FOODIES MEALS FOR EVERY MOOD (CONT’D) SHAKEN OR STIRRED? San Francisco has a rich tradition of cocktail creations. There’s a strong claim that the martini was invented here during the Gold Rush, and a few decades later Victor Bergeron (of Trader Vic’s) invented the Mai Tai across the bridge in Oakland in 1944. These days there are craft cocktail inventions waiting to be discovered around every corner. Here are a few interesting places to sip on something special while you’re here. Tacolicious White Chapel 600 Polk St. The detail-oriented interior design at this hip newcomer complements an elegant cocktail menu and North America’s largest selection of gin. Big 4 Restaurant 1075 California St. The ambiance inside this classy spot inside the Scarlet Huntington harkens back to the Gilded Era, but the cocktails have a more modern provenance. Dirty Water 1355 Market St. This Central Market bar/ restaurant serves up ever-changing selections of house-designed and classic cocktails along with a menu of charcuterie, sandwiches and small plates. Tonga Room 950 Mason St. This classic, WWII-era tiki bar in the basement of the Fairmont Hotel mixes up delicious rum-based concoctions. Watch out for the indoor rainstorm. MEXICAN BELMAR MEAT MARKET – LA GALLINITA (Mission) This neighborhood gem has been part of the Mission for more than 40 years. It’s a full-service butcher and market, but the real draw is the tacos, soups and assorted dishes they serve during the day. TACOLICIOUS (Mission) Started as a taco stand in 2009, Tacolicious has grown into a formidable taco-centric restaurant featuring creative, modern Mexican cuisine and a tequila list with more than 120 options. tacolicious.com SOUTH AMERICAN LOLINDA (Mission) This chic Argentinian steakhouse offers a mix of tapas-style small plates and hearty cuts of meat. The bone marrow appetizer, grilled peppers, ribeye steak and creative cocktails earn rave reviews. lolindasf.com LA MAR CEBICHERIA PERUANA (Embarcadero) Located right on the bay at Pier 1½, outdoor seats here are a must on a nice day. The menu is Peruvian, and while ceviche options are plentiful, there are non-seafood items, too. This is a great happy hour spot. lamarsf.com FOGO DE CHÃO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE (SOMA/Yerba Buena) A leading Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, Fogo de Chão has specialized for more than three decades in fire-roasting high-quality meats utilizing the centuries-old Southern Brazilian cooking technique of churrasco. Guests can select from a variety of simply seasoned meats that are carefully fire-roasted to expose their natural flavors. fogodechao.com SEAFOOD SAM’S GRILL (Financial District) It began as an oyster stall in the latter 19th century and became a neighborhood institution. Stepping in here is like traveling back in time, with curtained booths and waiters in formal wear. Order a martini and some oysters on the half shell. samsgrillsf.com FOG HARBOR FISH HOUSE (Fisherman’s Wharf) There is no shortage of seafood restaurants to choose from in Fisherman’s Wharf, but Fog Harbor is a standout thanks to fresh, sustainably-caught fish and unbeatable views of the Golden Gate Bridge. fogharbor.com 28 . sftravel.com Fog Harbor Fish House FROM TOP: Courtesy of Tacolicious; Fog Harbor Fish House
San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide 2017: Page 28
