San Francisco trip report

[bumpthekoala]

Esperpento
3295 22nd St., San Francisco, CA 94110
Mariscada hit the spot. The calamari had that delicious grilled char taste that is unmistakable compared to the rubber band fried version. Not the very best I've had but a good price with a great small atmosphere and horribly off tune mariachi singer wandering from table to table. The Albarino was fairly priced and for me the tapas was only okay.

Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf - www.scomas.com
Pier 47, Al Scoma Way, San Francisco - [phone]
My first experience with cioppino. Told this was one of the best in the city. I loved everything about it. A thick broth, chunks of good seafood in there... But the heat of my requested "just a little" burned my soul in the most annoying way ever. Seriously, I was starving and felt no need to torture my way past this dish. Such a waste...

Alioto's Restaurant
www.aliotos.com
8 Fishermans Wharf
San Francisco, CA 94133
[phone]
Shrimp in clay pots were referred to as shots of crack. Just shrimp scampi served in individual clay shot glasses. Shrimps were tiny but that damn butter/wine/garlic mixture hit my brain (and a friends) in the most obscene way. We felt bad afterward but we sopped up all that butter till the pots were dry. I tried the Cioppino again. The temperature was right but it didn't compare to Scoma's. A lot less for the money in my opinion. But I did devour what I got so that must be a good sign.

Alioto's Outdoor Crab Stand
Just outside the restaurant on the street. Cracked and Cleaned pound and half crab with some peroni beer. With a bowl of clam chowder in a bowl of sour dough bread and sunset made this one of the best meals I had for myself.

House of Nanking
maps.google.com
919 Kearny Street
San Francisco, CA 94133-5106
[phone]
I like places where you have to wait out the door. Suggested by a local at a neighborhood bar. Line out the door in the freezing cold. I think it was well worth it. Shrimp pancakes had this brown sauce that was just perfect. I wasn't that keen on my garlic fish only cause it wasn't exactly what I was looking for but my friends scallops kicked ass. Prices are damn strait too!

Cafe Pescatore
2455 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94133-1401
[phone]
A late night work dinner. Sidecars were perfect with the brown sugar rim and perfect taste. Branzino Al Zafferano hit the spot. Roasted seabass with pinenut crust, whipped potatoes and saffron cream sauce just tasted perfect.

B Star Cafe
www.bstarbar.com
127 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA 94118-2419
[phone]
Okay Tea Leaf Salad is the Bomb! For me its just perfect in every way. From the fermented tea leaves, the sun flow, the toasted garlic, edamame and the sesame seeds it was a little revelation on this trip. I could pass on the lotus chips and the lamb curry. Biryani just didn't sing either.

In-and-out
Everywhere
Its good. Super good? nah but I'm sure it hits the spot on a late night beer run.

Mel's Drive-In
2165 Lombard Street, San Francisco - [phone]
Another Okay place. Had the Mel Burger and it was good food for the money.

Overall I know I only scratched the surface on what the city offers. We had great weather all week and can't wait to visit again.

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B Star Bar
127 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Alioto's Restaurant
8 Fishermans Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133

Cafe Pescatore
2455 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94133

Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf
47 Pier 45, San Francisco, CA 94133

House of Nanking
919 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Esperpento Restaurant
3295 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[Civil Bear]

Thanks for the report. Further proof that most 1st time visitors enjoy House of Nanking and their infamous brown sauce.

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House of Nanking
919 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94133

[bumpthekoala]

seriously it was perfect. and I'm not one to love the brown sauce.