People Watching Restaurants
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Taqueria Castillo B in the Tenderloin is a local favorite. The namesake quesadilla, aptly named Quesadillas Costillo is wrapped like a burrito. The spicy Camarones diablos delight seafood lovers looking for a taste of the sea with a bit of kick. With some of the tastiest tacos this side of The Mission, the al pastor should not be missed. Tortilla choices include the standard flour and corn, but wheat and spinach as well. Guests can order meat combo burritos, should they choose, that is to say al pastor and carnitas, or pollo and carne, etc. Whole avocados are used instead …
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Open until 4:00 a.m., Won Mi Korean BBQ offers some of the latest dining in the Western Addition neighborhood of San Francisco. Diners enjoy the authentic Korean fare from the bi bim bap, kimchijjigae, and jjigaes, to the assorted banchan. Tea and soft drinks are available, as are soju and Korean beers. Kind and accommodating servers keep diners happy as they dine throughout the night. The next time a late night craving for Korean food strikes, Won Mi Korean BBQ offers hungry diners a way to satiate those cravings.
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With a great atmosphere and local favorite Happy Hour, Wine Jar in Japan Town offers the neighborhood a wine bar experience like no other. The intimate décor invites guests to enjoy any glass or bottle from their extensive wine list while catching up with an old friend, enjoying the company of that special someone, or just unwinding after a day at work. Food is limited to a cheese plate, but patrons are encouraged to enjoy take out from local restaurants at the Wine Jar, a few suggestions are even listed on the menu. For a good time in an inviting …
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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 …
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Chowder Hut Fresh Grill at Fisherman’s Warf is a nice place to sit, enjoy an outdoor meal, and watch as the hordes of tourists pass. Upon entering, patrons are greeted by a glass case displaying a variety of the more popular menu items. Chowder Hut Fresh Grill is one of many sea-side fast food options at the Warf, so don't expect anything too fancy, but the restaurant is clean, the service friendly, and the view is nice. The menu offers typical Fisherman’s Warf fare, from fish and chips and chowder (both clam and crab) served in a bread bowl, to …
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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 …
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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 …
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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.
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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 …
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With a mission to serve the best hand-crafted beer in the South Bay, FireHouse Grill & Brewery is the hottest place in Sunnyvale to go for lunch, happy hour and dinner! With an amazing brewery, exhibition kitchen, wood-fired oven, luxurious patio and welcoming atmosphere, FireHouse Grill & Brewery is the perfect place to hang out with friends or to make new ones. Complete with plasma TV’s, free internet access and a wide variety of delicious beer, you won’t want to go anywhere else to watch your favorite sporting events, including exclusive UFC fights. FireHouse Grill & Brewery is also the …
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Diners have lots of choices when exploring the culinary landscape in the Mission District. One oasis shines among all the others: Spork. This former location of a Kentucky Fried Chicken has been transformed into a stylish-hip dining spot. Their name is a take on the utensil “spork,” which was introduced in the 1960’s by KFC. The interior utilizes “recycled” parts of the former fast food location. Ingredients for the daily changing American-style menu include sustainable produce and all-natural meats and seafood. The global wine list (glass and bottles) is supported by a wide variety of “specialty” beers.
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For an authentic taste of gourmet Latin street food, don’t let an opportunity to sample Mexico DF’s cuisine slip you by. Located near Embarcadero Plaza, this restaurant brings delicious traditional Mexican food to a refined setting. Forget having to wait in line at a taco stand when you could be in and elegant dining room with crisp white linens and the freshest epicurean ingredients. Once there, you can experience time-honored dishes with a chic twist such as the Duck Flautas with crema, cotija, cabbage, and salsa roja. Offering happy hours every weekday and original handmade margaritas, Mexico DF is a …
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A franchise that feels like a family business, Tully’s Coffee in Fillmore delivers customers their morning dose of caffeine. For those looking to surf the web while they sip on their beverage of choice, Tully’s always has Free wifi, so feel free to bring the laptop. Seasonal favorites include Punkin Spice Lattes and Chai Cider, while year round staples include the White Chocolate Mocha, Chiradelli Intense Dark Mocha, and Caramel Macchiato. Shakes and Smoothies are also available for those not looking for the pep of caffeinated beverages. Raison D’etre bakery provides the food items, if a quick snack is needed. …
