Old School and Historical SF Locale

[Seconds Please]

We're in SF for a day and wanted to break up our typical long strolls around the city with a classic, historical place for a drink and food. Could be lunch, could be dinner, could be something in between (tea, late lunch).

We could land a comfortable seat or table. There might be a fireplace. We can take our time.

It has to be unique to San Francisco.

It could be in a hotel. Or not.

It could be old school with lots of dark wood. Or not.

It could be rustic and West coast. Or not.

Just classic, comfortable and cozy with great drinks and food.

Any suggestions?

[oakjoan]

We just had dinner at Tadich tonight. It was very good as usual. I'd vote for it as the most SF place in SF - wood panelled booths, lonnnnnng counter, old crusty waiters, etc.

Their crab/shrimp salad with house dressing is to die for. So's their tartar sauce, petrale sole, halibut, sand dabs....
They give you all the fresh sourdough you can eat as well.

[Robert Lauriston]

I don't think the tartar sauce is anything special. The food's decent but not good enough to justify charging 30-50% more than Sam's Grill does for pretty much the same food.

[sfoperalover]

try Bix in the Jackson Square area.

[operagirl]

Tadich Grill. It's in the heart of the financial district and has been in operation since 1849! Certainly meets the "old school with lots of dark wood" requirement =).

[kimchee]

Tadich Grill is a unique SF old-school favorite with history and dark wood. Great for crab which is in season now, and the cioppino is tops. Frequently a wait, so go early or late. Not open Sundays.

[webgeekstress]

I'll go along with the Tadich Grill suggestion: just doesn't get older school that this.

[Robert Lauriston]

Tommaso's is one of the few places of historical interest with great food.

Relevant history topic on the Not About Food board, ask here if you want to know about the food:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/302890

[Joan Kureczka]

The bar of the Big Four at the Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill near Grace Cathedral. Beautiful old paneled room, fireplace (one of very few that I'm aware of), good if somewhat pricey food (but aren't nearly all hotel bars) and drinks. Definitely comfortable, cozy and historic and I'm not aware of anything else in SF quite like it.

Tea in the Garden Court of the Sheraton Palace on Market St.

[Glencora]

I second the Garden Court.

[MorganSF]

I second the Big Four. I love that place. Every time I have been there was a pianist playing standards.