VIPLineup - Editor's Choice (Dine/Lounge)

My Photo We all have our favorties. If I'm out on the town, here's where I'm going first. So if you call or email me, you'll get this list. The separation between a good bar and a good restaurant is increasingly hard to discern, so I've combined them below.

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Crowd Key - Kids 18 - 24, Young Adult 25-36, Adult 37 - 48, Grown Folk 49++ Updated October 2007

NAME	TYPE	LOCATION	CUISINE/COMMENTS
1300 on Fillmore	Restaurant/Bar/Lounge	SF - Fillmore District	Soulful American
	Designed to perfection by husband and wife team David Lawrence and Monetta White, 1300 brings to SF an element that no other restaurant provides, perhaps with the exception of Bix. It's that ever elusive combination of restaurant / lounge / speakeasy / see and be seen / stylish ambience. More...
(415) Asian Lounge & Restaurant	Restaurant/Bar/Lounge	SF - Sacramento/Presidio	Pan-Asian
	Oversized cylindrical lights hang above a chic, split-level dining room decked out in deep oranges and browns. In front, a curved sushi bar and low tables surrounded by ottomans are filled by stylishly dressed groups (Citysearch)
A16	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Marina	Southern Italy in SF
	Deceivingly large and refined. Nice wine bar area. Finish off the evening in the neighborhood with jazz at the change of pace Bistro Yoffi (2231 Chestnut) or Nectar Winebar (like A16 without the restaurant).
Americano	Restaurant/Bar/Lounge	SF - Embarcadero	Italian American
	Still the reigning after work bar for the financial district crowd, and then some. No doubt it will be "the" spot as the weather warms up...especially with the sizable heated outdoor patio on the Embarcadero side. Thurs/Fri are no brainers, but the crowd can get "monochromatic."
Ana Mandara	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Ghiradelli Square	Vietnamese/Live Jazz/Adult & Grown Folk
	Dramatic contemporary interior with great lounge seating upstairs overlooking the dining area. Live jazz upstairs Thurs - Saturdays. I never get here as often as I should.
Auberge du Soleil	Restaurant/Bar	Napa	French, Mediterranean
	Now this is a restaurant. Nothing not to like. Sit on the deck and experience one of the best views in Napa. If you're anywhere near by, you must go here, or the Martini House.
B Restaurant	More Restaurant than Bar	Old Oakland - 9th/Washington	California, American
	"Looking out twelve-foot-tall windows at an Edwardian street scene, and it's hard not to be impressed with B Restaurant. [It] is austere and dramatic in a style few other Oakland restaurants have dared embrace, and it's a showcase for the neighborhood Old Oakland." (Jonathan Kauffman, East Bay Express). This a gem...great food, clean cut, classy relaxed ambience.
Bacar	Restaurant/Bar/Lounge	SF - SoMA
	Very cool. Main dining area with separate bar and live jazz upstairs. Contemporary wine bar/lounge downstairs. Downstairs can be crowded, or very subdued...somewhat unpredictable,but always good ambience.
Bar 821	Bar/Lounge	Divisadero near Fulton	n/a
	North Panhandle's clandestine den features modern decor and Belgian suds. Despite no hard alcohol, this place offers inventive soju-based concoctions, bubbly and stellar suds. (Citysearch)
Belden Place	Restaurant/Bar/Lounge	San Francisco	Mixed
	A great slice of Europe in San Francisco, especially on the occassional warm evening...several restaurants adjacent to each along the alley.
Bing Crosby's	Restaurant/Bar	Walnut Creek in Broadway Plaza	California
	"The" hot spot in Walnut Creek. Has all of the elements, pretty people, money, great decor, great food, very busy Wed - Sat
Bix	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Financial District	American supper club
	The alley entrance alone gives it that "Speakeasy" feel. The decor is retro and ambience is "polished and sophisticated," giving it that very "New York" attitude. When you arrive, you'll know you're "there." But, it can get more than a little crowded...the price it pays for success.
Bocadillos	Restaurant/Bar	SF - North Beach	Spanish, Tapas/Small Plates
	Prime location for tapas next to the Bubble Lounge, which makes for a nice 1-2 punch. You can also walk up the street to Scott Howard, Bix, Myth and The Cigar Bar.
Bouchon	Restaurant/Bar	Yountville	French
	Enjoy excellent French bistro cuisine in a dining room offering wonderful Parisian ambiance (OpenTable). Try to grab a seat outside. Preferred daytime.
Boulevard	More Restaurant than Bar	SF - SoMA
	Perfect.
(The) Brazen Head	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Cow Hollow	California/American
	A perfect late night dining neighborhood "find." Cozy...and busy.
Brindisi Cucina di Mare	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Belden Place	Italian
	Urban chic design, outdoor seating in the bustling alley.
Brix	Restaurant	Napa	California
	Almost every seat in the casually elegant dining room offers a panoramic view of the restaurant’s olive groves, sweeping vineyards and gardens brimming with seasonal flowers, herbs and vegetables. Ask for a seat out back. Preferred daytime.
Cafe Rouge	More Restaurant than Bar	Berkeley
	Tucked away in that popular sidestreet off 4th that is also home to Peet's Coffee and Vino. Nice cozy heated outdoor area, sunny and bright, bar seating, good raw bar, organic meats.
Cafe Van Kleef	Art Gallery, Bar, Cafe	Oakland - Downtown	Complimentary nibbles
	It doesn't get any more eclectic than this place. Your senses will be challenged. Never know what to expect here.
Cesar	Restaurant/Bar	Oakland - Piedmont	Tapas
	More restaurant than bar. A welcome addition to Piedmont Avenue. Nice sidewalk dining too.
Cetrella Bistro	Restaurant/Bar	Half Moon Bay	Mediterranean
	Definitely worth a visit. Live jazz, big bar, fireplace. Great for Half Moon Bay.
(The) Cigar Bar	Bar/Lounge	SF - Jackson Square
	I'm known for an occassional cigar from time to time, and this place is one of the few public venues remaining in SF. Great outdoor courtyard.
Cortez	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Off Union Square at Hotel Adagio	Spanish
	Cortez brings added glamour to the theater district’s new mission-style Hotel Adagio with an original take on Mediterranean cuisine that’s both sophisticated and approachable (Conde Nast). A great boutique feeling contemporary "in" space. Close to theaters, Swig, and The Clift.
District	Wine Bar/Tapas	SF - SoMA
	Not your typical wine bar, this one has LOTS of personality! For the somewhat younger at heart.
Eccolo	Restaurant/Bar	Berkeley - 4th Street	Northern Italian
	Took the place of Ginger Island on popular 4th Street. Very nice for outdoor dining if you can grab one of the 3 tables on the enclosed sidewalk patio.
El Dorado Kitchen	Restaurant/Bar/Lounge	Sonoma - On the Plaza	Contemporary California
	As soon as you walk you, you get the feeling that you're in the right place. Ccontemporary, sleek, upscale...fireplace, outdoor dining - this place is the undisputable number 1 choice. You won't mind staying overnight at the attached hotel either. Love it.
Dry Creek Kitchen	Restaurant/Bar	Healdsburg - On the Plaza	California
	I'll take Healdsburg over Sonoma and Napa any day. Experiencing Dry Creek at Hotel Healdsburg is great icing on the cake. Great lounge at the hotel too. Unfortunately, I've heard mixed reviews on the dining experience, but the ambience is on point in a big way.
Ducca	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Union Square
	Located in the new St. Westin (formerly The Argent) on 3rd between Market and Mission. The report is generally good, in particular because of their indoor/outdoor terrace style bar/restaurant. Perhaps not a destination by itself, but worth a stop through if you're in the area, and looking for the next spot after dropping in at the St. Regis lobby bar on 3rd and Mission.
Farmer Brown	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Tenderloin	American
	The things I've heard, like "cool scene, upscale, organic ingredients, AA owned, late night dining, neo-soul food, turntable, dj, lounge, nightspot, beautiful" rang true for the most part. Except...for the lounge area, it needs a little more work to feel inviting. Don't let the location scare you, there's a parking lot next door. Check reviews in Yelp and SF Chronicle \| Photo.
Fifth Floor	Restaurant/Bar/Lounge	SF - Union Square
	Upscale, evening lounge, sophisticated dining.
Fly Trap	Restaurant/Bar	SF - SoMA	California, Seafood
	Fly Trap Restaurant is classic, famous, elegant, old-fashioned, excellent food, romantic, warm sophisticated, cozy, friendly and has an old San Francisco atmosphere. (OpenTable)
Fonda	Restaurant/Bar	Albany - Solano Ave	Latin American Tapas
	When I'm in the Albany area, this is where you'll find me. Stays busy, lively, casual, but nice.
Foreign Cinema	More Restaurant than Bar	SF - Mission at 22nd	California
	Neat concept with the movie screen on the outdoor wall bit. Active and lively...industrial chic. Nice vibe, and good touch with the separate bar up front (Laslo Lounge) where you can order from the same menu.
Garibaldi's	Restaurant/Bar	Oakland - Rockridge
	Oakland doesn't have a lot of "special meal," "the in-laws are in town" restaurants. Garibaldi's is one of them. If I go, I stay at the bar...far more interesting.
Gary Danko	Restaurant	SF - Embarcadero
	Creme de la creme.
Gator's Neo-Soul Cafe	Restaurant	Peninsula - San Mateo
	Put this one high on your radar screen All reports are very good. According to one reader, "The chef is cool. The food is great. He has a good thing in the works."
(The) Hidden Vine	Wine Bar	SF - near Union Square	Vino!
	Don't let its basic website fool ya. This unsuspecting find is a gem, and truly hidden from most but the very curious. Ask Yelp or Citysearch
Hotel Biron	Wine Bar	SF - Market just above Van Ness, near Zuni Cafe	Sinatra, jazz/Young Adult & Adult
	Has a SoHO feel, European feel, rotating artwork. Small, cozy and intimate. Gotta love the tucked away back alley feel.
Jack Falstaff	Restaurant/Bar	SF - SoMA	Comfort food with an organic twist (Citysearch)
	Sleek and chic SoMa showpiece serving New American creations. Where the big boys play.
Jardiniere	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Hayes Valley
	Swanky, sophisticated, see and be seen. Great pre/post symphony, ballet or opera.
Jessos	Restaurant/Bar	Old Oakland - 9th/Washington	Deep Fried Soul Food
	It's the best run neighborhood joint I know. Obviously casual, but you'll often get a mix because of the downtown location. Sidewalk seating is kinda more indoor than outdoor, good service, and you gotta love Jesso (the owner). Check the website for the live jazz schedule during the evenings.
John Collins	Bar/Lounge	SF - SOMA, Natoma btwn Mission/Howard & 1st/2nd	R&B, neosoul, world/Young Adult
	This Natoma Street neighborhood bar/lounge (off 2nd between Mission and Howard) has guaranteed good drinks, no cover, decent beats and a low key but fun crowd. Attendance can be unpredictable though.
Kokkari	More Restaurant than Bar	SF - Off the Embarcadero/Broadway
	Love this place. Great service, oustanding Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Warm ambience.
Ladies Place	Restaurant	Oakland	Southern
	I read a great article about this place in the East Bay Express. Haven't been, but they made it sound so good I think it's worth a try.
Levende	Restaurant/Bar/Lounge	Old Oakland
	Great to see this SF bar/restaurant/lounge spreading its wings into Old Oakland. Only a few months old, it draws a dinner crowd which transforms into a nice bar crowd as the night wears on.
Martini House	Restaurant/Bar	St. Helena/Napa	California, Wild Game, American
	Now this is a restaurant. Nothing not to like. If you're in Napa, you must go here, or Auberge...
Mecca	Restaurant/Bar	SF - near Upper Market	New American and Latin fusion
	Great interior...feels like NY. Great buzz and layout. Food always good. What a great circular bar. And yes, given the location, you will get a SF crowd.
Mezze	Restaurant?Small Bar	Oakland - near Lake Merritt	Mediterranean
	Great boutique restaurant, wonderful creative dishes, friendly staff, mid-upscale yet comfortable, would easily survive in SF, the nicest owners, and a great bartender (Lawrence). Large bar side windows that open up to the sidewalk. Best during summer between 5p and 8p.
Michael Mina	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Union Square	American
	Goodbye Compass Rose, hello Minna. Actually preferred the old majestic dark wood interior of the bar/lounge as compared to the new contemporary look of its restaurant replacement in the St. Francis, but it works for a lot of people.
Myth	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Jackson Square border	American and French
	It looks the part and acts the part. One of my favorites. Great wine list - ask for Alex Fox (wine steward).
Oola	Bar/Restaurant	SF - SoMA	American
	Currently for the people that are in the know. Feels like SOMA neighborhood meets the urban "cool" crowd. Cool late night dining. Warm environment.
Osha Thai	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Cow Hollow
	A relatively new entry on Union Street, great contemporary ambience.
Otis	Bar/Lounge	SF - Union Sq on Maiden Lane near Kearney	R&B, neosoul, world, house/ Young Adult
	It's tiny, but good things sometimes come in small packages as this Maiden Lane boutique bar has been known to be host to many a private who's who.
Ozumo	Restaurant/Bar	SF - SoMA	Contemporary Japanese
	Usually lively, good looking bar, dj, and yes, good sushi.
Paragon Bar	Restaurant/Bar	Berkeley	Live Jazz/All ages
	Reliable, semi-sophisticated, oustandng terrace view. Urban Friday evenings. You may have been here a million times, but it's reliable, and unbeatable for the combo that it offers: view, terrace, dining, bar, lounge, jazz.
Plumpjack Cafe	Restaurant	SF - Cow Hollow, Filmore near Union	California, Mediterranean
	Small, intimate. Very SF, got that elite feel to it. And yep, it's Gavin Newsome's spot, so you never know who you'll run into.
Quince	Restaurant	San Francisco
	Small, intimate, romantic, great service, great food. Go.
Quinn's Lighthouse	Restaurant/Bar	Oakland - on the Embarcadero	Traditional American
	Where? Yep, upstairs - very very casual, patio, view, water, good for lazy weekends. Love the peanut shells all over the floor. Best during day.
Redd	Restaurant/Bar	Napa - Yountville
	Napa has a huge selection of great restaurants, and this is one of the leaders.
RNM	More Restaurant than Bar	SF - Haight	California
	Yes, in the Haight - swank, cozy and very cool. Think "The Clift meets the W" in the neighborhood. Valet on Thurs - Sat only. This place is always busy so be sure to get reservations in advance.
Rubicon	Restaurant	SF - Financial District
	Just keeps on ticking.
Rye	Bar/Lounge	SF - Geary/Leavenworth
	Swanky two-room bar lures neighborhood trendsetters and downtown theatergoers to the Tenderloin (Citysearch)
Sam's Anchor Cafe	Outdoor restaurant/bar	Tiburon - waterside	American
	If you're in the mood for a little eye candy, sun, margaritas, shorts and a "spirited" energetic crowd, there's no better way to spend a lazy weekend afternoon. You won't be alone. Very casual, young adults, and yes. Daytime only.
Slanted Door	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Ferry Building
	Happy hour rules at this huge room with a view on the Embarcadero.
SOMA Row	Restaurant/Bar/Lounge	SF - SOMA
	Within walking distance of the financial district, there's a block of Steuart Street immediately south of Mission with a high concentration of top spots - Boulevard, Shanghai 1930, Mexico DF, Faz and Ozumo. Then walk around one corner and you've got Chaya on the Embarcadero and Americano on Mission, and Cosmopolitan Cafe sits on Spear around the other corner.
Spruce	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Laurel Heights
	New. Haven't been, but the reviews have been very very good. Supposed to be the latest and greatest in SF. Be sure to call ahead.
St. Regis Lobby Bar	Bar/Lounge	SF - St. Regis Hotel, SoMA
	Just go...the current hot spot for the well heeled cosmopolitan crowd. Now also the hottest residential address in the city.
Straits	Restaurant/Bar	San Jose - Santana Row	Singapore/Young Adultish
	Located on Santana Row, the reigning (and only) area in SJ for the younger see and be seen crowd, this place is always busy. Great outdoor seating. Pretty active all week. Stay away from the kids on Friday nights when it turns into a club.
Sushi Groove South	Restaurant/Very Small Bar	SF - SoMA	Sushi
	Sushi doesn't get any cooler than this. Boutique size. They've also got another location in SF, and one in Walnut Creek.
Sutro's	Restaurant/Bar	SF - Sunset	American
	New wing of the historical Cliff House goes upscale and modern...with a killer view. Especially great for Sunday brunch or sunset dining on the water.
Terzo	Restaurant	SF - Cow Hollow	Small plates
	Well-heeled locals gather over a selection of seasonal Mediterranean small plates at this hip dining establishment.
Town Hall	Restaurant	SF - SoMA	New American
	Not my top prick, but a winner by most accounts.
Umami	More Restaurant than Bar	SF - Cow Hollow	Sushi
	Chic sushi in the Marina.
Va De Vi	Restaurant/Bar	Walnut Creek - Broadway Plaza	International
	Popular bistro/wine bar hotspot in Walnut Creek where all of the "beautiful" hang out after work. Their website doesn't do them justice. Indoor, outdoor, bar, wine, small plates.
Wood Tavern	More Restaurant than Bar	Oakland - Rockridge
	Owners transplanted from SF. It's a no brainier. Make a reservation...now.
Yoshi's	Restaurnat/Bar/Lounge	SF - Fillmore	Japanese
	Bringing an amazing combo of jazz, dining, bar/lounge...and "see and be seen" back to the Fillmore District. It's big, it's beautiful, and it's going to be the bomb. Opening November 28. Buy/reserve now. Check out the great residences above too.
Zebulon	Restaurant/Bar	SF - SoMA
	Cant' put my finger on it, but I like this joint. Maybe it's the side alley location, sidewalk tables, and the fact that's it's next door to Varnish Art/Wine Gallery, and a step or two from John Collins.

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