San Francisco Bay Area: Your favorite things to do or places to go
10-21-2018
, 01:59 PM
Thank you all for your wonderful advice. I was able to accomplish just about everything I had planned. Overall, San Francisco is a lovely city but I'm not sure I am in a hurry to return.
Generally I don't find food shots super helpful with reviews but will share a few select photo highlights with my reports below, in case others find it useful.
Tacorea
This was an unplanned stop since I was absolutely ravenous after arriving and a quick search for lunch places near my hotel lead me here. It was about 15 minutes to closing so there was no line, something I definitely came to accept a part of my visit to the city.
Recently been making my own bibimbap and bulgogi at home so the bulgolgi taco was a serious let down. Pretty flavorless and bland, carried by the cilantro and queso. But Mama Lee's spicy pork was incredible and I found myself thinking about it a few other times during the week.
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai - Mission location
Likely the most authentically Thai dining atmosphere I've ever experienced outside of Thailand, just with better service and fewer dogs underfoot. Generally I would say the food is better than most Thai, but if I lived nearby, it would probably be relegated to occasional fancy takeout level, not a regular stop.
The shambled Halloween decor, festive atmosphere and booming music captured the spirit of many a bar and restaurant experienced through my days living in Asia. I dined with a friend I met while living in Japan. She's pregnant so we didn't spring for the Kick Boxing Bowl.
Because it's so raucous and loud, this is not an appropriate date spot. And the incessant birthday parades with singing and people literally clanging pots and instruments reveal there are many groups who come here to celebrate. There were at least three parades while we there there, and that included one that combined three tables in one parade. Got old, fast. In retrospect, not the best place to catch up with a friend you haven't seen a while.
Hat Yai fried chicken was one of the dishes I was looking forward to the most but I didn't think of it as true Southern Thai style. It reminded me more of Japanese style pari pari chicken with a lighter, flakier batter. While it did not come with fried wahom/onions and sticky rice as is customary, I did enjoy the Panang curry sauce and blue rice it came with, though, so would still rate it highly. We also got an order of tom kha gai soup which was packed with ingredients and rich, creamy and a little tangy, just as it should be.
The server expressed some doubt when we tried to order a few other dishes saying he thought two would be enough. Looking back, should have gotten the beef num tok rolls we were curious about. The ice cream place my friend wanted to visit after was closed so we had dessert at Farmhouse. The menu didn't really spark anything for me other than the durian, which she wasn't into, so I obliged her choice for bread pudding. It was average and I poked at it, but mostly let her finish it.
Kin Khao
When I spied Kin Khao near the hotel I was conferencing at, I knew I had to visit, despite eating Thai the night before. Making my way over at 1130am, I was seated quickly without a reservation at a table. Like clockwork at noon the place started to fill up and a line formed.
I didn't even need to look at the menu to know what I wanted. I've been chasing the taste of a bowl of khao soi I had from Bangkok's Soi Convent several years ago. Despite being 10x the price, this was the closest of many attempts I've made at finding that flavor, including trials in D.C., Seattle, Vegas, and at home.
Unlike most western places, they at least used dark meat and the broth was the perfect blend of spicy, creamy and sour. The crispy noodles on top and thicker than usual udon-style noodles in the soup do not lend itself well to eating in white business wear, but I made it work by fashioning a bib. #noshame
Service and pricing are what you'd expect for a Michelin starred restaurant.
Exploratorium
Brilliant move by the conference organizers to host an event at the Exploratorium since it gave those of us who are introverted or less talented at networking an out. Not all of the exhibits were open and I suspect this place could be a nightmare when full of children but I enjoyed checking things out while drinking beverages and watching others explore. My husband, who had visited previously, mentioned he thought it was a great choice for this type of event and said if I had gone on my own time I would not have enjoyed it as much.
Museum of Ice Cream
WTF is this place, even? Walked past at a late hour and am sad to report I was drawn in by the unicorn in the window. I was surprised to see it still open at close to 11 p.m. As far as I can tell it's just Instagram eyecandy and a place for influencers to do shoots at? I nearly fell over when the staff told me it was $38 admission for anyone over the age of 2. Did a quick tour of the very Millennial pink gift shop and moved on.
Mazarine Coffee
I was fading fast midday at the conference so skipped the lukewarm carafes in the lobby in exchange for a quick stroll and nitro cold brew from Mazarine. Worth the walk, wish I had time to wait for a pour over.
Benjamin Cooper
Popped in for a pre-conference event and to meet a fellow conference attendee for a drink. She was impressed to drink at such a hidden place, h/t to ED for the recommendation on this one.
Lots of small groups of people so I was lonely for a bit until my colleague joined me but did have interesting conversations with the bartender who said they changed the menu every two weeks. Also chatted with the only other solo drinker, some former tech investor from NYC who now sold health foods on Amazon.
California Academy of the Sciences
Went Friday afternoon to avoid crowds and had a decent time. Pretty aquariums with enough space to enjoy them. The highlight was watching a new science film in the planetarium about coral reefs.
As a science communicator, I thought they did a great job telling the story of coral. As someone prone to motion sickness who suffered through five weeks of vertigo in August, the immersive experience was a little intimidating but I was okay in the end, just sat close to the top. Loved to learn they do all their animation in house.
State Bird Provisions
The timing was just about right to try for a seat at this place after visiting the Cal Academy. Advice online says on Friday and Saturdays to start lining up at 4:30 if you are trying for a walk up spot. I was first in line at 4:25 with people joining soon after. It looked like the next eight to 10 people in line after me got a spot. Another singleton who arrived at 5:30 was seated next to me at the bar. She was probably only able to dine because I had been first in line, there were many pairs and quads in line. Everyone else was relegated to the 7pm seating or headed elsewhere. The line for next door's The Progress started at about 5.
For those unfamiliar, the kitchen pumps out trays and carts of small plates that circulate the room, dim sum style. Servers tell you what the dish is when they arrive. Pricing is between $3 and $12, noted by a steel number on the tray. The concept is ripe for poor execution but they make it work so well.
Also, as a solo diner, it was refreshing to find out most of the items they create are available as half orders, so I was able to sample the maximum number of things with limited waste. My tip is to grab anything you are remotely interested in because chances are it will not come around again and they may not be able to make the item again at your seating.
I selected from the dim sum options often but also dipped into the regular menu as well. Their menu changes so frequently it's not worth going into everything I ate but the highlights included poppyseed buckweat pancakes with beef tongue pastrami, a positively inspired chanterelle-yuba al amatriciana, duck liver mousse with almond biscuits (less dainty Madeleines, imo) and a guinea hen shiitake dumpling in aromatic five-spice broth.
The woman next to me was an absolute beast, she packed it all in and then found room for dessert. I wasn't counting closely but probably 11 dishes? She said she lives in L.A. now but misses State Bird like crazy. I was uncomfortable for the rest of the evening on the amount I ate — seven dishes, many of them half orders, so can't imagine how she felt. Clearly I was an amateur.
Ferry Building Market
Disappointment! I started my only full solo work-free day at 8am with a mocha from Blue Bottle, a cheese wheel from Acme Bakery and a tamale from Primavera. Sampled a few California fruits (you have no idea how crummy the produce is in Canada, generally) and then walked and walked and walked — close to 13 miles. Generally would say this market is a nice experience but I probably should have just committed to a real breakfast somewhere.
Musee Mechanique
A friend who knows how much I love the Pinball Hall of Fame in Vegas suggested I pop in. An entertaining few moments and joke snaps to the husband were worth the trip. If you're too cheap to throw a few bits in the machines, there are enough people are plopping coins in all over that you can get the experience. Also always love finding out there is some old metalhead in the back running these places.
Pacific Cocktail Haven
Ah, yes, another ED recommendation. Great vibe, service and decor. One of my favorite cocktails of the year was served up here: the Shogun (above). I also had a Sho' Nuff and a few pours of the negroni bull dispenser some Martini and Rossi reps from were showing off.
I love vermouth-based cocktails but it seemed most of the room did not. If I was hanging around I probably would have ordered off the special one-night menu.
Asia SF
Made plans with another friend who now lives in the Bay area. We wanted to see a drag show and in the end went to one of her favorites, the trans cabaret dinner show at Asia SF.
I wasn't looking forward to the food but endured it because it was more about entertainment value but the meal turned out to be OK. Juicy, hot chicken satay and a filet cooked rare and bang on. Dessert was meh.
After Benji Cooper and PCH I couldn't bring myself to pay $12 for a cocktail that seemed off a menu straight out of 1998, so stuck to water.
Lots of bachelorette parties and large groups which make for an energetic, if shrill, atmosphere. I wish there had been one or two more numbers, but the ladies are great at what they do. They definitely pump the people in and out there, though, it's not really a leisurely experience.
Bob's Donuts
I was itching to head home Sunday morning and had time to burn I was ready so early so I made the quick 15 minute walk to and from Bob's Donuts. Even at 8am there was a line.
People were ordering all sorts of monstrosities, but I just got some raised glazed and have no idea why anyone would mess with anything else. (Except maybe the apple fritters.) ****ing perfection. I haven't had a doughnut that good in ages. Yeasty, chewy, slightly larger than usual. I bet it's what this guy had.
Crossing the border back home I declared some food items and the customs officer was amused at my description of a "single doughnut" I brought home. "Only one?" he said. "Yes, but I should have got a box," I said. He seemed intrigued and wrote something down after asking the name of the bakery again. I hope it was "Bob's Donuts" and not a note about me.
SFO
The international A terminal is a pile of hot garbage but I did grab some subpar tacos before going through security. However, there's a lot of construction and looks like a Tartine and Kin Khao are arriving there soon. My husband is on a super-restrictive diet right now and can't eat a lot of things, but real sourdough bread is okay so I took a chance and got a little loaf from the only decent post-security option, Boudin. I suspected tourist trap but this bread is the real deal and was excellent.
No ragrets
Didn't make it to any beer bars or breakfast joints, but that's okay. Missed Rintaro because when push came to shove the idea of paying $9 for a stick of yakitori was hard to swallow after my State Bird experience. Decided against a reservation to the San Francisco Champagne Society since it didn't seem great for a solo drinker, but would return in a heartbeat with my husband in future. Ran out of time to check out the Isaia store!
Thanks again, all, for the excellent advice. Made a business trip a little more fun and helped it from going off the rails by letting me know what was likely a waste of time.
Generally I don't find food shots super helpful with reviews but will share a few select photo highlights with my reports below, in case others find it useful.
Tacorea
This was an unplanned stop since I was absolutely ravenous after arriving and a quick search for lunch places near my hotel lead me here. It was about 15 minutes to closing so there was no line, something I definitely came to accept a part of my visit to the city.
Recently been making my own bibimbap and bulgogi at home so the bulgolgi taco was a serious let down. Pretty flavorless and bland, carried by the cilantro and queso. But Mama Lee's spicy pork was incredible and I found myself thinking about it a few other times during the week.
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai - Mission location
Likely the most authentically Thai dining atmosphere I've ever experienced outside of Thailand, just with better service and fewer dogs underfoot. Generally I would say the food is better than most Thai, but if I lived nearby, it would probably be relegated to occasional fancy takeout level, not a regular stop.
The shambled Halloween decor, festive atmosphere and booming music captured the spirit of many a bar and restaurant experienced through my days living in Asia. I dined with a friend I met while living in Japan. She's pregnant so we didn't spring for the Kick Boxing Bowl.
Because it's so raucous and loud, this is not an appropriate date spot. And the incessant birthday parades with singing and people literally clanging pots and instruments reveal there are many groups who come here to celebrate. There were at least three parades while we there there, and that included one that combined three tables in one parade. Got old, fast. In retrospect, not the best place to catch up with a friend you haven't seen a while.
Hat Yai fried chicken was one of the dishes I was looking forward to the most but I didn't think of it as true Southern Thai style. It reminded me more of Japanese style pari pari chicken with a lighter, flakier batter. While it did not come with fried wahom/onions and sticky rice as is customary, I did enjoy the Panang curry sauce and blue rice it came with, though, so would still rate it highly. We also got an order of tom kha gai soup which was packed with ingredients and rich, creamy and a little tangy, just as it should be.
The server expressed some doubt when we tried to order a few other dishes saying he thought two would be enough. Looking back, should have gotten the beef num tok rolls we were curious about. The ice cream place my friend wanted to visit after was closed so we had dessert at Farmhouse. The menu didn't really spark anything for me other than the durian, which she wasn't into, so I obliged her choice for bread pudding. It was average and I poked at it, but mostly let her finish it.
Kin Khao
When I spied Kin Khao near the hotel I was conferencing at, I knew I had to visit, despite eating Thai the night before. Making my way over at 1130am, I was seated quickly without a reservation at a table. Like clockwork at noon the place started to fill up and a line formed.
I didn't even need to look at the menu to know what I wanted. I've been chasing the taste of a bowl of khao soi I had from Bangkok's Soi Convent several years ago. Despite being 10x the price, this was the closest of many attempts I've made at finding that flavor, including trials in D.C., Seattle, Vegas, and at home.
Unlike most western places, they at least used dark meat and the broth was the perfect blend of spicy, creamy and sour. The crispy noodles on top and thicker than usual udon-style noodles in the soup do not lend itself well to eating in white business wear, but I made it work by fashioning a bib. #noshame
Service and pricing are what you'd expect for a Michelin starred restaurant.
Exploratorium
Brilliant move by the conference organizers to host an event at the Exploratorium since it gave those of us who are introverted or less talented at networking an out. Not all of the exhibits were open and I suspect this place could be a nightmare when full of children but I enjoyed checking things out while drinking beverages and watching others explore. My husband, who had visited previously, mentioned he thought it was a great choice for this type of event and said if I had gone on my own time I would not have enjoyed it as much.
Museum of Ice Cream
WTF is this place, even? Walked past at a late hour and am sad to report I was drawn in by the unicorn in the window. I was surprised to see it still open at close to 11 p.m. As far as I can tell it's just Instagram eyecandy and a place for influencers to do shoots at? I nearly fell over when the staff told me it was $38 admission for anyone over the age of 2. Did a quick tour of the very Millennial pink gift shop and moved on.
Mazarine Coffee
I was fading fast midday at the conference so skipped the lukewarm carafes in the lobby in exchange for a quick stroll and nitro cold brew from Mazarine. Worth the walk, wish I had time to wait for a pour over.
Benjamin Cooper
Popped in for a pre-conference event and to meet a fellow conference attendee for a drink. She was impressed to drink at such a hidden place, h/t to ED for the recommendation on this one.
Lots of small groups of people so I was lonely for a bit until my colleague joined me but did have interesting conversations with the bartender who said they changed the menu every two weeks. Also chatted with the only other solo drinker, some former tech investor from NYC who now sold health foods on Amazon.
California Academy of the Sciences
Went Friday afternoon to avoid crowds and had a decent time. Pretty aquariums with enough space to enjoy them. The highlight was watching a new science film in the planetarium about coral reefs.
As a science communicator, I thought they did a great job telling the story of coral. As someone prone to motion sickness who suffered through five weeks of vertigo in August, the immersive experience was a little intimidating but I was okay in the end, just sat close to the top. Loved to learn they do all their animation in house.
State Bird Provisions
The timing was just about right to try for a seat at this place after visiting the Cal Academy. Advice online says on Friday and Saturdays to start lining up at 4:30 if you are trying for a walk up spot. I was first in line at 4:25 with people joining soon after. It looked like the next eight to 10 people in line after me got a spot. Another singleton who arrived at 5:30 was seated next to me at the bar. She was probably only able to dine because I had been first in line, there were many pairs and quads in line. Everyone else was relegated to the 7pm seating or headed elsewhere. The line for next door's The Progress started at about 5.
For those unfamiliar, the kitchen pumps out trays and carts of small plates that circulate the room, dim sum style. Servers tell you what the dish is when they arrive. Pricing is between $3 and $12, noted by a steel number on the tray. The concept is ripe for poor execution but they make it work so well.
Also, as a solo diner, it was refreshing to find out most of the items they create are available as half orders, so I was able to sample the maximum number of things with limited waste. My tip is to grab anything you are remotely interested in because chances are it will not come around again and they may not be able to make the item again at your seating.
I selected from the dim sum options often but also dipped into the regular menu as well. Their menu changes so frequently it's not worth going into everything I ate but the highlights included poppyseed buckweat pancakes with beef tongue pastrami, a positively inspired chanterelle-yuba al amatriciana, duck liver mousse with almond biscuits (less dainty Madeleines, imo) and a guinea hen shiitake dumpling in aromatic five-spice broth.
The woman next to me was an absolute beast, she packed it all in and then found room for dessert. I wasn't counting closely but probably 11 dishes? She said she lives in L.A. now but misses State Bird like crazy. I was uncomfortable for the rest of the evening on the amount I ate — seven dishes, many of them half orders, so can't imagine how she felt. Clearly I was an amateur.
Ferry Building Market
Disappointment! I started my only full solo work-free day at 8am with a mocha from Blue Bottle, a cheese wheel from Acme Bakery and a tamale from Primavera. Sampled a few California fruits (you have no idea how crummy the produce is in Canada, generally) and then walked and walked and walked — close to 13 miles. Generally would say this market is a nice experience but I probably should have just committed to a real breakfast somewhere.
Musee Mechanique
A friend who knows how much I love the Pinball Hall of Fame in Vegas suggested I pop in. An entertaining few moments and joke snaps to the husband were worth the trip. If you're too cheap to throw a few bits in the machines, there are enough people are plopping coins in all over that you can get the experience. Also always love finding out there is some old metalhead in the back running these places.
Pacific Cocktail Haven
Ah, yes, another ED recommendation. Great vibe, service and decor. One of my favorite cocktails of the year was served up here: the Shogun (above). I also had a Sho' Nuff and a few pours of the negroni bull dispenser some Martini and Rossi reps from were showing off.
I love vermouth-based cocktails but it seemed most of the room did not. If I was hanging around I probably would have ordered off the special one-night menu.
Asia SF
Made plans with another friend who now lives in the Bay area. We wanted to see a drag show and in the end went to one of her favorites, the trans cabaret dinner show at Asia SF.
I wasn't looking forward to the food but endured it because it was more about entertainment value but the meal turned out to be OK. Juicy, hot chicken satay and a filet cooked rare and bang on. Dessert was meh.
After Benji Cooper and PCH I couldn't bring myself to pay $12 for a cocktail that seemed off a menu straight out of 1998, so stuck to water.
Lots of bachelorette parties and large groups which make for an energetic, if shrill, atmosphere. I wish there had been one or two more numbers, but the ladies are great at what they do. They definitely pump the people in and out there, though, it's not really a leisurely experience.
Bob's Donuts
I was itching to head home Sunday morning and had time to burn I was ready so early so I made the quick 15 minute walk to and from Bob's Donuts. Even at 8am there was a line.
People were ordering all sorts of monstrosities, but I just got some raised glazed and have no idea why anyone would mess with anything else. (Except maybe the apple fritters.) ****ing perfection. I haven't had a doughnut that good in ages. Yeasty, chewy, slightly larger than usual. I bet it's what this guy had.
Crossing the border back home I declared some food items and the customs officer was amused at my description of a "single doughnut" I brought home. "Only one?" he said. "Yes, but I should have got a box," I said. He seemed intrigued and wrote something down after asking the name of the bakery again. I hope it was "Bob's Donuts" and not a note about me.
SFO
The international A terminal is a pile of hot garbage but I did grab some subpar tacos before going through security. However, there's a lot of construction and looks like a Tartine and Kin Khao are arriving there soon. My husband is on a super-restrictive diet right now and can't eat a lot of things, but real sourdough bread is okay so I took a chance and got a little loaf from the only decent post-security option, Boudin. I suspected tourist trap but this bread is the real deal and was excellent.
No ragrets
Didn't make it to any beer bars or breakfast joints, but that's okay. Missed Rintaro because when push came to shove the idea of paying $9 for a stick of yakitori was hard to swallow after my State Bird experience. Decided against a reservation to the San Francisco Champagne Society since it didn't seem great for a solo drinker, but would return in a heartbeat with my husband in future. Ran out of time to check out the Isaia store!
Thanks again, all, for the excellent advice. Made a business trip a little more fun and helped it from going off the rails by letting me know what was likely a waste of time.
