State Bird Provisions in San Francisco runs a small-plate dim-sum-cart format under Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski, James Beard winners in 2015.
OrderThe State Bird itself, a brined and fried quail with sweet and sour onions.
TipReservations open exactly 60 days out at 7:30am Pacific; set an alarm or join the standing-room line at 5pm.
Nopa in San Francisco is the neighbourhood room that defines the western Divisadero corridor: wood-grilled California food, kitchen open until 01:00.
OrderThe Nopa burger, available at the bar after the dinner rush.
TipBar seats are first-come; arrive at 17:00 or after 22:30 for the late-night menu without a wait.
Liholiho Yacht Club in San Francisco is Ravi Kapur's Hawaiian-leaning room above the Tenderloin, with one of the city's strongest fun-dinner energies.
OrderTuna poke with sesame nori chips, followed by spam fried rice.
TipThe bar room takes walk-ins; the dining room is two months out.
Swan Oyster Depot in San Francisco is a Polk Street counter that has served cold-house Dungeness, oysters and clam chowder since 1912 in 18 stools.
OrderCrab Louie and a half-dozen Marin Miyagis on the half shell.
TipOpen 10:30-17:00 only; queue forms at 09:45 on a weekend, takes an hour at peak.
Che Fico in San Francisco is David Nayfeld's Roman-leaning Italian on Divisadero, with Roman-Jewish artichokes, real Vesuvian pizza and a long Italian wine.
OrderRoman-Jewish artichokes in spring, the pizza alla diavola otherwise.
TipThe downstairs Che Fico Alimentari is the lunch counter with the same pasta at half the price.
Octavia in San Francisco is Melissa Perello's Michelin-starred Pacific Heights room, with day-boat fish and a market-led California plate at every service.
OrderWhatever whole fish the kitchen has, with whatever vegetable lands that morning.
TipTuesday and Wednesday are easier seatings; the heirloom tomato course is the August set piece.
The Progress in San Francisco is State Bird Provisions' upstairs family-style sibling on Fillmore, with a four-course menu chosen by the table at the start.
OrderWhatever the four set courses are on the night; the format is fixed.
TipThe State Bird kitchen door opens behind the bar; ask for the State Bird supplement if you missed the downstairs reservation.
House of Prime Rib in San Francisco is the Van Ness chophouse since 1949, with one menu (prime rib), four cuts, and a 70-day waitlist by the late 2020s.
OrderThe English cut prime rib carved tableside, with horseradish cream.
TipBar seats turn over fastest and serve the full menu; book those rather than the dining room.
Brenda's French Soul Food in San Francisco is Brenda Buenviaje's Creole counter on Polk Street, with crawfish beignets and a strong brunch shrimp and grits.
OrderA flight of beignets: plain, chocolate, granny apple and crawfish.
TipNo reservations; arrive at 09:00 sharp or join the digital waitlist that opens at 08:30.
Shalimar in San Francisco is the Tenderloin's cash-and-card Pakistani counter, with a tandoor at the door turning out solid chicken tikka under fifteen.
OrderChicken tikka from the tandoor, with garlic naan and dal.
TipEat at the back of the room; the front benches give you a view of the tandoor cook at speed.
Saigon Sandwich in San Francisco is the Larkin Street banh mi window: six bucks for a roll, with a fast line out the door by noon every weekday.
OrderPork banh mi number one with extra pate, and a Vietnamese iced coffee.
TipCash only; order four at once and bring them home; the bread stays good for three hours wrapped.
Cellarmaker House of Pizza on Mission Street pours the SF craft brewery's tap list alongside Detroit-style pies with caramelized cheese crust.
The Independent on Divisadero is the 500-capacity NoPa room that has hosted breaking indie, hip-hop and electronic acts since 2004, with a balcony.
TipStanding-room only on the main floor; arrive by 19:30 for a balcony rail spot. Will Call collects at the door from one hour before showtime.
Boom Boom Room sits at Fillmore and Geary as the old Fillmore district's blues, soul and funk room, with live music in San Francisco six nights a week.
TipNo reservations; arrive by 21:00 for a bar seat on weekends. The room books New Orleans funk and trance jazz alongside the blues schedule.
The Fillmore on Geary is the 800-capacity ballroom where the Dead, Hendrix and The Doors built their West Coast sets, still booking touring rock and indie.
TipApples in the lobby and a poster from the night are free souvenirs the venue still hands out. Main floor is general admission; upstairs is seated.
Great American Music Hall on O'Farrell is the gilt-balconied 1907 room that books indie, hip-hop and jazz into a former bordello with a wraparound balcony.
TipReserved-seat dinner-show tickets get a balcony rail; general admission floor opens 60 minutes before showtime. Easy walk from Polk Street bars.
Day trip · 8 hours
Enjoy a private drive through Napa Valley and visit four renowned wineries. Admire scenic vineyards while choosing your own tasting experiences at each stop.
Private tour · 8 hours
Enjoy the expertise of a personal guide as you explore renowned wineries or boutique family-run establishments. Customize your itinerary, savor premium wines, and lear...
10 hours
Depart from San Francisco, charter a private car for a day trip, visit at least two wineries (customized route), taste the special California wines, and be sent to the...