44581 Tue Mar 21 21:39:40 -0800 2006 4 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 219481 A bunch of us will be in town for conferences this weekend, and we would like to have a fun dinner out on Thursday night (before things get serious). Some are staying at the Marriott downtown (55 4th St.) and will not have a car, so somewhere within reasonable walking distance or a short cab ride would be great. We are graduate students, so affordable suggestions are key, such as entrees <$20 or things to share. We're not too picky. As a group I'd say we would like to avoid sushi but open to most other stuff - asian, american, mexican, etc. Good drinks are a plus but not a big deal - food is more important! I was thinking maybe the Thirsty Bear Restaurant and Brewery for tapas, but couldn't find any recent reviews. I'd hear about it but never went there when I lived in SF. Any thoughts? Otherwise, any other suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance! Link: http://www.thirstybear.com/ Tue Mar 21 21:39:40 -0800 2006 0 mtyf 1 219523 Thirsty Bear can be fun and noisy. Food is better than most brew pubs and some tapas are great. Excellent beer choices, try two or three to find the best. Good place for a group. Wed Mar 22 10:35:35 -0800 2006 219481 0 Bruce in SLO 1 219534 There are a couple of chain restaurants within one block of the Marriott (Chevy's & Buca di Bepo). If that's not interesting enough, you can try Fringale, a nice French place that's located on 4th Street (like the Marriott) but about 3-4 blocks south. It does get busy there so make reservations. Link: http://www.fringalerestaurant.com Wed Mar 22 12:54:56 -0800 2006 219481 0 Claire Kincaid 1 219551 You might want to try Pazzia Pizzeria (337 3rd St) - positive reviews of their pizza on the boards, and a full selection of alcoholic beverages are available. Wed Mar 22 14:35:50 -0800 2006 219481 0 JojoA 2 219601 yes, Pazzia is a great place and only a short walk away. It's small though, and it's always full. Wed Mar 22 18:04:58 -0800 2006 219551 0 Nina Myers