Dinner & Drinks

[Gavin499]

So the wife and I are going to be in the Bay Area this weekend, and are planning to head into the city for at least one evening with her parents. We are looking for a place to get some good food and drinks, ideally not absurdly expensive (especially the food). We're not picky about the neighborhood, except that the food and drinks should probably be relatively close together, since we won't have a car in the city.

Just to specify somewhat, for food we're probably looking for something where entrees are in the low-20's or so, and/or we can get out (4 people) for under $200, excluding tax, tip and drinks. We tend to prefer upscale casual types of food, and probably avoid most "ethnic" foods, like Indian, Mexican or Chinese this time.

For drinks, the ideal setting would be a smallish bar, excellent drinks, with an emphasis on classic style drinks over extremely fruity, modern or trendy drinks. I love a twist on a classic, and the wife and I spent our honeymoon in New Orleans and loved Bar Uncommon, Arnaud's French 75 and the like. I don't particularly love an overly loud/trendy crowd, but don't mind waiting for a quality drink. Smaller crowds are probably better, especially with the parents along for the ride this time.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

[Gavin499]

As clarification, we are planning on coming in on Saturday, and will be taking the ferry into the city proper, at which point we will be (obviously) subject to the whims of public transit.

[steve h.]

Maybe consider cocktails at Bix and and a few steps over for supper at Cotogna. I like Robert's suggestions. Bix is easier on the ears and less frantic than Shields but that's a personal call. I go to both.

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Bix
56 Gold St., San Francisco, CA 94133

Cotogna
490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

[Robert Lauriston]

Probably a long, long wait for Cotogna on a Saturday night.

Bix is lovely but expensive.

Has anyone been for drinks at Sens lately? Great view, close to the ferry, sort of off the beaten path on the third floor of Embarcadero Center, I've never seen it full.

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Bix
56 Gold St., San Francisco, CA 94133

Sens
4 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111

Cotogna
490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

[steve h.]

We have a few nights in a couple of weeks at the Hyatt. Hopefully, I'll give you a Sens update then. In the past, it's been pretty good. We'll see. Shields (the new Shields) is not cheap. I like it but it's a tad pricey.

[Robert Lauriston]

You coming in on BART or Caltrain? You're talking about Friday or Saturday rather than Sunday?

House of Shields for drinks and Barbacco for food would fit the criteria.

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House of Shields Saloon
39 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA

Barbacco
230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111