Minneapolis / Saint Paul Restaurants

Exclusively located at the Fairmount Hotel in San Francisco, The Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar is sure to let you get your tiki on island style. All platters from their extensive menu are served “family style” so they can be enjoyed by all in attendance. Specialty concoctions served in coconut glasses combined with their tropical décor and Pacific Rim cuisine amount to a unique experience as you are whisked away on a short tropical vacation right in the middle of San Francisco. Come join in the concept of ohana as you become a part of The Tonga Room and Hurricane …

Prospect is the more casual concept in SoMa from the team behind San Francisco's acclaimed Boulevard. Partners Nancy Oakes, Pam Mazzola, and Kathy King, together with Executive Chef Ravi Kapur, have created a lively, seasonal menu that pays tribute to contemporary American cuisine. Whether it's a cocktail and a bite at the bar, a casual meal at the communal table, or a relaxed dinner in the main dining room, guests can enjoy the full menu and exceptional service. The loft-like space is warmed by earth tones, natural fibers, and reclaimed wood creating an open, inviting environment to enjoy your meal.

Since 1916, The Buena Vista Café in Fisherman’s Warf has been a San Francisco landmark. In 1952, with aid from Pulitzer-Prize winning travel writer Stanton Delaplane, the then-owner of the Buena Vista perfected the recipe for their now legendary Irish Coffee. The drink is so popular, the Buena Vista serves up to 2,000 Irish Coffees a day. Should you choose to bypass the Café’s claim to fame, there is a full bar that features a long list of specialty drinks including the Akvavit w/ Beer Snit, the New Orleans Fizz, and the Nutty Irishman. The kitchen serves traditional American fare …

Marina’s Reed & Greenough has a unique take on the local watering hole. Adhering to a strict dress code in which no one wearing a tee shirt, ball cap or flip-flops is allowed entrance to the tavern, the establishment clearly expects more from their guests than the average neighborhood bar. The refinement expected of patrons becomes clear as soon as one sets foot inside the threshold of the lounge. The décor features rich leather, dark mahogany, and a copper bar, all of which call back to men’s clubs of the early 20th Century. A gaming area features two full size …

One Market makes for one exquisite dining experience. With stunning views and upscale atmosphere, One Market is one of the few restaurants in San Francisco with an unbeatable location to serve some of the city’s most exciting cuisine. Executive Chef Mark Dommen has created a menu that appeals to a variety of culinary interests and budgets, featuring seasonal American fare with an emphasis on fresh, organic, and local ingredients. The food, the service, and the ambiance are truly exceptional and will keep one coming back for more.

With influences stemming from Italy and Spain, The Basin serves up both types of food with American flair. In downtown Saratoga, just southwest of San Jose, The Basin has a wide selection of small plates such as the Paella Pequena, Lamb Sliders, house made Burrata and Truffle Fries. Seafood and Salads are available with fresh Shucked Oysters, House Cured Wild Salmon and the Fancy Green Salad on the lighter side. If you are hankering for a large entrée, the Pork N’ Clams with a Snake River Farms tenderloin and littleneck clams should hit the spot, as will the Thick Cut …

Located at the San Jose Marriott, Arcadia serves up a contemporary twist to classic staples of the modern American steakhouse. Breakfast specials consist of the Broken Yolk Fried Egg Sandwich, Arcadia French Toast and the Crispy Malted Waffle. Lunch features the Power Lunch, which offers diners a choice of salad or soup as well as an entrée for a low price. A la carte selections include Steak Frites, Truffle Risotto, Cobb Salad, as well as a number of burgers and sandwiches. Dinner finger foods such as the Lobster Corn Dogs, Truffled Popcorn, and Oysters Rockefeller will prime your appetite for …

Loft Bar and Bistro in downtown San Jose is the hip spot to indulge in great drinks and fresh fare. Dining is three tiers with an upstairs and downstairs dining area and then a rooftop patio that is always bustling seven nights a week until 10:00p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 11:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The Loft has Italian hints on the carte du jour but falls more in line with contemporary American cuisine. Chicken Parmesan, Teriyaki Beef Short Ribs, and the Pork Picatta are meatier entrees. Fresh seafood peppers the appetizer section with fried Calamari, Smoked Salmon, Tuna …

Hardwood grilled steaks, chops, and seafood have been the name of the game at Birk’s Restaurant since 1989. Lunch runs Monday through Friday from 11:15am to 2:30pm with a full menu. Starters include Buttermilk Onion Rings, Grilled Artichoke, and New England Clam Chowder. Salads like the Little Gem and Organic Baby Spinach complement main courses well, and Entrée Salads are available for a light lunch. The Barramundi Nicoise sandwich, Pulled Roast Chicken sandwich, and the Black and Blue Filet sandwich are available for patrons looking for something heartier. The Lunch Reserve List can satiate a craving for mid-day steak, chops, …

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, and to be exact, the epicenter of San Jose, is Paolo’s, an Italian restaurant with roots planted firmly in “The Boot”. Open now for over 50 years in the River Park area, Paolo’s serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday in a unique park-like environment. If you’re looking for pastas or pizzas, either contemporary or traditional, you can find them on the menu. Some of the items are originals from the first few years of opening, like the Ossobuco di Vitello (Braised veal shank, saffron faro, and gremolata) and Empress Salad which consists …

Chambers Eat + Drink is a restaurant and lounge inside San Francisco’s iconic rock n’ roll hotel, the Phoenix, and provides a menu, décor, and ambiance that is both chic and full of substance. Executive Chef Trevor Ogden—formerly from Mission Beach Café and Umami—has constructed a menu that is laden with seasonal entrees derived from California with influences from Japan, the Mediterranean and France. Examples are the Sizzling Kobe Tri-Tip and the Lamb Saddle—English peas, Israeli couscous, baby white carrots, chard leeks, pea tendrils and lamb jus. The menu complements the aesthetics, providing scenery that is modern with two indoor …

Thai Stick in Pacific Heights is a combination Thai restaurant and sports bar catering to those looking to watch the game, enjoy a drink, and eat some curry. The Pumpkin Curry is popular among patrons as is the Chicken Satay and “My Aunt’s Egg Rolls” which feature a healthy serving of bamboo shoots. Other favorites include the Roasted duck with Sautéed Spinach and the Pineapple Rice. Thai Stick offers brown rice as well as Jasmine, and the affordable, large menu and friendly staff leaves patrons with a wide range of flavors to choose.

Named after the California Flag, and offering ingredients and décor sourced from within 150 miles of San Francisco, The Republic in Marina serves up contemporary comfort food. Menu items are upscale versions of classic bar fare such as Nachos, Fish Tacos, Truffle Parmesan Fries, Carnitas Sliders, and White Mac & Cheese made with smoked Gouda and white cheddar topped with fresh chives. The bar offers a California-centric craft beer menu with 60 specialty American beers including 20 on draft, as well as 10 specialty cocktails, and an American themed wine list. The Republic offers those in the Marina a great …

Infusing a taste of California fusion with traditional American comfort food, The Brick Yard Restaurant in Cow Hollow offers patrons a lively environment in which to enjoy a delicious meal. Its menu utilizes ingredients sourced from local sustainable farms and growers, and all of its meats are organically farmed. With a full bar, it’s also a great choice for grabbing a refreshment while catching up with friends. Brick Yard specials include happy hour every weekday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., half-priced bottles of wine all night on Tuesdays, and weekend brunch including bottomless Mimosas starting at 9 a.m. Customers …

Embracing the term “Local” and running with it, the folks at Gather excel in sourcing locally grown and raised ingredients for their menu that boasts it’s 50% vegetarian. Located in the David Brower center, the greenest building in the East Bay-- Gather possesses a casual yet elegant atmosphere to cater to just about anyone. The interior consists of mostly reclaimed materials from the surrounding area, accenting their open kitchen. Boasting an ever-changing seasonal menu, Gather offers everything from vegan “charcuterie” to a grilled half chicken. Open for brunch on the weekends and lunch and dinner nightly, Gather sources up good …

Soluna Café and Lounge is located a short walk from the Golden Gate Theater and the Bill Graham Auditorium. Offering a weekday happy hour from 2:30pm until 9pm, there is plenty of bar fare and drinks on special. Lunch is available during the week, and the dinner menu, which expands upon the lunch offerings, is diverse with its selections from Organic Mixed Greens Salad and Mac & Cheese to Creekstone Farms All-Natural Center Cut Rib-Eye with House Steak Sauce. Soluna Café & Lounge utilizes organic, all-natural or sustainable ingredients in all of its dishes. If you are looking for a …

Since 1882, The Northstar Café has served the thirsty of North Beach strong drinks and cold beer. One of the areas longest and latest Happy Hour specials runs Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and features $3 beers and well drinks. Free popcorn provided to those looking for a light snack. Board games and free pool keep guests entertained. A local favorite, The Northstar Café is a great choice to grab a drink in a friendly and casual environment after work, or just whenever.

Trattoria Pinocchio offers diners an authentic taste of Italy on one of the busiest corners in North Beach. Heated sidewalk seating allows patrons to enjoy open air dining, even when the weather is brisk. Should guests choose to be seated inside, floor-to-ceiling windows offer the opportunity to people watch while enjoying the chic Venetian interior and sounds of Italian music. Owner and Chef Giovanni Zocca, a native of Sicily, offers a menu featuring homemade pastas, pizza, veal, seafood, and cioppino. Trattoria Pinocchio has a full bar with signature cocktails and a variety of Californian and Italian wines, so it’s not …

Tacolicious is admittedly not a traditional San Francisco taqueria. While incorporating Mexican ingredients into every one of the restaurants offerings, Tacolicious sees itself as a San Francisco restaurant first and foremost. The menu incorporates seven different tacos, seasonal salads, a Tombo tuna tostada, as well as a slew of appetizers, and even a brunch menu for the weekend. House-made agua frescas pair well for those looking for something free of alcohol, but if libations are on the mind, freshly-squeezed margaritas, an extensive Mexican beer list including bottles and tap, wine, as well as a selection of over 100 tequilas, including …

Dive-y, casual, and technically but not exclusively a gay bar, Trax is the only gay bar on Haight. The signature drink is the “Bitchin’ Bloody Mary” which has a spicy cocktail mix garnished with pickled green beans, pickled asparagus, pickled mini onion, and celery. Cheap drinks and a festive atmosphere is what keeps people coming back to Trax, and legend has it, this bar is haunted! The famously friendly bartenders will be sure drinks are always full, and the music selection is second to none. For strong drinks at a great price and an all around good time, check out …