SFO

M. H. de Young Memorial Museum, Cartoon Art Museum, Cable Car Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Asian Art Museum, Natural History Museum.

Golden Gate Bridge, the symbolic entry into our city and nation, connecting to Sausalito in Marin County; Angel Island, where the Chinese were detained in the early 20th century; Palace of Fine Arts; the Exploratorium; drive down the crookiest street, Lombard Street; Transamerica building, with its unique pyramid shape for the skyline; SF Main Library; Mission Dolores & Mission district; Chinatown; Pier 39; Japantown with Kabuki Hot Springs; Morrison Planetarium (and Laserium); Steinhart Aquarium; North Beach; Coit Tower; old hippie days of Haight-Ashbury, now gentrified; Pacific Heights; Union Square; south of Market area (SoMa); Lands End, and where the old Sutro Baths used to be.

Visit Treasure Island, the East Bay with Oakland's Jack London Square, Chinatown, Oakland Museum, Lake Merritt, or the Paramount Theatre.

There's Berkeley, with its university, shopping, and eating, head further into wine country for some 200 wineries in Napa and Sonoma, or go further to Sacramento, the state's capital.

Buy a map of the city with all the Muni stops on it so you can navigate around the city. A map marking the 49-mile scenic drive is another way to drive around and see the city. There are restaurants galore, coming out of your ears.

Drive to Fort Point to foot of Golden Gate Bridge view, drive across the bridge to Marin side and up the hill to view of bridge and city.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Public transit Muni and BART to/from the airport are the practical ways to getting around the city.

SamTrams 292 local bus is also available to/from the airport, and though slower, is cheaper than BART. SamTrams KX express bus is faster but allows only one carry-on, and only if it fits on your lap while seated.

Driving is doable, but traffic can get very congested, and parking can be difficult. Don't drive manual transmission if you're not accustomed to driving on the hilly streets. And there are taxis.

Public Transit Muni works well unless you want to get out of the city; you don't need a rental car just to get around the city.

Another option would be City CarShare or Zipcar.

There's 511.org for help on transportation, whether on public transit or driving conditions.

The advantage of staying here is that it's within walking distance of the Castro district, the gay area. Muni F trolley also runs along Market St. It's a busy area full of traffic and people.

Muni F; K, L, M Metro Castro St.; J, K, L, M, N Church St. station

Discounts are available to those with AAA and AARP memberships.

There's a complimentary shuttle every half hour to and from the airport. When you arrive at the airport, pick up a white courtesy telephone and ask for a pick-up. You must be at their designated pick-up point for hotel courtesy shuttles. One of the hotel courtesy shuttle stops is just outside of the international terminal and close to the SFO BART station. Otherwise, it's around $12 for a taxi to SFO airport, which was what we took when leaving the motel, as we were running late. The motel was kind enough to call a taxi for us.

There's a swimming pool, but it was under maintenance and not available when we went. There's an IHOP next door. The room was clean and decent, but cold. The room heater remedied that. The showerhead was loose and spun around in its socket, so I couldn't adjust the spray. The beds were too soft, and they placed something under the bed sheets that made the bed uncomfortable.

There was a heater/cooler, TV, hair dryer, and mini coffeemaker in the room. The ice machine was a long walk from the room, and there was also a laundry room and meeting facilities.

The motel has a strict policy of no partying.

The room itself was acceptable, but not great. The front desk staff person was unfriendly, barely helpful, and had an attitude - unacceptable for customer contact. They want to gouge you on parking. My impression is that this place was cheaply built and wants to charge higher prices to pretend they're higher class than they really are.

If you should eat at their restaurant, your parking is validated for a few hours without charge. Their buffet dinner was all right for $13. What was outstanding was one of their two dessert items.

My partner wanted to go to the bars in San Francisco, but stayed too long, missed the last BART train back to San Francisco airport, and had to shell out an expensive taxi fare back to the hotel. That's a problem if you're staying far from the entertainment and nightlife and you like to stay out late. Any savings will be eaten up quickly with an expensive cab fares. Better to stay in San Francisco, preferably close to where you want to be, unless you're flying out of the San Francisco airport early. In either case, I wouldn't want to stay here again.

Peter's Cafe is nearby and 24 hours. Take a 10-minute walk over to Neal's Coffee Shop (listed as Ben's Coffee Shop on the Internet) at 1845 El Camino Real. Walk out in front of the reception area to the sidewalk, left to the next traffic light, and cross over to opposite side in the Burlingame Shopping Center.

In the opposite direction going past Peter's Cafe, the Millbrae neighborhood area has businesses, shops, restaurants to browse. Hong Kong Flower Lounge, Fook Yuen, Osho, Thai Stick restaurants are all a short 10 minute walk or less away, add another 10 minutes to walk to a Trader Joe's.

The hotel's location is sort of out of the way to San Francisco, but it's a five minute walk to a Caltrain station and BART has service to Millbrae, so the city will be just a BART ride away. There's a 24 hour complimentary shuttle provided by the motel that takes you to and from the airport with a phone call. There is also SamTrans public transit. 511.org can help you plan your trip. But public transit seems to all turn into a pumpkin by midnight, if not earlier. This wouldn't be a good choice if you want to be on the town after midnight, but a good choice if you are back before the last BART train leaves or you're driving.

There are lower cost places elsewhere, including two other Travelodges nearby if your goal is to save money. If you'd like to have things to do, a farmer's market on Saturdays 8am-1pm, Trader Joe's, including a real walkable neighborhood right nearby without having to use a car or go into San Francisco, this place is pretty hard to beat with it's nearby infrastructure without the traffic hassles of the city. It's the best choice of places to stay close to the airport, even if this cost a little more.

BART Millbrae station, Caltrain Millbrae station, SamTrans bus route # 391.

The rooms are big and nicely appointed, but you're charged for everything. Local calls are 10 cents a minute for the 650 area code. Other calls are billed even higher. High-speed Internet is available at $4.95 for one hour and $9.95 for 24-hours and available from your room. There's one Internet station in the lobby for access. The complimentary shuttle is every half-hour and departs the airport 15 and 45 minutes after the hour.

The walls are thin, as noise of the jets nearby can be heard. Swimming pool hours are from 9am to 9pm, but the surrounding area of the pool area is dirty from not being washed down frequently. There is a barbershop on premises and a coin laundry and ice-maker nearby. The mini-coffeemaker, air-conditioning, and furniture are nice. Complimentary breakfast, consisting of a coffee and a muffin, starts at 6:30am.

The bed was comfortable enough, but I couldn't get to sleep for a long while.

We booked this on Hotels.com, but found it for even cheaper on Travelocity.

Be aware that this property is near the SFO airport and not in San Francisco, and if on public transportation, be aware of getting the last train or bus back (usually midnight) to the airport, unless you're driving or taking a taxi (there goes your savings). It's great for an early-morning departure to be close to the airport the night before to minimize traffic commute times and congestion. Otherwise, find a spot in the city and pay more; it'll be better to be close to where you'll spend your time.

Consult 511 for your travel needs.

It was such a good experience that years later, I was able to arrange another visit. I didn't pay either time, which made it even better.

But now, the French Room is only a thing of memory, unfortunately.

You place your order, pay, wait about 10 to 15 minutes, and your order is ready. It's not really a place to dine in--it's more of a take-away. Near City College.

I recommend the Mr. Pizza Man special, which has salami, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and sausage, and costs from $16 for a small 12-inch pie to $26 for an extralarge 18-inch pie. They have online coupons. The pizza quality is pretty good, with a thick crust, if you want, and a good helping of toppings. And it's tasty and hot when delivered. Allow about 40 to 60 minutes for delivery.

There was at one time in the past a scam with this business where they double charge you: the 1st time when you phone in your order, a 2nd time when you sign the charge slip for your order and add the tip for the driver. If you catch them on it, they would apologize and rush the driver over with the cash back. They don't want you to alert your credit card company of the double charge. If enough complaints came in, the card company would be alerted. Report this to the credit card company if this happens to you. This happened to my partner. The first time he thought it was great, a cash advance. The second time it happened he stopped ordering their pizza.

Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Email Polly Ann

Open 24 hours a day.

Sun-Thurs 11am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11am-2am.

My friend suggested meeting there for lunch, and I was there early. I didn't want to take up a table space without ordering anything, so I waited outside at the corner for my friend to show up. He is usually early himself, but when he finally arrived, I was upset. I didn't say anything till he opened with the remark, after looking at his watch, that we were both early--I blew a fuse. It turns out that the watch wasn't set for the correct time, as he hadn't worn it for a while.

By then, it was a quarter after noon, and the place was packed. Queuing for a table, the waiter waved to us to share a table. My friend declined sharing a table because we wanted a table to ourselves. It may have been another 15 to 20 minutes before we were finally seated. We ordered and the food arrived.

I ordered oxtail, and my friend ordered a noodle soup dish. They were both very good and very reasonably priced. We had a nice conversation over our lunch, even though the restaurant was noisy.

It's probably as close to Thailand as my friend will ever likely get to, since he seldom can afford a vacation.

BART San Francisco 16th St/Mission St station.

It seems like an old establishment. They recently changed the waitress uniforms, but this place still comes from the era of Suzi Wong. Chinese lanterns hang overhead while you eat, and the whole restaurant is decorated with a Chinese motif.

Order their steamed fish, but avoid the deep-fried fish. The Chef's Gourmet Chicken is definitely a must-order specialty dish -- deep-fried, battered chicken filet, cut up and soaked in a sweet honey and spicy sauce, covered with cut up pieces of deep-fried wonton skin. The taste is unique, with the sweet honey taste countered by the mild spiciness, mixed in with chicken with the crunches and flavor of wonton skin.

The food portions are huge, and prices very reasonable. One of the set dinners includes the Chef's Gourmet Chicken at a very good value to feed a family of four. This is a good place for a meal and close to the Balboa Theatre on the same block. Credit cards are accepted.

Mon-Sat 11am-9:30pm; Sun 4pm-9:30pm

Muni 1AX, 1BX, 10, 20, 31AX, 31BX, 38AX, 38BX

One of the chefs looked like a victim of his own doing. He looked really overweight and unhealthy, perhaps from eating too much rice and too many salty foods.

The food is very good, but you just need to balance a good, healthy diet along with sufficient exercise to increase your longevity. Service is fair, and atmosphere is poor, with fluorescent lights, noisy talking, and cooking.

Open late nights. Closed Tuesdays. Cash only.

Muni: 12, 15, 30, 41, 45, Powell & Mason Cable Car.

They serve dim sum on the weekends, but be prepared to take a number and wait for up to an hour.

It’s nice for a simple dinner of wonton soup, and not too expensive.

Don't go in the wintertime when it's so cold outside. When I went, the only heat was from the stove.

I like the beef-and-bell-pepper sandwich, but their marinated chicken sandwich is also very tasty. The woman wouldn't say what they use to marinate the chicken, but she smiled and told me I would like it. They must be doing something right to be here this long.

If you want a really good, tasty Philly cheesesteak sandwich, give this place a try.

This is close walking distance to the UCSF campus, so it may get a bit of traffic from the students and staff.

Muni lines 43, N.

Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-9pm, Sat-Sun 7am-9pm

BART Millbrae station, Caltrain Millbrae station, SamTrans bus route # 391

Free delivery with a minimum of $15 per order, 5:30pm-10:30pm

Hours 11am-1:30am

Breakfast served till 12pm on Fridays, till 2pm on weekends.

Sun-Wed 8am-10pm; Thurs-Sat 8am-11pm

Tue-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-4pm, Sun 7:30am-3:30pm

Muni N Judah

Mon-Thur 7am-9pm, Fri-Sat 7am-10pm, Sun 7am-8pm

Muni N Judah

Although you may order sandwiches, I think of this place more as a dessert selection after your main meal from another place.

They offer items like scones, cakes, cookies, and muffins. Try their lemon tart and root beer float.

Hours 6am-2am.

Muni N Judah.

BART Millbrae station, Caltrain Millbrae station, SamTrans route # 391

Their salad bar is still a good deal, but was much better in the past. Service for coffee and refills was very bad. Don't bother with their lowest-priced steak, because you'll be disappointed.

I like to add both the sauces onto my hamburger. Their chili by itself is too salty. They offer a chili burger and chili fries that are good. Their banana creme pie is good but too sweet. Their java shake is good.

Open 24 hours, breakfast served till 11:30am.

The queue could be long to get in. There is lots of food but, after a short while, I would prefer to eat higher quality and have less. It's very noisy with all the customers and not very relaxing at all.

Dinner is more expensive than lunch and only a few additional seafood items, like snow crab, that are not on the lunch menu. I'd say save your money by either going for their lunch or not bothering at all.

Go on your birthday with government photo ID and your meal is free with one paying customer.

BART Daly City Station

Lunch: Daily 11:30am-2:30pm; Dinner: Mon-Thurs 5:30pm-9pm; Fri 5:30-10pm; Sat 5pm-10pm; Sun and holidays 5pm-9pm.

Their salad bar is still a good deal, but was much better in the past. Don't bother with their lowest-priced steak because you'll be disappointed.

They have a good floor layout, allowing the customers to have some privacy from each other. It is not just a big, open cavern filled with tables, but rather nicely done partitions that give the illusion of privacy and cut down on the noise level, which is really nice. It's a lot more expensive doing it this way, and it cuts down their seating capacity, but as a customer, I enjoy the dining experience being quieter and being able to hear each other in our conversation without the high background noise.

Get in line, look at its large menu selections overhead, tell the order taker your selections, pay, take your receipt, and wait for your number to be called.

There's more than one level for dining, but it was closed off. When the food comes, find a spot to sit and eat the food. But a desire to use their restroom facilities become apparent.

The security guard in the lobby spends a significant amount of time guarding the restroom. You need to save and show your food receipt and then wait for the facility to be available. The guard unlocks the door, I walk in, and it looks like the lights are off.

I try flicking the light switch the other way, and didn't see any difference at first until my eyes adjusted to the dark, and, having the door almost closed completely, I start to see a difference and that there is the faintest light. Groping around to find the toilet paper and checking, mostly by touch, to see if the toilet seat needs to be cleaned. I feel like I am in a third-world country, though toilet paper is provided here. Patron after patron goes in and uses the facilities with hardly any light.

This location used to offer free water on request, followed by water for customers (paying) only, then they started charging for water for anyone, and no sign about the water policy. It's not a friendly place.

Get there by taking any cable car route to the Mason/California stop, as they all converge there, and then ride up its glass elevator for a view of the city. I've been there a few times in the past for their buffet lunches. The food, service, and ornate atmosphere were all very good. Eat in spender while taking in the view of the city.

The coffee isn't very good, and I once asked for only egg whites with a breakfast order, but they refused to serve that. The place is buzzing with the energy of the customers in a fairly noisy atmosphere, with the smell of greasy food cooking.

Open 9am-9pm

The street-meter parking is free after 7pm.

Email: reservations@asabellas.net

The atmosphere wasn't anything great, sometimes feeling cold, but I came for their good-tasting, satisfying pizza--and the service was friendly. I would get their North Beach Special, but hold the olives. They also deliver within a certain radius of the restaurant.

Open Sun-Thurs 9am-1am, Fri-Sat 9am-3am

Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm

Take BART to the 24th St/Mission St station

Take the Muni nos. 14, 14L, 33, or 48

Open daily from 11am-1:30am.

Take the Muni nos. 38, 42, 47, or 49.

Open 10am-10pm

Take the BART to 24th St/Mission St.

Take the Muni nos. 12, 48, or 67

Their shrimp dumpling is larger than average and tasty. They also offer all-you-can-eat for $5, but with the prices they charge for their food, it's better to just buy what you want and take it with you. There are also a variety of rice plate dishes offered.

The place is a hole-in-the-wall, and the service isn't very good. There are few tables that must be shared. I went with a friend for the all-you-can-eat, and the service was slow and not very attentive. Another time, an older person sitting nearby struck up an interesting conversation with us while we were there.

Thurs-Tue 6:30am-6:30pm, closed Wed.

Muni bus lines #15 or 30; Muni Cable Car Powell and Mason, or Powell and Hyde Street lines, Chinatown stop (Powell and Washington or Jackson), walk downhill.

It's an alternative for getting across to the East Bay, and it's more tranquil being on the water. It's getting back to a simpler time. This was the main way of getting across the bay prior to the bridges and BART. When the 1989 San Francisco earthquake briefly shut down the Bay Bridge and BART, this ferry remained the only way to cross the bay.

The ferry makes stops at SF Pier 41, SF Ferry Building, SF Pacific Bell Park, Angel Island, Alameda, and Oakland's Jack London Square.

The fare is $5 one way. Angel Island round-trip is $12. Ten-, twenty-, or forty-ride tickets lower the cost per ride. Only full fare to Pacific Bell Park from the East Bay.

Phones open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; (415) 705-5555

Hours: Thurs 11am-8:45pm; Fri-Tue 11am-5:45pm. In the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day), this museum opens at 10am. Admission adult $12.50, seniors 62 or older $8, students with ID $7, SFMOMA members free, Thursday evenings 6-8:45pm half price, first Tuesday of the month free. Closed New Year's Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. Closes Christmas eve and New Year's eve at 4:45pm.

Phone: (415) 357-4035.

Bring your own shopping bag to take your purchase home. If you forget, they also have bags you can purchase. There are a few tables inside the front entrance, right where you walk in on the right to chat, sit, read, or have a drink. Parking is available.

Hours: 9am-9pm

Phone: (415) 863-0620

Open October to March, 10am-6pm, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Phone: (415) 474-1887

If you want any refreshments, allow plenty of time, as the queue was an easy 20-plus minutes, so grab your seats first with your friend, then go get those munchies. Forget the refreshments if you have less than half an hour, or else you'll miss the beginning of the movie. The concession stand is in a large, central area where all the movie patrons queue up.

The signs above the theater only show a number, not the title of the movie, so you have to match the sign with the number printed on your ticket stub.

Once seated, the focus is usually off slightly. One can tell by looking at the sharpness of the lettering in the titles or the lack of it. This is because all these places don't have a projectionist checking the focus at the beginning of each reel. The sound is loud and all around. The seats are comfortable.

Come to this place with plenty of time to spare, because seat selection is scarce the closer it comes to show time, especially if you want to sit with your party.

Phone: (415) 369-6200

BART Powell St.

Muni 14, 14L, 30, 45, F, Powell & Hyde, Powell & Mason Cable Cars.

SF Black & White Gallery intrigues me whenever I walk by the storefront and just look at the images on display. I find myself wanting to just stand and stare. They have some wonderful images, in black and white, of shapes and forms of the city.

Phone: (415) 929-9424

The dancers vary, but you'll see lots of eye candy, and perhaps get a little touch if you're tipping the dancers on the stage. To get a better view of the performers, sit right up to the stage and have lots of single dollar bills so you can tip the performer. Private lap dance available. There was more going on, but I didn't check it out.

No Cover Charge till 7pm; Mon-Thurs 11:30am-2am, Fri 11:30am-3am, Sat 7pm-3am, Sun 7pm-2am

Phone: (415) 536-0300
E-mail contactus@goldclubsf.com

It's a popular sight with a beautiful water reflection, complete with swans and ducks to make your Kodak moment.

Muni 30 to end of line, 76.

Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm

Closed Mon (except Memorial Day, Labor Day, Martin Luther King Day, and President's Day), Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Admission: $10; tactile dome $14 (requires advance purchase and reservation, and includes general admission). Free admission on the first Wednesday of the month.

Phone: (415) 563-7337

Muni 30 to end of line, 76

On this occasion, I saw The Bank, which wasn't supposed to be a major release, but people started raving about it, so it will soon be going for national distribution.

Prices: bargain shows $5, general admission $7.50, seniors/children $5, and on your birthday, it's free. Even the popcorn prices are decent. There's a choice of two sets of double features. Two movies for one admission. It's good that there are still some of these places left. Their seats aren't the best, but the movies are good. Afterward, I like going to Kam's for a good Chinese meal down the same block. Come on your birthday, show valid ID, and get in on the house.

Phone (415) 221-8184.

Muni bus lines 5, 31, 38 Ocean Beach.

Telephone 415.563.2313

Email info@nccbf.org
Phone: (415) 563-2313

Muni lines: 1, 2, 3, 4, 22, 38, 38L.

511.org or 511 TakeTransit Trip Planner

The place is big and spacious, with an outdoor patio. Now only Fridays are Fag Fridays from 10pm to 6am, with a $10 cover. They still have their traditional Sunday T-dance from 6am to 8pm. I don't know who would want to get up at 6am to hear loud disco music or whatever today's variant is.

Adults 21 and older
Phone: (415) 357-0827 prerecorded message.
Muni lines: 19, 27, 47

Telephone: (415) 421-4222.
Muni: 15, 30, 41, 45; Powell & Mason Cable Car.

Check their website for their current offerings. Mondays and Tuesdays are Karaoke nights (ugh). Wednesdays is Flow for women's night. Thursdays is Club T divas and male strippers, $3 cover after 9pm. Fridays and Saturdays are go-go boys night. Sundays are the latest dance music.

In the 1980s, this place discriminated against the Asian clientele by requiring three photo IDs, because they didn't drink much alcohol (low revenue), causing the Asian patrons to picket the place until they dropped the ID policy.

Phone: (415) 441-8413
Email: gary@ntouchsf.com; rogelio@ntouchsf.com
Muni: 1, 19, 27, 31, 47, 49, 76, California St. Cable Car

I searched for years for this carry-on backpack concept, and it wasn't until I went into his store in 1989 that I found what I was looking for. I bought a couple of carry-on backpacks there -- they have hip belts to shift some of the load off the shoulders and onto the hips, which helps reduce shoulder pain. When the seams started to separate, I brought it back to have it repaired. He didn't repair it, but the item came with a lifetime warranty. When I dropped the item off at the store, I also purchased a leather ticket holder for airline tickets, rail passes, passport, and currency.

Open: Mon, Tue, Thurs, and Fri noon-6pm, Sat noon-5pm, and Sun noon-4pm.

Phone: (415) 552-3970.

The staff were friendly, very helpful, and patient. I selected the color I wanted and have been pleased with the quality and workmanship. This place is first-rate.

The cost is higher, but so is the quality. And I always pack this to go on all of my travel. It's light, provides rain protection -- a good all-around jacket. This has been one of my purchases that's been a very good value, since I use it almost all the time. Their outlet store in San Leandro location at 1295 Marina Blvd, (510) 895-1484 might have what you want for less.

They sell porno magazines for less than the regular porno shops. They sell nonporno magazines as well. There were a few I liked, but you have to scan through an awful lot just to find one or two good ones. It's the same now on the Internet, except the quantity is much greater there, filling up the hard disk, and I'm too lazy to look at it and discard the bulk I don't want. At least at this place, you only take with you what you want to keep.

Phone: (415) 441-7737

The sandwiches I like are BBQ chicken, BBQ pork and tofu. They also offer meatball pork, pâté, on a fresh, warmed-up French roll, and a slew of Vietnamese food items. If you don't care for raw onion, cilantro, hot peppers, shredded carrots, or pâté, let them know to leave it off.

The place gets crowded easily because it's very small and very popular. Their sandwiches taste great, and their prices are low, though their sandwiches have gotten smaller over the years.

Mon-Sat 6:30am-5pm, Sun 7:30am-4:30pm

Phone: (415) 474-5698
BART Civic Center Station
Muni: 5, 19, 31

Costco provides membership-required, wholesale-merchandise shopping. It's best to go with a car for transporting your purchase. Since I don't have a car, I use a carry-on backpack with wheels to tote my purchases back home.

Prescription medications from their pharmacy has usually a one hour turnaround time and close around 1:30pm-2:30pm for lunch - so you'll want to get that prescription in by noon or drop off when they're open and pick up another time, their prices are better.

You can get staples like milk, eggs, skinless, boneless chicken thighs, and beef steaks for good value. There are older DVDs available for around $10, as well as new release DVDs available. It's a good place to pick up MCI prepaid calling cards at a very good rate. They sell a lot of different things with limited choice, but they have almost anything you could want for food, drink, home, business, car, or travel. They have a deli, photo developing, passport photos, optometry, a pharmacy, and tire changing - almost a complete one-stop shop.

There are occasionally free food samples as a way to increase sales. I found a wonderful and superior potsticker this way, but they dropped it because of poor sales. Usually, I just taste the samples and walk around, but the Jimmy's potsticker sample was so good, I turned around and got another sample. It was so tasty, I bought it until they stopped carrying it. Now, they just sell the other one (Ling Ling Potstickers with the panda on the package) because it sells well - never mind that it's subpar in comparison. I think they didn't allow it enough time or didn't promote Jimmy's potstickers for long enough. Jimmy's was definitely better than what they currently sell. I shared this with an engineer at work, and he also thought it was a very good potsticker. They will drop items that don't sell in high volumes, no matter how good you personally think they may be, in order to carry items that sell well.

Once you've gone through the aisles and selected your items to purchase, you queue up in a long line, waiting for your turn to check out. You place your items on a moving belt, hand your membership card to the cashier, and then scan your items for purchase. You then take your receipt and purchase to the exit point to verify your receipt against your items purchased.

Cash, preprinted name and address on checks, ATM, American Express card, or Costco cash card accepted as payment.

Membership: Standard/Business $45; Executive $100
Telephone: recording (415) 626-4288, live (415) 626-4388, pharmacy (415) 626-4341.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-8:30pm (business members open 10am); Sat 9:30am-6pm; Sun 10am-6pm. Closed certain holidays.

Muni: 9, 12, 27, 47.

They bake Russian breads and pastries. It's a place to try their sweets, try their éclairs - they're good. I didn't know what a lot of the pastries were, but just go by eyesight if it looks appealing. You can always ask, and they will help explain.

Telephone: (415) 668-6959

They accept cash and credit cards. I saw bounced checks posted on the wall, along with a list of blacklisted customers who didn't pay or shorted them. One time I saw an elderly Italian woman get into a very expensive car from the shop -- guess she was the one who started the pastry shop years earlier, and she looked like she's getting up there in years, too. Started in 1962, with locations in North Beach on Green St. near Columbus Ave, which is no longer there. Their other store location is 117 Crystal Springs Shopping Center in San Mateo, 94402, Phone (650) 570-6260.

Monday-Saturday 6am-6:30pm, Sunday 6am-5pm
Phone: (415) 647-5469
BART 24th St/Mission station
Muni bus lines 14, 14L, 47, 48, or 49

Street parking is difficult.

I couldn't believe it when I heard one greedy customer arguing over the contents of one basket of strawberries. He wanted to get a few extra strawberries in addition to what the basket could hold.

BART SF Civic Center station.

Muni F, J, K, L, M, N Civic Center Station.

Bargain shows: Mon-Thurs before 6pm, Fri-Sun & holidays before 4pm.

Phone: (415) 922-4262.

Muni 38, 38L, 47, 49.

There's another location at 24th St./Castro St. with different hours. They also have their products available in the Bay Area through various stores.

Phone: (415) 731-1978, Fax: (415) 731-1993

Hours: 9am-7:30pm

Food and drink are available. The early bird gets the worm. Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church opens its doors with things to sell, food, and drink.

Hours: 9am-4pm

Information: Pam Coxson, 25 Fair Oaks St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Phone: (415) 648-4977

BART 24th St. Mission

Muni 14, 14L, 33, 48, 49, 67, J
Take Transit Trip Planner

Mon-Sat 8am to 5pm

Phone: (650) 876-1741

Muni 15, 30, 39, 41, 45, 91 (Powell & Mason Cable Car stop Filbert St).

Phone: (415) 781-2015
Muni 15, 30

Telephone: 415.543.1718. Email: info@ybgf.org

You must be 18 or older with ID. Their price structure varies from $5 to $75. Single women and transgenders are admitted free, except on couples night, when single women pay and transgenders are not admitted for the Mixed Club. Call or visit their website for current policies.

The Gay Sex Club and the Mixed Club are open Thursday and Sunday 9pm to 4am, Friday and Saturday 9pm to 6am. The Mixed Club usually has lots of straight men looking to score, along with a lot of transgenders.

The first Wednesday of the month is Wet Wednesday for women only, and is $7 for admission before 10pm, $10 after 10pm.

Level 3 are for couples and women only, Friday and Saturday 10pm to 5am, except the third Saturday for their Fetish Ball; $40 per couple, $10 single women.

The Fetish Ball and Slave Auction, on the third Saturday of the month, is probably the best time for someone new to this scene. There's a wet T-shirt contest with prizes, a better balance of men and women, and lots of costume attire. If interested in registering for the slave auction or strip contest, please email cat@powerexchange.com

Couples parties are on the fourth Friday of the month--single women pay $25 and couples pay $50; no single men or transgenders are allowed.

Please refer to their website or call for all current offerings/pricing/days/hours/policies. They will be evolving on their services.

BART 16th St./Mission St. station

Muni SF lines nos. 26, 47, or 49

511.org or 511 Take Transit Trip Planner for your travel needs.

Phone +1.415.487.9944, fax +1.510.724.4202

email powerexchange@powerexchange.com

BART 16th Street, Mission Street is the closest station, then half an hour's walk along 16th Street toward Market Street or BART Civic Center transfer to Muni F surface trolley from Market Street, or any of the Muni J, K, L, M, N, S underground rail lines outbound Castro station. 511 or 511 Transit Trip Planner for travel information needs.

First Sunday of October
11am-6pm

Castro Street Fair
Box 14405
San Francisco, CA 94114.
Phone: (415) 285-8546.

email

The bag check applies in exchange for a color-coded, wooden clothes pin.

The retail prices aren't attractive for new items, but for the used items, some are attractive in their prices.

I'd picked up some used DVDs. I see other customers going through other inventory on CDs.

Phone: (415) 282-8000

Muni F line, Muni K, L, M, N, and underground stop Castro St. Station

The other street car lines that now run underground along Market Street for better efficiency are J, K, L, M, N, T, though sometimes there are breakdowns in the underground that can cause significant delays, and you can't leave.

The bulk of the fleet lines are diesel, propane, and emission free electricity, running on electric overhead wires that use the city''s own electricity (the lowest fuel cost for the city).

Fares can vary: The best is a monthly pass if you use Muni just about every weekday, but infrequent users may purchase a single packet of tokens at the Market Street and Powell Street SF Muni kiosk or at the Montgomery, Powell St, Civic Center BART/Muni station. There are also one-, three-, and seven-day passes for purchase. Of course, the single-use, cash fare is always accepted.

Immediately after paying your fare if not using a pass, always ask for a transfer as long as this is still in use, allowing you to change lines twice. If the system works properly, the driver tears off the top portion of the ticket after the second use, and on the third use, you surrender the transfer. The common practice is the driver just sees your valid transfer and doesn't bother tearing or collecting the transfer, so you may keep using it till expiration. Sometimes the driver will give much more than 90 minutes -- don't complain, be thankful. If you pay after 9:30pm, you should get a transfer good all night since the time expiration increment after 10:30pm is late night. It should give you at least 90 minutes of use from the time of issue. If not, ask the driver for a transfer that gives you at least 90 minutes of use. If the driver refuses, do not argue. Write down the driver's number, bus number, line, and time of incident. You'll need to write to complain and ask for a refund in the event you have to pay again because you may have been shorted the time. This transfer system may be discontinued or modified in the future -- they tried to eliminate it before.

If arriving by BART, get yourself a MUNI transfer before leaving the BART fare gates for a MUNI fare cash discount. The transfer comes in two parts: one for leaving BART to MUNI, the other is for MUNI to BART.

Check the system's timetable for the running times and frequency of service. There are some major lines that run 24 hours a day, but most will stop by midnight, if not earlier.

Keep your wits about you and be aware of the fellow passengers around you. One time, when I was riding on Muni, one passenger was picking on another, but the driver ignored it and didn't do anything, not wanting to take responsibility. The bullying escalated to a knife and chain fight and all the passengers, including the driver, quickly left the bus. By the time I realized what was going on, the fight had moved in front of me, blocking the aisle for our escape and the knife was within six inches of me as the two struggled. Fortunately the incident ended without anyone getting hurt. But it could have been much worse.

As a tourist/visitor, try to avoid using the system during rush hour when the system's use is very heavy (rush hour is during the early morning and from about 3:30pm till 6pm.

If you're inclined to help with acquisition and restoral of old street trolleys, please
give your financial support to Market Street Railway.

Telephone 511 or (415) 673-MUNI (6864), weekdays 6am to 8pm, weekends and holidays 8am to 6pm; or 511.org for travel needs throughout the bay area.

100 Larkin St./Grove St.
San Francisco, CA 94102-4733
Phone +1.415.557.4400
Mon 10am-6pm; Tue-Thurs 9am-8pm; Fri 12-6pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12-5pm (check site for current schedule)

Adults $3, children 50 cents.

Phone: (415) 274-0200. Call ahead for information, but it's difficult to get an answer.

Best to get there by walking or Muni 15, 30, 39, Powell and Mason Cable Car. Parking very difficult, not recommended.

See a list of other San Francisco Parks and Playgrounds.

Muni 15, 30, 39, 41, 45, Powell & Mason Cable Car.

There are system maps in every car to track your progress as you go by the stations. The stations may be underground or overhead, depending on how built-up the area is.

It helps relieve traffic on the overly congested streets and freeways. Some stations offer parking. Cost is based on distance. As fuel costs increase, BART is a viable alternative. Bicycles are permitted within limitations.

They offer a great travel tool for people with PDAs with the downloadable program QuickPlanner.

The best value of your BART fare is to go to a retail vendor selling blue, high-value BART tickets, such as Long's Drugs and Safeway supermarkets.

Each rider must have their own ticket unless they're under 5 years old.

The schedule varies depending on the line, station, and day of week, but generally service ends at midnight.

There are escalators and elevators available, but they are not always working. For status, call +1.510.834.LIFT or (888) 235-3828.

BART now goes to San Francisco International Airport next to the International Terminal. Go take the Air Train to get to the Domestic Terminal or allow about 30 minutes to walk to the terminal.

BART when they were still in the planning stages in instead of using Caltrain's existing track network chose building a much more expensive custom track and not utilizing existing rolling stock and built customized cars which brings the cost and maintenance significantly much higher than it needed to be. Nor had the vision of merging with Caltrain and creating an intermodal transport hub under one "rooftop" of what the Transbay Terminal was in the earlier 20th century.

Phone 511 or (415) 989-2278

Take the Transit Trip Planner

I like hearing the sound of steel on rail rolling by and watching these old, brightly painted streetcars along Market Street. Another rolls by every so often. It's really nice watching them go by, like a little train going around a Christmas tree--except this is life-size, no Christmas tree, but it feels special, like it could be.

The restoration facility is at Market and Duboce Streets. The volunteers work in an open space on restoring these old cars and putting them back into service.