Need help with a Birthday dinner...

[fesenjanface]

Hounds,

Time's clicking away and I have yet to make a dinner res for someone special.

Likes:
-Seasonal modern delicious food, great atmosphere, great cocktails a plus (or near a bar/rest with great cocktails fine)

Dislikes:
-Bland, overpriced, too fancy (service-wise)

Potentials:
Canteen
Town Hall

I'm leaning towards Canteen because something more intimate seems more appropriate.

Any other suggestions welcome. Near the Mission is a huge plus.

Thanks!

[saffrongold]

Range or Foreign Cinema

[fesenjanface]

We're saving Range to visit with the parents :)

Foreign Cinema is a possibility. I was just looking at the Salt House menu, and it's looking good. Saison looks great, but pricey with no full bar (?)

I wish I weren't so indecisive...

[sfbing]

Saison is a lot of fun. Food is quite good. The room is pretty and the ad hoc atmosphere is casual, so it isn't stuffy. Wine pairings are $40 and a great deal with generous pours.

[stalkingwine.com]

Head for Hayes Valley and dine at Citizen Cake after a cocktail at Absinthe locaed one block away (best in city, IMO). My only caution: watch out for the grey hairs on opera and symphony nights. Way to avoid that is to have dinner starting at 8.

Not sure why CK doesn't get more play on Yelp, etc. I think the place is awesome. Romantic, intimate enough, not bistro loud.

[fesenjanface]

Saison is so expensive though! Food + Wine would be $200 for the both of us before tax + tip.

I guess I'm looking for more of a neighborhood spot with great food that isn't super pricey.

[singleguychef]

NOPA might be a fun neighborhood restaurant for you, also fantastic drinks and friendly vibe.

[bex109]

2nd NOPA.

Aziza is worth looking at as well. I had my last birthday dinner there, and we had a great time. The cocktails are spectacular and the food is great.

[stalkingwine]

Head for Hayes Valley and dine at Citizen Cake after a cocktail at Absinthe locaed one block away (best in city, IMO). My only caution: watch out for the grey hairs on opera and symphony nights. Way to avoid that is to have dinner starting at 8.

Not sure why CK doesn't get more play on Yelp, etc. I think the place is awesome. Romantic, intimate enough, not bistro loud.