Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [111]
5800 Geary Blvd. (at 22nd Ave.). 415/752-2222. www.aziza-sf.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses $15–$28. MC, V. Wed–Mon 5:30–10:30pm. Valet parking $8 weekdays, $10 weekends. Bus: 29 or 38.
Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant ★ AMERICAN While Cliff House (see below) has more historical character and better ocean views, the Beach Chalet is where the locals go. The Chalet occupies the upper floor of a restored historic public lounge adorned with WPA frescoes that originally opened in 1900. Dinner is pricey, and the ocean view disappears with the sun, so come for lunch or an early dinner, when you can eat your hamburger, buttermilk-fried calamari, or grilled Atlantic salmon with one of the best vistas around. In the evening, it’s a more local crowd, especially on Tuesday through Sunday evenings, when live bands accompany the cocktails and house-brewed ales. Breakfast is served here as well. In early 2004, owners Lara and Greg Truppelli added the adjoining Park Chalet restaurant to the Beach Chalet. The 3,000-square-foot glass-enclosed extension behind the original landmark building offers more casual fare—with entrees ranging from $11 to $23—including rib-eye steak, fish and chips, roasted chicken, and pizza. Note: Be careful getting into the parking lot (accessible only from the northbound side of the highway)—it’s a quick, sandy turn.
1000 Great Hwy. (at west end of Golden Gate Park, near Fulton St.). 415/386-8439. www.beachchalet.com. Main courses $8–$17 breakfast, $11–$27 lunch/dinner. AE, MC, V. Beach Chalet: Sun–Thurs 9am–10pm; Fri–Sat 9am–11pm; brunch Sat–Sun 9am–2pm. Park Chalet: Mon–Thurs 9am–10pm; Fri 9am–11pm; Sat 8am–11pm; Sun 8am–10pm; brunch Sat–Sun 11am–2pm. Bus: 18, 31, or 38. Streetcar: N.
Cliff House ★ CALIFORNIAN/SEAFOOD In the old days (we’re talking way back), Cliff House was the place to go for a romantic night on the town. Nowadays, the revamped San Francisco landmark caters mostly to tourists who arrive to take a gander at the Sutro Baths remains next door or dine at the two remodeled restaurants. The more formal (and pricey) Sutro’s has contemporary decor, spectacular panoramic views, and a fancy seafood-influenced American menu that showcases local ingredients. The food, while nothing revolutionary, is well prepared and features the likes of roasted organic beet salad; lobster and crab cakes with shaved fennel, romesco sauce, and caramelized Meyer lemon; and a mighty fine grilled lamb sirloin sandwich (at lunch). The same spectacular views in less dramatic but still beautiful surroundings can be found at the Bistro, which offers big salads, sandwiches, burgers, and other soul-satisfiers. For the most superb ocean views, come for sunset, so long as it looks like the fog will let up. Alternatively, overindulge to the tune of live harp music at the Sunday champagne buffet in the Terrace Room. (Reserve well in advance; it’s a popular event.)
1090 Point Lobos (at Merrie Way). 415/386-3330. www.cliffhouse.com. Reservations accepted for Sutro’s only. Bistro main courses $9–$26 breakfast/lunch, $13–$26 dinner. Sutro main courses $19–$32 lunch, $29–$39 dinner; 3-course prix-fixe $25 lunch and $35 dinner (Mon–Fri only). AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Bistro: Mon–Sat 9am–9:30pm; Sun 8:30am–9:30pm. Sutro: Daily 11:30am–3:30pm and 5–9:30pm; brunch Sun 10am–3:30pm. Bus: 18 or 38.
Khan Toke Thai House ★★ THAI Khan Toke Thai is so traditional you’re asked to remove your shoes before being seated. Popular for special occasions, this Richmond District fixture is easily the prettiest Thai