Quintessential CA restaurant for an early dinner with kids after a Sunday Marathon?

[ginnie09]

We are a group of 6 adults and 2 little ones. I am looking for a moderate to not-quite-splurge restaurant that will accommodate us for an early quintessential California-style dinner (not vegetarian). During my last trip to SF, I enjoyed 1550 Hyde a lot and Zuni Cafe somewhat (overrated?). Since I will have completed the San Francisco Nike Marathon that morning, we will want to stay in SF, not sure if we will have a rental car or be relying on public transportation, but something central would be great. So, CA style, kid tolerant, entrees less than $30, open for early Sunday dinner. Many thanks for your suggestions!

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Zuni Cafe
1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

[budnball]

I would go with Chow or better yet Park Chow. Great comfort food with a twist, many options for kids. The Church street version is equally good but not so kid freindly.

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Park Chow
1238 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122

[Windy]

Actually the Church Street version is very kid friendly; my cousin took her twins there all the time when they were toddlers. There's a back room beyond the kitchen, and the staff handles kids really well.

Although I thought ginnie was asking for something fancier. But you could also stop at Chile Pies, Thorough Bread, and Chilango, while you're nearby. All of those places are open continuously from lunch through dinner.

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Chilango
235 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114

[ginnie09]

Thanks. We will try Park Chow at some point that weekend, but yes, I was thinking a little fancier. The babies are 1 and under so if we go early, we can usually manage a fine meal as long as the restaurant offers a high chair. A coworker suggested Locavore, Seven Hills or Nopa. What do you think?

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Park Chow
1238 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122

Nopa
560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Locavore
3215 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[scarmoza]

Nopa is a very good recommendation. Foreign Cinema might also fit the bill.

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Nopa
560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110

[Windy]

Nopa is basically a fancier version of Chow with cocktails. I think it would be miserable with kids. The tables are very close together, it's loud, and service upstairs is iffy.

Locavore is small, and the food is very good. Not sure how early they open.

Haven't eaten at Seven Hills, but 1550 Hyde was tiny, and parking is non-existent. I wouldn't go there with more than 4 people.

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Nopa
560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Locavore
3215 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[tranewreck]

I've been to NOPA at opening (?5:30 or 6) with kids-3 and 5 year old. The staff was accommodating, and the kids liked the buzz. There were at least two other families with kids and I've noticed the same (families) on other early visits. Give them a call...they served up plain pasta for the 3 year old-maybe they'll do the same for you.
In my view far superior to Park Chow, which I also like.

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Park Chow
1238 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122

[absc]

I've also been to Nopa with kids and it was fine. They even made a plain pizza for my daughter. But, I'd go on the early side of things. I have found that at 5:30 or 6 there are often kids even in places I would not suspect.

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Nopa
560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

[ginnie09]

Oh, and wouldn't you know Nopa is booked solid until 9pm? Darn.

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Nopa
560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117