Gay Travel Buddy

Cafe Zuni – Union Square – San Francisco

Over thirty years ago, Zuni Cafe opened its doors as a tiny Mexican restaurant. It was a quarter of the size it is today and used highly creative and economic methods to turn out its menu ( such as using the milk steamer on the espresso machine to make eggs. Over the years, Billy West has transformed that tiny corner restaurant into the San fRancisco classic that it is today. The menu has moved away from it’s Mexican beginnings, with small nods here and there. It serves a more “Californian Mediterranean” menu now and has a full kitchen plus a wood oven to make their signature dishes in.

Today, Zuni is a classic visiting place for residents and visitors alike. It resides in a sort of no-man’s land of Market and Rose streets. Part of the newly-coined  “Deco Ghetto”, the neighborhood can be a little gritty at times, but do not let that dissuade one from dining here. The corner spot is often serving politicians, tourists, socialites and  artists at any given time and the variety of customers only adds to the inherent charm of this place.

The menu has included a number of dishes that have been deemed Zuni classics. The fervor for these items is such that the chefs have’nt been able to remove them for fear of disappointing too much of the returning clientele. The biggest complaint of the chefs seem to be that these items are so highly sought after that they have a hard time getting customers to deviate from their favorites and try the specials! If that isn’t an endorsement, I don’t know what is!

The roasted chicken is one of the classics on the menu. Prepared in the wood burning oven that projects into the dining room, the skin is crisped to perfection while the meat remains tender and juicy. The Caesar salad is another favorite. It is prepared fresh table-side and comes in generous portions. The pizza that is prepared in the same oven as the chicken is an excellent choice as well.

The burgers and shoestring fries are possible the best in the whole city. Zuni has been given many awards over the years, not the least of which is showing up on Michael Bauer’s “100 Best Restaurants of San Francisco” year after year after year. In and of itself, that is no small feat. In fact, it is difficult ( but not impossible) to find a person who isn’t a devout Zuni follower.

In addition to all of the lovely history and wonderful cuisine, Zuni has a delightful outside heated patio. On warm days, it is always packed to the hilt with diners and imbibers. The bar at Zuni is wonderful, offering a splendid array of wines and cocktails. I personally have always been charmed by the fact that on Rose Street, there is a small parking area for bikes and scooters which is invariable full of classic Vespas. Brunch, lunch or dinner, Cafe Zuni keeps them coming back for more…with style.

1658 Market St.  San Francisco Click here for Google Map

Restaurant Ora Montreal

At first sight it may look like you have entered the Starship Entreprise as if decorated by the Pussycat Dolls, but fear not. You are not going anywhere a gay man hasn’t gone before. Restaurant Ora, much like its returning clientele, likes to be the center of attention. The Spanish restaurant takes the modern decor aspect light years beyond what any tapas restaurant anywhere in the world could envision.

The tapas include oysters, octopus, crab cakes and other sea food options. The food is quite pricey, but hey, someone’s got to pay for the electric bill. Don’t get intimidated by the gorgeous female bartenders, they’re super friendly and want your tips after all. Ora turns into a low-tempo straight club after dinner, complete with a resident DJ.

Not a great place to have dinner if you are not in somewhat of a Vegas party mood. The lights are bright, the music is loud and the food is expensive. It’s really quite the show. If you’re in that type of spirit, then it’s a great place to get the night started. It will pump you up to another level.

394 Rue Saint Jacques Ouest (514) 848-0202

HK NYC

We all know the gays love a good brunch, and New York City has so many options, it’s hard to choose. For those interested in a modern space, here comes the sophisticated alternative, HK in, appropriately enough, Hell’s Kitchen. Like any place that goes just by an acronym, expect a snooty vibe, but it’s all in good fun. Any form of attitude is acceptable considering the bistro lounge serves all the bottomless goods – mimosas, bloody mary’s, screwdrivers or just straight champagne. A popular place for up-and-coming power gays to reminisce on weekend. The food is mostly American with a Mediterranean flare and there’s outdoor seating for those hot New York days. HK turns into a pumping early drinks spot for the resident of what’s quickly becoming “the New Chelsea.”

523 9th Av. (212) 947-4208

This is another Castro restaurant I have not tried yet, it’s a hair off the beat and path.  La Mediterranee is on Noe St. right across from Cafe Flore and below the Lookout.  Yelp has this place ranked with pretty decent reviews so I can’t see it being a bad choice.  I still have not eaten here, so other than providing a listing, not much to say.  There is also a paid parking garage just across the street, the only one in the Castro.

288 Noe St, 415-431-7210

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Cafe Mystique is a recent addition to the Castro and has a unique menu that is mostly Mediterranean.  I have only eaten here 3 times but I liked everything I had.  The service is a bit on the slow side but I think they are still learning, so it will most likely will get better over time.  They are located near A.G. Ferrari and Blush.

464 Castro St, 415-865-9810