Bay Area, but I'd avoid them.

The best hibachi/teppanyaki I've had around here is actually in Pleasant Hill, if you're willing to drive out there, at Kobe Japan. The Kobe beef is particularly good. It's not real Kobe (from Japan) beef -- rather the American version from Snake River Farms. But it's still quite good.

For what it's worth, I went to UCSB and am a SF native with a love for all food. From Taco Bell to Gary Danko, I try to take things for what they are. At places like Something's Fishy and Benihana, it's all about the show (though I've never had an issue with the food at either one). I haven't been for years, but if you want enter-dining, they're fine.

I haven't posted much on 2p2 for a couple years, so not sure if this has been covered, but my current favorite place to eat is either Hot Pot Garden or Shabu House - both of which are all you can eat Shabu Shabu places, with the former having tons of non-traditional chinese items offered.

The Kobe Japan place looks great - exactly what I'm looking for! will try it this weekend, thanks!

I never had sushi there. I've always had a blast going there - ordering hibachi, seeing the cooks do their thing, and then doing sake bombs, then hitting the clubs or house parties is an experience that's hard to beat for me. Something Fishy will always have a special place in my heart.

I'm going to a comedy show at the Nob Hill Masonic Center. Does anyone have suggestions for gastropubs or cocktail spots in the area?

Def try the Kobe steak. Let me know how you like it!

Will be in the area next month. What is a decent wine tour with reasonable price - any good half day ones?

Is tour of Muir Woods a must do?

Was there last year so already have done all the main touristy stuff

We've booked ourselves at the Whitcomb. It's fully refundable til end of month. How sketchy of an area is this and how far walking distance to union square? (1213 Market Street).

It's fairly sketchy over there. You'll be right by the 6th street corridor which is the grimiest part of downtown SF in my opinion. You're also about a 10-15 min walk from Union Square but there are probably better options if you look for a hotel in the lower nob hill area, which also happens to be my neighborhood. There's a few decent places on Sutter or Bush streets that are just as close/closer to Union Square without nearly the same sketch factor and close to some good bars too.
Also, Muir Woods is a must IMO. I just came back from 3 weeks in the redwoods and it was amazing! Highly recommended!

tv,

If you got a really good rate there, it's fine. It's a slightly sketch area, but far enough from 6th that it's not horrible. I've been in that hotel lobby twice to meet people, and both times there have been huge packs of hot young Euro girls, so there's that.

I just checked current prices and they are $200. If you paid in that range, I'd suggest canceling - I'm sure you can find a better option.

What are you looking for w/ the wine tour? Nice scenery? High quality wine? Fun people?

We booked at 180plus tax but cancelled today since prices seem alot better if we go wed to to sunday which is odd considering it'll be labor day weekend. Must be something going on in the city few days prior. Example - the vantage court in much better location drops from nearly 300 to 160 which is what we paid last year. As for tour - Id say fair price and nice scenery. We have a decent budget for trip but would rather spend money on drinks and dining out vs hotel and super pricey tours.

Also i understand muir woods has better accesability on weekend as there might be public transportation. True? We'd prefer that to a guided tour - at least we think so.

Lastly - best recommendation for artisan cocktails?

Sorry meant exec vintage court in prior post. On ipad

One more thing- last time had drinks at i believe the hyatt on top floor(one with round glass). Super awesome but drinks sucked and super expensive. Any alternative drink spots with great view?