San Francisco - First Meal in the USA?

My sweetheart will finally arrive in SFO on an upcoming Thursday, at 8pm. :D

I'd like to take her to dinner somewhere that fits the occasion as a memorable "First Meal in the USA".

Of course, not likely to get out of the airport very quickly, making the meal time a bit late.

Budget: Let's say $100 or less for both of us. Still have a wedding to pay for, after all. :p

Suggestions?@:-)

Split a chicken at Zuni. Open late, about $50 + tax/tip for the bird (comes w/a bread salad ...mmmmm), and with a couple glasses of wine you are at your limit.

Split a chicken at Zuni. Open late, about $50 + tax/tip for the bird (comes w/a bread salad ...mmmmm), and with a couple glasses of wine you are at your limit.

Second that. And get the gnocchi if it's available.

BTW, if for some uncontrollable reason, her flight gets changed or delayed and she arrives in the morning, I would get breakfast at JoAnne's Cafe in South San Francisco, IMHO, the best breakfast joint in the entire Bay Area.

Try 25 Lusk Street (http://www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com/2011/10/twenty-five-lusk-san-francisco-california-restaurant-review/).

Short ribs are divine (see photo).

Should be within or very close to budget.

http://www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSC_0412-300x199.jpg

Just went past it today and remembered how good it is.

In-n-Out at Millbrae. Easy to get to, well within your budget, and hard to beat :)

In-n-Out at Millbrae. Easy to get to, well within your budget, and hard to beat :)

The thought had indeed crossed my mind. :D :D

And looking at flightaware, we might not have many other options as the flight is occasionally landing after midnight.

Zuni is looking quite tempting, hope we get done at the airport in time. :)

In-n-Out at Millbrae. Easy to get to, well within your budget, and hard to beat :)

^^^^^

Double double, fries, and a shake! Can't get much more American than that! Plus after a looong flight, heading straight to a nice sit down dinner might not be ideal. I say get a burger and fries in a casual setting, then do a nice dinner the next night.

I'd also recommend Wayfare Tavern as a solid "first American meal". Split an appetizer, have her get the fried chicken, and with a glass of wine each you'd probably be just over $100.

Zuni is looking quite tempting, hope we get done at the airport in time. :)

It is a San Francisco modern classic. I'd suggest you make a reservation and cancel it if you don't need it.

My sweetheart will finally arrive in SFO on an upcoming Thursday, at 8pm. :D

I'd like to take her to dinner somewhere that fits the occasion as a memorable "First Meal in the USA".

Of course, not likely to get out of the airport very quickly, making the meal time a bit late.

Budget: Let's say $100 or less for both of us. Still have a wedding to pay for, after all. :p

Suggestions?@:-)

If the OP is still around, I'm curious to hear what the final decision was.