Gay Travel Buddy

Abri Gay Hotel – Union Square – San Francisco

I have strangely become a fan of orange. We have the Hotel Abri in San Francisco to thank for that change in attitude towards a color that doesn’t fall onto the rainbow flag.

Hotel Abri is located smack dab in the heart of Union Square and less than a block from the main “Powell Station” for BART and MUNI, the two most convenient modes of transportation for getting around the city (and to and from the airport).

We were pleasantly surprised as we rounded the corner to the hotel to see a proudly displayed Pride Flag directly above the hotels namesake flag.

Check in was a breeze and the nice gentlemen behind the desk welcomed us genuinely to the hotel, didn’t blink at our request for a king size bed and had arranged for us to be upgraded to a corner room! While checking in be sure to take a moment to enjoy one of the complimentary orange ‘shots’ that are offered (as well as a giant orange gum ball). The shots change daily, and the Saturday we checked in we were treated to a vodka and orange energy drink. Much needed for a Saturday night on the town!

The lobby was warm an inviting, and looked like a great space to sit by the fire and participate in one of our favorite past times, people watching. (We wouldn’t have minded watching the two boys that checked in while we were headed to our room either!)

Our room was in a corner on the fourth floor and we were amazed at the generous size of the room when we entered.  The bedroom was large enough for a king size bed and a chaise lounge (with obligatory flat screen TV mounted to the wall), a walk through bathroom connecting it to the living area was a nice touch, and we stopped to admire the bathroom. Normally a hotel bathroom doesn’t excite me too much, but the ample L’Occitane bath essentials and the shower stood out. The glass enclosed shower was a dream, nice and large with a rainfall shower head positioned at least 7 feet high, perfect for someone who is 6’4”, and rare to find in a hotel.

The living area was fit for a gathering of friends, or a lazy night in watching the ample flat screen with a large comfortable couch for lounging as well as another lounge chair and a table for cocktails. The mini fridge was empty, and there was a ‘pocket’ in the door that fit our bottle of vodka perfectly! Another nice feature was that the ice came in a pre-packaged plastic bag, perfect for pre-gaming before hitting all the nightlife that San Francisco has to offer. One thing we were amazed about based on the hotels location was the lack of noise. Besides the occasional clattery clack of the cable car, it was rather quiet, and honestly, hearing the cable car just reinforced the fact that you were in the heart of San Francisco.

A few of the nice touches that we enjoyed were the ample availability of outlets throughout the room, the iPod player in the bedroom, and the work-station which had plenty of outlets, free WiFi and included access to the “Tech-Bar”, where you could borrow, or buy such things as a phone charger, iGo Laptop Charger, Compact Power Strip, Mini Speakers, and so much more.

The little orange touches throughout, including the whimsical lava lamp and the bright orange coffee mugs were fun and really played well into the overall theme of the hotel.

The staff was amazing, and quite knowledgeable and able to direct us to a variety of gay bars in both SOMA and in the Castro area that night, and the next morning was sure to point out the fact that Puccini and Pinetti (Link) recently started serving breakfast., and is conveniently located next door.

The only complaint we had about our stay was that we only had one night in this very gay friendly and super comfortable home away from home in San Francisco’s Union Square.

Le Central near Union Square – San Francisco

Le Central opened its doors in 1974 to a town that was a bit different than it is now. A bit wilder, a bit ballsier. French cuisine was not cutting edge, but more of the earmark of upper-end dining. Le Central managed to stand out among a sea of cassoulets and steaks au poivre. It not only stood the test of time, it also managed to become a landmark and staple of San Francisco dining.

There was a small group of men that helped to make Le Central what it is today. The member have changed a bit over the years but the core group included such legends as  Herb Caen(reporter SF Gate) , Willie Brown(politician and Mayor of SF) , Wilkes Bashford(clothier) , Harry de Wildt(socialite) and Matthew Kelly(musician). They had a standing lunch date every Friday and would start with drinks at the bar, followed by a dice game for the bar tab. Then they would choose a table, often by the window,and dine and hurl insults at each other while glad handing whichever passers-by took notice of them. These men were cornerstones of San Francisco society and were united in their love of the city. They had a true and lasting camaraderie that the insults barely masked. They loved Le Central too, and for good reasons.

The first thing that delights the eye about Le Central is the red tabac sign. It is a total throwback to a common sight in Paris. The interior is also quite authentic, with Plat du Jour chalkboards and fresh flowers on each table. Even the large bar was sent over from France to lend even more authenticity to a place steeped in it.

The menu is pretty classic and it would be hard to take a misstep ordering. There rae a few standards that have been in residence here since the beginning. There is a sign on the wall that ets you know how long the cassoulet has been going for (which is since he opening day) and as anyone who has ever dined at Le Central, it is a symphony of delicious. It is a white bean stew with duck confit, lamb, sausage and pork. The ingredients are all in perfect harmony and the quality of the cassoulet makes it one to measure all others against.

There are other delicious items on the menu, such as the roast chicken pommes frites which is a half of a chicken served with sauteed spinach. The chicken is tender and juicy and the pommes frites ( French fries) are a salty revelation. The filet mignon au poivre is served with pommes purée (mashed potatoes), haricot verts(green beans) with a brandy peppercorn sauce. Classic and well executed here. The daily items are almost always a good bet as well, making it difficult to choose just one item.

Le Central has a great bartender, a respectable wine list and a nice happy hour. The dessert menu can be a bit hit or miss, but do not let that dissuade one from ordering from it, because the hits are home runs. The staff can be a bit austere, but the that can change based on the day as well.

Le Central is a place to visit to not only have an excellent dining experience, but also to be a part of this historical restaurant and gathering place. They have an outstanding happy hour with a small discounted menu. Plus, sitting at the bar gives one a chance to meet  Dave Gabine, bartender extraordinaire. He makes a mean cocktails and has stories for days. Le Central is a San Francisco classic, and I hope it stays that way.

453 Bush St. near Union Square San Francisco Click for Google Map

Benu French Restaurant SOMA San Francisco

Fine dining in San Francisco used to be a pretty buttoned-up affair. The offering were invariably French served on white linens by men in formal attire. Tasting menus ran several courses long and could tie you up for five hours or more. Then, the landscape changed. younger folks were bringing in obscene sums of money with dot coms. Diners became savvy to a wide range of cultures and cuisines. This infusion of new blood didn’t want to be fed the same fare. They wanted something new, something to reflect their experiences. This set of circumstances gave birth to a new era of upscale dining.

Cory Lee got to witness this transition from the trenches. As a chef, he cut his teeth in classically appointed French restaurants. There he learned the artistry of the precisely aimed ingredients. He was steeped in the ways of dishes consume in a bite or two, with no room for error. He learned how to laser site ones taste buds and delay the flavor experiences so that they came in timed waves for maximum effect.

Lee opened Benu in 2010. He took his time at three-star rated Michelin restaurants in Europe and at French Laundry in Napa and applied it with distinctive influences from the East. His restaurant is set up to put all of the focus on the food, with little distraction.

The courtyard one walks through is uncomplicated with slate tiles and groomed grasses. The kitchen is only seen from the outside and reveals several chefs diligently working in pristine surroundings. The dining room is simple and sparsely decorated with artwork. The tables and seating are quite comfortable, but the eye is unstimulated.

The menu is arranged in a la carte options, which range from teens to thirties per dish. There is a highly recommended tasting menu which consists of over thirteen courses for $160. The accompanying wine tasting varies in price, but is usually around $110, making an evening’s dining experience pretty spendy. The artistry with which the tasting menu is assembled makes the tasting menu the better of the options.

Naturally, the tasting menu changes often, to reflect seasonal items and trends. The wine menu shifts along side it, making each evening spent here its own special event. Although the menu changes often, there are some items who have enjoyed more than one turn on the stage. The 1,00 year quail egg shows up a lot. This is served with strand of scallion and a ribbon of pickled ginger. Another recurring character is the “shark’s fin soup” made with Dungeoness crab, cabbage and ham that are poured over a black truffle custard.

The rest of the tasting menu habitually replete with sure palate pleasers. There has been some complaints that the portions are too  small and the menu overpriced. In the author’s humble opinion, if mere sustenance is what you are looking for, there are many other options that one should explore well before they arrive at the door of Benu. This restaurant is epicurean artistry, not just food. One must approach it as such in order to appreciate the rare opportunity to be delighted with every new course and morsel. At the end of the tasting menu, hunger will not be an issue. This type of cuisine sates one body and soul.

22 Hawthorne St. SOMA San Francisco Click for Google Map

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

Horizons Sausalito Gay Friendly Restaurant

As a San Francisco local, I tend to get lazy and not go around to some of the best restaurants that are just over the bridge.  Horizons in Sausalito is a very special and historic building, they feature Valet Parking, a full bar, outside deck that is pet friendly.  When you walk in you feel warm and accepted as the host has a huge smile on her face and everyone looks like they are having a great time.  Like these 2 young men playing cards, agreed to be photographed.  As you look around, you will see high quality wood work everywhere you look.  Including the fireplace that is very impressive to look at.  As I was invited by the owner to photograph the restaurant I took a ton of photo’s.  Below the images talks about the party hall they have available upstairs.

When you walk in, the scent of sea food is lingering, as unfortunately I did not have a time to eat I can’t say much about the food other than a close friend who knows the chef and she is a picky eater like me and said the food was wonderful, that was enough for me.  The location could not be better, if you take Alexander Ave, before the tunnel.  It’s the first restaurant you see as you drive into down town.  Since it sits on the bay itself, its quite distinctive when entering.  Parking in Sausalito can be a little difficult on nice sunny days.  There is also a ferry that will take you from the Embarcadero to Sausalito directly.  So if you plan it out during their operation which does not go late.  It will allow for a fun brunch, with their full bar it makes it a shame to drive and have to control yourself.

The outside patio is breath taking, also as the bay area can be cold they have large arrangements of heating lamps, so you can have a nice time outside and not freeze.

Horizons Private Party Hall

If the restaurant itself was not impressive enough, the private party hall upstairs is amazing.  From when you enter, to walking up their beautiful stair case that walks you right into the lounge bar area.  For the disabled ones of us, yes me too, they have an ADA compliant elevator and wheel chair friendly facilities.  This room is huge and can handle several hundred people.  I would highly recommend using this space for corporate events, especially with good decent transportation by Ferry.  The views on a clear day are breath taking, pictures below.  The owner and managers are so friendly and accommodating that I am sure you can arrange an event easily.  This is also a great room for charity events, its large enough to hold quite the guest list and laid out well to give a presentation to an audience.  If you wish to reach them call and tell them we sent you (415) 331-3232.  I spoke to the owner about having gay charities use the location and he was all for it, so consider Horizons for your next event.  Sorry that sounds like we got paid for this, this is all honest non paid reviewing as a guest of the owner.  I liked it so much I told him I would post a ton of pictures and make sure people know its  gay friendly.

558 Bridgeway, Sausalito CA Click the link for a Google Map. (415) 331-3232

Amber India – SOMA – San Francisco

Sometimes when searching for a place to dine for the evening, I have often lamented a lack of higher end Indian restaurants. So many of the places are carry out or delivery worthy, that I had almost forgotten what it was like to eat Indian off of proper plates and bowls. Amber India fills that need by providing a slow food alternative in an upscale setting.

Amber India has many member in its family who have helped to pave its way. The group of restaurants includes the Palo ALto and Moutainview locations as well as other restaurants that are slightly different conceptually, resembling cafes more than upscale dining. The cuisine in all places is quite wonderfully assembled Indian and all of the restaurants hold their own comparatively.

The interior of Amber is full of rich earth tones with accents of color that are similar to the hues of the fare. The tables are made of dark wood with buttery leather chairs in yellows and reds. The banquettes are a rusty orange and the accent walls in the dining room are red with vibrant artwork.

The dinner menu is quite stunning, with over 40 items to choose from. There are far more hits than misses here, so selecting items is a safe bet. The palak chaat is an excellent place to start. The flash fried spinach is served with yogurt and tamarind chutney. Fried spinach never fails to surprise and delight me, this was no exception. I love samosas and the aloo peas samosas were fried crisp with warm potatoes and split peas on the inside.

The dinner menu offered a delicious tandoori half chicken which was as good as I have ever had it. The lamb chop frontier was outstanding and consisted of Australian lamb rack served with signature spiced mixed yogurt. The butter chicken is a much debated dish at Amber. It is considered a signature dish and is highlighted on the menu. Upon actually being presented with the chicken, some folks found it to be underwhelming, while others were delighted. It is shredded tandoori chicken served with a tomato sauce. I think one could describe it a Indian comfort food and leave it at that.

There are  a wide array of tandoori breads to be chosen from. The offerings include classic nan and lacha paratha which is flaky, layered whole wheat bread. There were also two kulchas, which are stuffed leavened bread, one with peas and potatoes, one with Amul cheese and Serrano chilies.

After or before dinner, there is a delightfully over the top lounge with many, many cocktails to choose from. The bar has backless purple stools facing a display backlit with led lights is a changing array. Some have likened this show to a sort of light therapy. There are also generous happy hour specials; five dollars for a menu of drinks and appetizers. It is often difficult to get a seat at the bar due to these bargains. There is auxiliary seating in the lounge and handles he overflow nicely. This is definitely a date destination and you won’t have to worry about dry leaning your clothes  to get rid of the curry aromas afterwards.

 25 Yerba Buena Ln, SOMA San Francisco, CA Click to see Google map.

Fringale SOMA San Francisco

Fringale has been a staple of San Francisco dining since 1991. For 14 years it was the brainchild of Gerald Hirigoyen and J.B. Lorda who maintained its reputation of serving exquisite Basque food in a comfortable and upscale environment. In 2005, they decided to sell the business to an employee, Jean-Marie Legendre. One of the original staff, Legendre has continued the Fringale reputation while letting it breathe a little.

The menu is Basque in nature, which refers to a member of a people living in the Basque Country of France and Spain. It could also be described as a blend of the best parts of french and Spanish cuisines with a heavy seafood presence. Thde interior is decorated in the color scheme one would expect to find in the warmer regions of both countries. Shades of beige and warm yellows hues blanket the interior in a warm glow. The massive verdigris(a bright bluish-green encrustation or patina formed on copper or brass) bartop adds to the inviting atmosphere and makes it a place that is easy to return to again and again.

One traditional dish which even encompasses the region’s name in its name, Seafood Basquaise is offered on the menu. It is a particularly excellently executed dish here, composed of salmon, cod, prawns, tuna, mussels, red pepper and tomato coulis for a cozy and slightly spicy seafood stew.The duck confit is also a fundamental of the menu. Fringale prepares theirs with lentils “Du Puy” (or French green lentils), potatoes Landaises, garlic and bacon with a red wine sauce. The skin was crispy yet the meat was tender and seasoned just right. The roasted rack of lamb was succulent and was served with scrumptious potato gratin, haricots verts(green beans) and a rosemary sauce. Parfait! The Dungeness crab Napoleon is a classic dish and is served light and refreshing here. It is made with avocado, lemon zest, piquillo peppers and mango salsa with caviar on top for extra zest. The frissee salad is popular as well, consisting of frissee lettuce, warm bacon dressing, pine nuts, poached egg and toasted levain croutons(French sourdough).

The wine list is very petite. There are about ten wines available by the glass. They are all reasonably priced. The bottles by the wine are pretty spendy and the corkage fee is steep, so bringing in your own isn’t a much better option. The dessert list, conversely, is extensive. There is not much I like better than lots of dessert options, and Fringale delivers. It would be difficult to make a misstep on this menu, all of the options are wonderful. From cakes and custard to tartes and truffles, it is so hard to choose just one.

Fringale is a certain crowd pleaser. Whether on a date, entertaining guests or business clients, there is an appeal that is across-the-board.

570 4th St. SOMA San Francisco Click for Google Map

Café de la Presse – Financial District – San FranciscoOkay, I will admit it: I am a Francophile. I love all things French. For as long as I can remember, I have thrilled at the sound of a nasal vowel. I delight in an hour long conversation over sauce. I thrill at the sight of a jaunty scarf, tied with an insouciant flair. I am always on the lookout for my new favorite place to go where I will be delighted with authentic fare and ambiance. Luckily, San Francisco has its own little French Quarter, where one can find all of these things and more.

On Grant Avenue, off of Bush street, one can find a number of places to hang up a beret and settle in for some authentic French wonder. Cafe de la Presse is a new-ish addition to this delightful neighborhood. It is every bit a brasserie (an informal usually French restaurant serving simple hearty food) with a twist. This cafe is attatched to the Hotel Triton, a part of the French renaissance in SF. The space itself is dominated by a large horseshoe wooden bar which has racks facing outwards for magazines. Cafe de la Presse boasts over 500 publications to choose from. From Elle French to Paris Match and Les Echos, they have a stunning array of periodicals available.

The interior is decorated in classic colors of red, blue and yellow. There are flat screen monitors sprinkled throughout which show cooking series and fashion shows, past and present. In the middle of the dining room there lies a large wooden table and it is laden with floral arrangements, breads and…desserts. Dozens of desserts. Desserts of all kinds, just sitting there, looking delicious and inviting. There are cookies, cakes, custards and tarts, depending on the day and season.

The menu itself offers breakfast (le petit dejeuner), brunch, lunch (dejeuner) and dinner. There are soups, salads, sandwiches, cheese and meat arrays and entrees to choose from. The cassoulet, which is available on thursdays, is an authentic stand out. It is a bean stew cooked with pork links, garlic sausage and carrots, and is done to perfection here. The confit de canard aux lentilles, or confit of mallard duck with French green lentils is another home run. The confit, or meat cooked slowly in its own fat, is decadent and melt-in-your mouth tender with crispy skin on the outside. Positively heavenly. The soupe l’oignon is matchless; beef broth with just the right amount of salt, sweet onions and cheese melted to the perfect temperature. This is French comfort food at its best. In fact, the entire menu is pretty much comfort food, done right.

There is a small but totally adequate wine list available. On nice days, they put out small wicker tables and chairs outside. I can think of few better ways to spend a lazy afternoon than sipping on a luscious red wine, paging through a Paris Match and enjoying a leisurely lunch of luxuriously prepared French delicacies at reasonable(!) prices. C’est magnifique!

352 Grant Ave, Financial District San Francisco

Bourbon Steak House – Financial District – San Francisco

Let me see if I can come up with some of the least exciting concepts for dining out: hotel restaurant? Check. Touristy part of town? Check. STeak house? Check. Sounds pretty humdrum to me. Until you realize that it is Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak in San Francisco’s Westin St. Francis. Wait a tic!

Located at Union Square, Bourbon Steak House is located on the ground floor on the hotel. Previously Aqua, another of Michael Mina’s establishments, the interior went through an overhaul, taking it from feminine and charming to masculine and elegant. The dining room is a symphony of refined grace in wood and cork and leather. Dark, deep colors and regal open spaces dominate the area.

So, what in the world can be done to a steak to make it special? I mean, I have a grill at home and I can make a pretty mean steak. What does Michael Mina’s kitchen do to make a steak truly special? The answer: poach each steak in clarified butter at 130 degrees F.

This seals in the juices of the beef while adding a little flavor and allowing for even browning whilst grilling and broiling. It makes the steaks moist and tender, which is the whole point, right?

The steaks may be the main attraction, but the rest of the menu is no second fiddle. There is the still lobster pot pie available, and it is exquisite. There are many items on the menu that are so very divine, but without reprinting the entire menu, the highlights of must-haves include: baby butter lettuce salad with avocado goddess dressing, tuna tartare, truffled macaroni and cheese, the selection of caviar (classic service, warm blinis, crispy potatoes, crème fraîche) and the root beer float

(sassafras, root beer, chocolate chip cookies). As if that weren’t enough, there is a tasting menu of five courses which rotates to accommodate seasonal ingredients and is well worth the expense.

The wine and drink lists are epic and extensive. The menu lists scores of wines available by the glass. There are specialty cocktails with housemade ingredients in classic and modern styles. Then every liquor is listed, priced by the glass. From vodka, rum, absinthe and pastis, to single malt and aged, there is a stunning array of options for those looking to imbibe. The wine list available by the bottle? Endless and expansive with some bottles priced into the thousands.

Speaking of imbibing, the bar also has one other gem for it’s patrons: a bar menu. Pulling from the items available on the dinner menu but in smaller portions and for a lesser cost, the bar menu is a real find. Unique to the bar are lobster corn dogs, black truffle popcorn, house-ground Bourbon Steak burger (Nicasio Valley reserve cheese and caramelized onions). I would say these are some of my favorite “bar nibbles” in the city.

Sure, the space looks different. The menu has changed and the the vibe is altered. The servers still give you just the right amount of attention. The food is positively delightful. The wine choices are plentiful and awe- inspiring. I say, embrace the new and enjoy a steak straight from heaven.

335 Powell St. Financial District – San Francisco Click to see Google Map

Cafe Claude – Union Square – San Francisco

After a trip to Paris, I found myself trying to find places to have a cocktail or meal that is reminiscent of my travels. I loved the cozy cafes and lack of fast food that was thoughtlessly prepared and full of empty calories and junk. I relished having a moment to sit and be still with a glass of wine or cup of coffee. Cafe Claude is a little slice of that experience. Located on Claude Lane off of Bush street, Cafe Claude has been likened over and over again to stumbling upon a a cafe in an alley in Paris and rightfully so.

The place appears to have been lifted from France and dropped into San Francisco. If it weren’t for a few tell-tale signs of modern day California ( earthquake beams and slender wall sconces), one might think that they had been transported to another place and time. The cafe has two floors. the bottom floor is mostly bar and micro mini bistro tables. The bar itself is a large, curvaceous zinc topped affair, gorgeous in its audaciousness. I can imagine no better place to sip a Fraternite (Ciroc vodka, muddled cucumber and mint, lemon and pineapple juice with a pimiento d’espellete salt rim), a pastis or absinthe. The wine list is impressive and offers over 25 wines by the glass plus many more by the bottle.

The second floor house the extremely “cozy” seating for dining. This is also a nod to classic french style because the tables are extremely close together. If personal space is an issue fpr you, this may be uncomfortable. However, if you enjoy making new acquaintances whilst dining, then do not be daunted. The menu is quite worth the elbow bumping.

Cafe Claude offers a delightful menu offering at devilishly low prices. The lunch menu includes classics done right. The soupe à l’oignon is marvelous, the salad Niçoise is fresh and delectable. The escargots en croute were served in a puff pastry and were divine. The cheese and charcuterie plates were perfect. It is hard to select anything not wonderful whilst dining here.

The dinner menu steps it up a notch and brings such quintessential dishes as coq au vin, filet mignon and  lamb sirloin. The bonus to all of this sumptuous French fare? The prices. Cafe Claude keeps their prices so competitive, it is hard to imagine why one would not want to dine here. French food can often be such a wallet-gauging affair, but at Cafe Claude, this is not the case.

At, a if all of that weren’t enough, there is jazz. On thursdays, fridays and saturdays, there is live jazz. The cast of performers rotates each night, and the schedule can be found on the website. And if the skies are clear, there is a heated patio available for seating. reservations are suggested for a complete dining experience. These can be made easily on the website also. Cafe Claude is a long standing classic in San Francisico for good reason.

7 Claude Lane. San Francisco Union Square Click for Google Map