Gay Travel Buddy

Puccini and Pinetti – San Francisco

Sure… it is located in a busy section of touristy Union Square. Yes, it is located within a hotel, and yes, it is part of a large restaurant company (The Puccini Group)…but there is something that keeps us coming back week after week to Puccini and Pinetti.

Maybe it’s the fact that they offer a great happy hour every day from 3pm until 6pm with such items as their signature meatballs ($5.00), crab cakes ($7.00), Fritto Misto (Fried calamari & rock shrimp for $6.00) and personal sized artisan pizzas that change seasonally in true California style ($5.00), in addition to a number of other options, all well within a happy budget. The food is hearty and tasty and sure to satisfy.

And let’s not forget about the fabulous drink specials. For a mere $3.00 you can get a glass of red, white or sparkling wine, or a glass of beer, with a healthy selection to choose from. For the wine drinkers, here’s a tip: ask for the bottle for $12.00, which actually gives you a little extra, and you don’t have to wait for your next glass!

As if those weren’t reasons enough to head to P&P (as the locals call it), on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, they extend the Happy Hour ALL-NIGHT!  Happy hour goes from 3pm – 10pm, and trust me, this little piece of info has not gone unnoticed by the gay workers and shoppers in the area that have recently been flocking to the establishment.  On any given night we have seen a number of the LGBT community enjoying drinks with friends and co-workers at Puccini and Pinetti.

Only side note; make sure that you sit within the ‘bar area’ to take advantage of the happy hour, and be prepared to wait during the 5:00-6:00 time frame as word gets out.

Puccini & Pinetti
Italian Bar & Grill
129 Ellis Street
San Francisco, CA
94102

Charisma is a small Italian restaurant in Hillcrest, I have personally not eaten here but the reviews on Yelp where very good so this may be a good spot to hit up.  It is centrally located just steps away from Fiesta Cantina and Urban Moe’s.

142 W University Ave, 619-209-3636

Another great Italian restaurant in the Castro is Capri, they are located on Market St. between Noe and dirty Sanchez.  I have eaten here at least a dozen times and have loved every dish I have ever had.  The staff is great and their is at least one waiter who likes to give me crap, I love it!  This is a must do if you love Italian food, I think it is the best in the Castro.  They are near Cafe Flore and the Lookout with convenient paid parking down at Sullivan’s or behind just off Noe st.

On busy nights I would suggest calling to get a table, they can get a bit busy.

2272 Market St, 415-552-3000

Fuzio is a pasta shop centrally located in the Castro.  The menu is small but the dishes are good, they have a dish called the Fire Cracker which is pretty good, its got a nice kick to it.  They also have a pretty decent drink list as well as beer.  The staff is friendly and the food comes out quickly.  This is not a place to count carbs.  Fuzio has parking just around the corner, its metered parking but better than nothing.  They are also close to the Castro Theater.

469 Castro St, 415-863-1400

Marcello’s is a great little Pizza joint that sells Pizza by the slice or Pie.  I have always gotten a great peice of pizza when I go there.  They are located near 440 Castro for after drink food and across from the Castro Theater so you can eat while you wait for your show.

420 Castro St, 415-863-3900

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Nizarios Castro
Another great late night Pizza by the slice is at Nizario’s on 18th street, across from the Mix and near the Midnight Sun. Their slices are arguably some of the best in San Francisco. My personal favorite is the Castro Special. This is a small place with very limited seating, but after being at the bar for a few hours, this is a great way to recharge or pass some time before you attempt to drive home.

They are located at 4077 18th st and you can reach them at 415-487-0777

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The Sausage Factory

In the mood for some great Italian? The Sausage Factory is a great Italian option in the heart of the Castro. They have a big selection of Pasta dishes, Risotto’s, Meat, Shell Fish and a few vegetarian options as well as Pizza. They also deliver. Check out their menu. They are only open till 11pm, so make sure to order early.

The staff is friendly and they have a fairly large amount of tables available as well as a large room in the back for a big group. At least a few dozen can fit in the back room.

They do not have a bar but they have a nice selection of wine and beer, their house Pinot Noir is a great option and is very reasonably priced, I think in the mid $20′s for a bottle.

The portions are quite large so bring a big appetite. If you plan on going out after, you may want to consider skipping the garlic bread. Every time I have it, everyone notices it and keeps their distance.

They are located at 517 Castro st, near 18th.

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