Arrived in town early Saturday for breakfast @ the Buena Vista, down by Fisherman's wharf, an institution famous for it's Irish Coffee. There are a million fun things to do in San Francisco, but this day was pretty much for socializing with a friend. Walked & bused to North Beach, chatting with the locals @ the bustop. The sites, sounds & frangrances of North Beach are unique. This worked up a thirst so we stopped @ the San Franciso Brewing Company, the oldest Brewpub in town. The beer was excellant. Walked down to the water, enjoying the people watching. Had lunch @ Pier 23, a locals hangout on the water, ordered all seafood as we watched the boats go by.
Had dinner @ the E & O Trading Company, a couple of blocks away. An upscale Brewpub. Not the best beer in the world, but the food was fantastic, which is one reason to visit San Francisco.
Quick Tips:
Got to the Hotel Vintage Court just in time for the wine tasting. Everything at the front desk went smoothly, went up to our room, very nice, though a little small, but one doesn't go to S/F to sit in a hotel room. It wasn't really a wine tasting, just complimentary decent wine, and a chance to socialize with the other guests in the pleasant Hotel lobby. The Hotel is a block up from Union Square, which is a good location. Lots of shopping & eating & drinking within a few blocks, plus access to major bus & cable car routes. Even without the IGOUGO discount, the Hotel is a bargain for the area in one of the most expensive cities around. I would reccommend it to my friends.Best Way To Get Around:
Parking in S/F can be a nightmare. I paid the extra and utilized the Hotel valet. Parking in the morning, even though I didn't officially check in till late afternoon. We walked & took the bus the rest of our time there.