Originally posted by mdvipond
This one will probably run and run, but we liked Top Of The Mark on top of the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental on Nob Hill. Fab views and a great old fashioned cocktail bar feel to it. Try the apple martini (not too many...).
Also, the Big Four in Huntington Hotel across the way, and the Tonga Room under the Fairmont (I think) where it 'rains' every hour, on the hour.
Not so crazy, your ideas! These were two of my old watering holes 30 years ago(!) when I lived behind the Mark Hopkins on Pine Street. Revisited The Mark last year for the memories and found it still charming and the drinks cold. As for the view, well, if it's a view you want, the bar at the Carnelian Room, on the 52nd floor of the former Bank of America tower (California and Kearny) has, without question, the most amazing view in all of SF.
Some funky bars on Union Street; gay crowd, of course, is on Castro.
Afternoon cocktails at the Starlight Roof at Sir Francis Drake Hotel (off Union Square, Powell and Sutter) will result in you becoming drunk if happy hour is on; big drinks and very good view.
Hanging out with the glam crowd can be had at Boulevard, on Market (tough to get a table for dinner, however); take the Powell/Mason cable car at California & Powell. Jump off at the turnstile downtown and walk east toward the Bay; restaurant's on the right.
A jumpin' joint with a mixed crowd, great bar and good food can be found at Mecca on Market Street. Take cable car to Powell/Market and then grab the J trolley going West (toward the mountains). Ask the conductor for the stop closest to Mecca (or just grab a cab; they also have valet parking).
Don't think you'll find a lot of bad food, by the way, in SF. The bigger issue may be finding reservations at your table of choice. Try
http://www.opentable.com; there is a feature on the home page that will tell you the most requested tables in the City. Enjoy!
Regards,
Chuck-
Will need a good drink to wash down the horrible food I am looking forward too...[:(]
