Heading over Veterans weekend for some fun with a lady friend and the p-car (if the weather allows) and looking for recomendations for:

1) Restaurants and Bars

2) "Nightlife" places

3) Car enthusiast spots

Any and all recomendations appreciated and I know I didn't list many specifics of what I'm looking for, want to see what all is out there for the 6!

 

Narrow this down a bit so we can make suggestions.

Approx interests, age group, in what part of this area you think you will be, etc.

That would help.

 

Okay, late thirties age bracket. Wide range for food interests (something memorable without breaking the bank, ha). A classy place or two for drinks and conversation. Maybe a place for some late night dancing ...... maybe??? Also, any p-car related places/things to check out while I'm there? Will be spending some time downtown/pier 39 maybe, and also some time up in Petaluma too.

 

[quote=racesx;2107417---A classy place or two for drinks and conversation. Maybe a place for some late night dancing ...... maybe??? [/quote]

That might be the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley. Great ambiance, great food, and great dancing. Also, easy parking there. This is a very nice location.

The other folks would have to advise on the P-car functions as I am a Ferrari guy.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

You might want to peruse www.yelp.com for some tips/reviews. There is an event section too. For popular dining spots its a good idea to make reservations as soon as you can.

Have fun!

 

If you want to see other nice cars besides Pcar, you can stop by Santa Row every Saturday around 10am.

 

I've only been here a couple years, and haven't gotten across the Bay nearly enough. Hopefully some other folks will chime in.

I was just at the new-ish Yoshi's in San Francisco, near the Fillmore, for dinner. Very nice upscale sushi restaurant with jazz club. The version in Oakland is an institution, and from what I saw the new one is excellent. We hit the bar just to the South at the corner of the building for drinks beforehand; place was nice until the jazz combo started up and we couldn't hear each other talk anymore. That was Wednesday night a week and a half ago.

If you want a signature venue for dinner I might recommend Bix. People rave about their martinis, and the food was excellent, but I haven't been there in a year. If it isn't considered part of the Financial District, it's in the zone between that and North Beach.

I'd like to go back to the Tadich Grill on California between Battery and Front. Great traditional seafood place, and the prices are very reasonable. They say it's the oldest restaurant in California since it's been running in one form or another since 1849 -- it's certainly a local institution.

In North Beach there may be other places people prefer, but I'd hit The Stinking Rose for Italian. Great little place you'll remember fondly, and somebody always brings it up when they talk about that time they went to North Beach and ate at "you know, what was the name, the garlic place." At least that's what happens to me.

If you want to gaze at the ocean while you eat, try the Cliff House on Point Lobos Ave, you'll get a great view of the Pacific. If you want an unpretentious little diner with a similar view nearby, go to Louis' Restaurant a little further around the corner. Maybe CH for dinner, and Louis' for the following breakfast, then go down and walk around the ruins of the Sutro Baths at the base of the cliffs, or go a little further down The Great Highway to the beach and go for a stroll.

If you don't need to see the water while you eat, the food's also good at John's Ocean Beach Cafe on Sloat Blvd. Right across Sloat from the SF Zoo, if that's of interest.

The Claremont Resort is indeed an excellent place for drinks, dinner, or a stay. Very impressive building, grounds, and view. I just met somebody there at Paragon, the bar/restaurant in front, Wednesday evening after work. Strong mixed drinks, good food, good service.

If you should find yourself there, drive up Claremont Avenue to the top of the ridge. Right or left on Grizzly Peak will take you to tremendous views, but I would probably recommend left - more overlooks with more parking. Watch for The Wall, where you'll usually see a bunch of motorcycles parked, and always around sunset. Day or night views of SF and the bridges with clear skies are very cool.

 

Oh, and for general car stuff look up the Blackhawk Museum in Danville. I haven't made it there yet myself, but I've seen some nice pictures. Might be worth a stop on your way to/from the area.

 

Hey, thanks for all the help/suggestions! I'll do a little more research on this tonight as time's running out. Now, if only the weather will hold so I can get ove the hill this weekend ..........

 

I'm a much older guy, so no help on dancing places. The Blackhawk Museum is a great stop. IMO, don't waste your time and money on Pier 39. Of course, I'd rather do the CA Academy of Sciences and the MH deYoung Museum, so probably not a lot of help to you.

Are you going to be right in SF, or somewhere closeby? Makes a difference for recommendations.

If you're going to be in Petaluma, contact Peter Thomas at The Racer's Group. He's the parts manager there, but could arrange a tour of the facility and the Adobe Wine operation. He did for me and my dad when we were there last week.

We can always arrange a drive with the local Rennlist group!!