USF area

[PolarBear]

We have a couple of dear friends that have just moved near the corner of Geary and Arguello. As part of a house warming gift I'd like to provide them with a list of really nice places for lunch and dinner that are nearby. I can see that they are close to the east end of Clement St. Something between 4-6 blocks to the west would be ideal since our lady friend is limited in how far she can walk at times. Likewise 4-6 blocks in any other direction would be fine also.

If there are some great places a little further that would be appreciated since a short cab ride wouldn't be a problem.

Finally, any nice wine stores and/or bars in the proximity. I've already told them about K&L and TWC, but realize they're a bit farther away.
Thanks a 1.0 * 10^6, in advance.

Cheers,

Dave

[psb]

There is a wine store in Laurel Village on the other side of the hill.
The name didnt register, but from a little web search I am guessing it is
Wine Impression.

see e.g.
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/33029

[Atomica]

Blackwell's Wines & Spirits is a great store (stellar for really fine liquor). It's on Geary between 20th and 21st.
http://www.blackwellswines.com/

They have wine tastings weekly and send out emails announcing what they'll be tasting each week.

[whiner]

I agree that is a good store.

I also agree with the above poster about EOS. I think it is just as good as bacar.

[manraysky]

Q, which is on Clement at 3rd, is really good. It's sort of upscale American comfort food, with an always changing menu of daily specials The atmosphere is fun and lively, with magnetic letters on the walls and a tree growing out of a table in the back. They serve brunch on the weekends, too.

[jkg]

I heartily second Q - when I lived in the area my friends and I went about once every two weeks. The mac'n'cheese with tater-tot crust is awesome, as are the steamed mussels and meat-based entrees - beef medallions, pork chops, etc. Make nice with your waiter to find out if the BBQ ribs are good that day, and consider trying them if they are. They also have an eclectic wine list, including a bunch of bottles under $20. We lean toward bottles that are listed as pairing well with the m'n'c. For brunch I've tried the chilaquiles (I found them average - I prefer the ones at Papalote) - their french toast is good though.

Q's location on Clement street is also a big plus - during the day you can wander around Kamei Restarant Supply, Green Apple Books, and the Chinese and Japanese grocery stores. After dinner the various pubs can be a good time - Plough and the Stars, Dogs Bollix, Bitter End, etc.

[Jeni Bean]

I would also add RoHan on 2nd and Geary to your list for your friends. If they are noise sensitive I would recommend going before 10, when the DJ starts spinning. Before then, on any night of the week it is a mellow yet cool place to hang out, have a nice drink, and eat some yummy Korean inspired small plates. I love their wok fried tofu with edamame and kalbi.

JB

[kcchan]

My favorite pub in the area was Pig and Whistle at Geary and Wood (one block west of Masonic). They poured a good pint of Guinness, decent beer selection, and really good beer-battered mushrooms.

[rcinsf]

another place to try would be The Richmond which is on Balboa around 6th or 7th. Personally I haven't been there, but I hear it's a pretty good neighborhood "fine dining" place. if your friend is more "mature", she may like a quieter, white tablecloth experience over the buzz of a place like nopa.

[PolarBear]

Thanks rc, I'll add it to the list. While most of our friends are mature, very few have "grown up". They'll enjoy loud and rowdy if it's good, as well as a quiet getaway.

[manraysky]

The Richmond is in between 7th and 8th, on Balboa. It's very good. In addition to being a nice white tablecloth restaurant, they make a fine hamburger.

[PolarBear]

Thanks whiner and allyally, from you suggestions and some research on some older threads I've put together the following. Any thoughts or corrections greatly appreciated, especially on the older recommendations. TIA

Must Trys: Aziza, Nopa

Good Bets: Poleng, Clementine, Namu, Burma Super Star. Ton Kiang, Good Luck Dim Sum, Wing Lee, Chapeau

MEXICAN: Papalote, Green Chile Kitchen

OTHERS: Metro, Bella, Eddies, Blue Jay, Fruitful Grounds, Asquew, Little Star Pizza, Giorgio's, Sociale

OLDER RECs: Abacus, Hukilau, Ziryag, Tsunami, Blue Jay, Godzilla, Jay's cheesesteaks,
Rossella's

AVOID: Citrus Club, Bambuddha Lounge, First Crush

[Melanie Wong]

Green Chile Kitchen seems to be declining, and it's NEW Mexican.
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/348945

The 38 Geary bus can be your friends' chariot to destinations the width of SF along the Geary corridor. Very frequent schedule and convenient.

[PolarBear]

Thanks much, Melanie. I didn't realize GCK was New Mexican, our friends moved from Laguna Beach and I figured it won't be long before they're dying for some autentico comidas at least kind of close to what they had available in the southland. The 38 Geary bus might just be the ticket to expand their options and mobility. I've had a question about Clement in the back of my mind for a while so I'll post a new thread that incorporates your idea, thanks again.

Cheers,

Dave

[allyally]

PolarBear...Great summary. Only comment is that most of the OLDER RECs do not pass muster for me & most folks I know... Rasella's passes but mainly for the live jazz and great scene.

One more to add to your list since it seemed you were venturing into the Haight... EOS wine bar in Cole Valley (restaurant is also very good).

[PolarBear]

Thanks much, our friends are definitely into jazz and wine.

[allyally]

Walkable...
Burma SuperStar -- Clement/5th
Clementine -- Clement/2nd
Namu -- Balboa/5th

A cab ride away...
Sociale on Sacramento -- great food, very cute little place with patio

Agree with...
Aziza -- wonderful, becoming an SF classic
Nopa -- awesome but even closer is Poleng on Fulton/Masonic with it's delicious asian small plates

Nopa, Poleng, & Aziza (very small bar) have great bars with inventive drinks

[whiner]

nopa isn't so far, but more than 6 blocks.

hmmm...

BevMo (wine store) is right there at the corner of Geary and Stanyan.

hmmm...

If they can make it 20 or so blocks to the west they've got Aziza and Ton Kiang. 15 block west and one block north is Chapeau! 6 blocks east and three blocks south is the Albertson's grocery store and across the street is my favorite tacqueria in town -- Papalote...