26107 Mon Oct 13 14:08:49 -0700 2003 4 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 105651 Chowhounds have helped me plan the Sonoma portion of my trip to CA....but still looking for good suggestions for San Francisco restaurants. Criteria: 1. we've got 7 adults in our party 2. need a place that you don't need reservations too far in advance 3. We don't mind traveling anywhere in the city - we are staying in SOMA 4. Nothing too formal (we are packing for a long trip and haven't included too much formal wear!) Also I have seen a few references in old posts about about a list that has the the "best of San Fran"---a list which details best bagel, best chocolate etc. But I can't find it. Help on that appreciated as well. Mon Oct 13 14:08:49 -0700 2003 0 crabby in baltimore 1 105655 Maybe Thirsty Bear? It's a brewpub with tapas -- reports are that the food has gone uphill again after a bad patch. It's lively, informal and good for groups and it's in SOMA (661 Howard). Link: http://www.thirstybear.com Mon Oct 13 14:18:15 -0700 2003 105651 0 Ruth Lafler 1 105667 Almost everything here is casual. I've seen people in Farallon in shorts. People wear jeans to everything here, including the opera. Mon Oct 13 15:41:18 -0700 2003 105651 0 Bay Gelldawg 1 105724 I highly recommend Original Joe's. It's great Italian, wonderful atmosphere and you shouldn't have a problem getting in there with a group of 7. The food is excellent. It's located in the Tenderloin at 144 Taylor Street (just off Market). There's parking next door if you need it. Tue Oct 14 10:29:39 -0700 2003 105651 0 Rachel Wilder 1 105727 If there's a logical way to access the "Best of San Francisco" report, I haven't found it. It should be on the "Articles & Special Reports" list, but that appears not to have been updated in a while. It's lurking somewhere. Tue Oct 14 11:08:47 -0700 2003 105651 0 Sharuf