Tagged : USA

in Travel, Wine & Food

Cool Cocktail Bars in San Francisco

Bourbon & Branch (Nob Hill) Website / Map

This prohibition style speakeasy in a colourful neighbourhood actually requires a password for you to enter. I somehow sweet talked my way past the hostess who was suitably dressed for the 40′s and got a seat at the bar. The other two schmucks that were waiting outside never made it past the front door as they fumbled around on their iPhones trying to figure out the password. In case you’re wondering what the password is, the secret is just to make a reservation. This place is the opposite of first come, first served. The drink list here is excellent and the array of different liquor is impressive. Notably they carried Whistle Pig Rye, Hudson Whiskey, and Sazerac (the brand), which is becoming ever difficult to find as supply continues to be low. I had a Black Manhattan and their daily market special. Unfortunately I can’t remember exactly what was in it, but do remember thinking it was great. The bartenders were cordial, but not intrusive, and the vibe in this place is great. They also don’t serve any food, so make it your last or first stop.

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in Travel

The Argonaut Hotel San Francisco

Overall Impression
This is a great place to stay at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. While I’m not a big fan of tourist traps, it’s easy enough to escape the area on foot or by taxi for less than $10 each way. The advantage to staying in an area where tons of tourists congregate is an abundance of late night stores to grab supplies, or a bite to eat. The Argonaut itself was great. The rooms are the typical San Fran nautical theme. Nice beds, Aveda toiletries (if you care about that kind of stuff—I don’t, but it’s a nice touch), and very friendly and helpful staff. The proximity to everything is good, and typically cheaper than staying downtown around Union Square. Continue Reading

in Travel, Wine & Food

San Francisco Late Night Eats: Ryoko’s Sushi

Irashaimasen! The entire staff in unison welcomes every customer that enters the steep dark stairwell down into the basement sushi lair that is Ryoko’s near Union Square in San Fransisco.

A quick glance around and you might feel that you’re in some back alley sushi joint in Shimbashi if it weren’t for the scattering of blonde San Franciscoites and the GNR blasting on the stereo. This place, with it’s dimly lit interior backed up against a bright, and space efficient sushi bar that acts as the stage, is a beehive of social activity. It’s 11pm on a Tuesday and this place is at full tilt. Continue Reading

in Travel, Wine & Food
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Cafe Francisco – Coffee at Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco

The first time I was in San Francisco I struggled to find a great cup of coffee. Don’t get me wrong, good coffee here is a dime a dozen, but the urban part of SFO is dominated by Peet’s and Starbucks. In a town this hip, it would be criminal to go to either — despite the fact that Peet’s originated in San Francisco and is the original premium coffee chain that inspired Starbucks and a whole new coffee culture. If you know me, you know the one thing I am super fussy about is coffee. I like a well made Americano with crema thick enough to stand on. I also want to drink it out of a real coffee mug, and at a place that has a unique atmosphere. If you’re in the North Beach/Fisherman’s Wharf area in San Francisco I would totally recommend Cafe Francisco located at Francisco and Powell near Pier 39 and Telegraph Hill. It’s a cool joint, slightly on the hipstery side of things, but not deliberately. Great people, coffee and atmosphere make this my go-to coffee spot in this part of San Fran.

 

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Taking the BART Train to Fisherman’s Wharf

This trip to San Francisco I decided to take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) train into town from SFO. While it doesn’t go directly to the Pier 39 area where most people stay, it does get fairly close. Take the BART to Embarcardero Station. From there you can cable car, bus, walk, or take a taxi to Fisherman’s Wharf. With all of my luggage I opted to taxi and was quickly approached by a waiting cabbie, even at midnight. The cab ride was about $10. The BART trip was about 40 minutes and just under $10. This route probably saves you about $30 over taking a cab directly to your hotel and takes about 20-30 minutes longer. Wikipedia is a good resource to determine exactly how to get from Embarcardero Station to Fisherman’s Wharf.