Pre-holiday department dinner

[Sharon S.]

I would like to take my department of 4 (plus me) to dinner in early Dec. Two are vegetarian, we would like cocktails, parking and I would like to keep the cost at $30 pp for food. They are young so it should be lively and in SF - not the Mission though. Any suggestions? I would also like a place that you can get a reservation at.

[CarrieWas218]

Per Diem would fit the bill exactly. They have a great atmosphere (you can get a window seat or head upstairs), their Nolet Martini is kick-ass, and the food is quite yummy (I recommend the Bucatini with pork ragu).

[Ruth Lafler]

My experience with the food there was quite mixed, but the bucatini is a clear winner.

[Robert Lauriston]

Barbacco's quite vegetarian-friendly and $30 a head would buy more than I can eat. After 6 street parking's usually easy within a block or two.

[goldangl95]

Barbacco is a good suggestion 'cept no cocktails. A lot of the more reasonable places do not have a full bar.

Maybe Gitane?Parking is expensive but easy to find - it has fun atmosphere - and is on the pricier side but has decent sized portions and isn't extravagant - full bar.

[ceekskat]

We usually park at the Sutter street garage when we go to Gitane...very reasonable. But I feel Gitane has increased their prices in the last year and since there are no more pizzas/flatbreads, very limited veg. menu.

Also near Sutter garage is newly revamped E&O Asian Kitchen. Or Slanted Door...not sure if it will meet budget.

May be by then M.Y. China at Westfield will be open.

Where did you go last year?

[Sharon S.]

We went to Bar Tartine - it was great.

[Sharon S.]

What about Betelnut?

[CarrieWas218]

Not sure why Betelnut gets mentioned; cool-looking atmosphere and exceptionally mediocre food...

I think it sees a lot of tourists who don't know better and don't necessarily come back and locals who just hang out at the bar.

[Robert Lauriston]

Oh, right, I was confusing it with Perbacco, which has cocktails but is out of the price range.