All,

Traveling back to SFO in a few weeks with gf in hand. I have a total different perspective on things than she, as I could eat at Subway, Jimmy John's or Panera. However, she has a little bit better taste and will expect a bit more. Obviously, we will "BART" it from SFO to the Hilton in Union Square. I have stayed in the area many a times (Intercontinentenal on Howard), but mainly for business and never ventured out much. Now, with that being said, what is cable car, taxi, BART distance away (within reason) where we can get some good grub? Also, keep in mind, I am 25 and she is 24, so somewhere a little vibrant is always good!

Your thoughts and reccomendations are greatly appreciated.

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To start the conversation: Two blocks away from your hotel is Michael Mina, in the St. Francis hotel;

http://michaelmina.net

Din for 2 including a modest bottle of wine will be over $300.

For fun and vibrant and good food, without breaking the bank, you might want to check out Town Hall. But there are billions (ok, maybe a few less) of good to great places to eat, and fortunately, most of them do not have the (mis)fortune of being part of anything larger than a small local restaurant group.

These are both walking distance and may bridge the gap between what you and your gf are looking for.

Fish & Farm

Farmer Brown

If your gf is a "Sex and the City" fan kind of girl, she might like Asia de Cuba and the Redwood Room at the Clift Hotel.
Anyway, you may want to try walking around Union Street (not Square) in Cow Hollow or Chestnut Street at the Marina for a less touristy experience.
I recommend Terzo, Umami, Betlenut, Nettie's Crab Shack, Rose Cafe on Union and Isa off of Chestnut. A little farther, inside the Presidio are Presidio Social Club, Pres-a-Vi* and La Terrace.
There are also a few Wine Bars on both streets.
Oh, I miss SF.

*My least favorite, but my guests liked to see George Lucas's building and the Yoda Fountain nearby.

Fish and Farm is solid.

But what within my walking distance in The City are: Boulevard and Slanted Door. South Beach/ATT Park area, I've (nor my dates) had ever a bad meal at Momo's. Berkeley and Oakland is only a BART ride away for those talbes already talked about, so you don't need a car.

Might as well look here:http://www.sfweekly.com/restaurants/...region=769355&

and any other searches like chowhound or yelp.

+1 to Farmer Brown. Or you could always walk the short distance over to North Beach and enjoy some Italian.

...and if you don't want to walk far at all, Farallon, on Post Street, has good service and good seafood in an imaginative yet understated undersea setting.

http://www.farallonrestaurant.com/

Jellyfish chandeliers, anyone?

I tend to enjoy Farallon just for a cup of coffee and some desert--they've always been accommodating for that, when I wasn't there for a full dinner.

if you want good food w/ a cool vibe, I echo the votes for Fish and Farm, Town Hall or Farmer Brown. Town Hall is not near Union Sq but in SOMA which is a cab ride away.

Farmer Brown has the "coolest" vibe as it's in a the border of a sketchy area where hipsters like to hang out and has a good bar.

I like Lori's Diner. There are two very close to Union Square and I liked the one on the N side of the square (1 block) across from the Walgreens.

The food court in the basement of the Westfield mall on Market is also nice.

It has been a long time since I lived in SF, so hopefully my comments are still accurate.

Bread bowl at Boudin's is a must.

You didn't say if your gf likes fancy or good food.

Good:

Burma House is gone, so look into Burma Superstar. It is like Americanized Chinese, but isn't.

Cha Am - This is an upscale Thai place across the street from MoMa. Depending on your gf's tastes, and what is currently at MoMa, they are a good combo.

Yank Sing - Dim Sum in the Financial District. Upstairs is the typical loud huge sea of tables with carts wheeling around. Downstairs is a much smaller area with quiet private booths. Best seat (in my opinion) is the booth for two right in front of the kitchen. First pick of everything.

Fancy:

The Grand Cafe - This place impresses without bankrupting. The bar is great, the bartenders are good. The restaurant is visually impressive and the food is solid. The gf can dress to the nines and you can get away for about $100. $200 if you spend too much time at the bar or get into some wine.

Neptune's Palace - best view of the bay. Grab and early lunch there to score the best view. I think the food is, uh, boring. The seafood is fresh, but the prep is bland.