Chicago Hound seeking French near Union Square

[DebbieJ]

We'll be staying in Union Square and are looking for a good, not too fussy French place on our first night in town. What's nearby?

We ate at Fringale during our last trip and enjoyed it, but would like to try somewhere new.

[singleguychef]

I know this isn't exactly right in Union Square, but I think Jeanty at Jack's is pretty nice. It's on edge of Chinatown and close to Financial district at 615 Sacramento Street at Montgomery. It's a bistro so not fussy French food.

[DebbieJ]

We have Thursday reservations for Plouf (DH was wowed by the mussels prepartions listed on their website) and Friday reservations for Indigo's Ultimate Wine Dinner. I'll be sure to report back!

[DavidT]

Restaurant Jeanne d'Arc is in the Cornell Hotel on Bush St. (@Powell). The food is classic/retro French fare and prices are moderate.

[Paul H]

Anjou is the most authentic French place near Union Sq. Not fussy, either. And, Fringale's single best customer eats lunch at Anjou every Saturday. If that didn't convice you, Robert's list is a very good summary of the choices in the area.

[Lori SF]

I did not mean imply that Robert did not have a good list, I hope it did not sound that way. I was thinking more SF neighborhood style for our Chicago friends. Although, the last lunch I had at Le Central was very mediocre and I am not a fan of eating at Cafe de la Presse, nice for a coffee or drink and people watching or maybe breakfast.

[Robert Lauriston]

I'm not recommending any of those places, just mentioning the French places I know of that are near Union Square. Hyde Street Bistro's quite a schlep, a dozen blocks with some serious grades.

[embarcadero1]

Yeah, it's a bit of a schlep. But when guests come to town, it's a nice trip on the cable car up to Hyde Street. The food and neighborhood feel might make it worth the trip.

Otherwise, Plouf would get my vote.

[Robert Lauriston]

Anjou
Cafe Bastille
Cafe Claude
Cafe de la Presse
Le Central
Plouf
Rouge et Blanc (wine bar, new)

Lots of reports in the archive.

[Lori SF]

You are close to Russian Hill, I think Hyde Street Bistro would be a better choice.