The days are shorter and sweater weather is officially here. As the fog rolls in over the city and the streets light up, what better way to spend an evening than with a special friend or loved one? So snuggle up and enjoy my 3 must-hit recommendations, making your night in San Francisco a perfect trifecta.
The Check-In Wine Lounge; 201 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112
Newly opened and nestled on the corner of Ocean and Otsego in Balboa Park, this hip wine lounge has an amazing neighborhood vibe that will warm you up, body, and soul. Don’t miss a chance to meet the outgoing, spunky proprietors, Rich and Geoffrey, while you grab a glass of red Zinfandel from the Bella Grace Winery of Amador County. Add a yummy cheese plate as the perfect accompaniment to whet your appetite before dinner. This cozy establishment literally just opened its doors with a soft menu selection, including some fun local wines, beers, cheese, and charcuterie plates. And let’s not forget to mention the rockstar wine glass prices starting under $10. Cheers!
Chapeau; 126 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
Photo Source: @chapeau.sf
Head north along the coast around to the Inner Richmond District, bursting with an array of diverse cuisines. My favorite along this Clement Street strip is the Burgundy-inspired French bistro, Chapeau (meaning ‘hat’ or ‘wow!’). French native, Philippe Gardelle, works wonders with his precise menu offerings. Every dish arrives at your table in the most professional manner, with absolutely divine flavors. Philippe is meticulous, and every beautiful aspect of the restaurant highlights this. He personally greets each guest who arrives, redefining class and service. I suggest choosing the pre-fixe menu option, allowing yourself to experience an unforgettable selection from each course. Chapeau has an intimate dining atmosphere. A lovely wine menu in addition to full bar selections is available to accompany every dish.
Mara’s Italian Pastries; 503 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
Photo Source: @sanfranciscobucketlist
To top the night off, head up and over Russian Hill into North Beach at Columbus Avenue. If you like Italian pastries (because let’s face it, who doesn’t?!), these daily fresh baked sinful treats will have your mouth watering. Native Italian owner, Francesco, is often found behind the counter with a big smile. A few indoor and outdoor tables are available to share a treat and grab an espresso before heading home. Don’t forget to grab a couple of chocolate-dipped cannolis to take home…!
Written by Melanie Picker, aka The San Francisco Foodie.
About the Author
Melanie is a psychology doctor, wife, mother of two ‘princesses’, world traveler, and lover of life. She is a pescatarian that enjoys exploring all world cuisines and who is a wine aficionado. Melanie has lived abroad in both Salzburg, Austria as well as Hanoi, Vietnam. Although for the past 15 years, she has called the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area home, allowing her to immerse herself in the superb diverse cuisine and dozens of world-known wine appellations, all within driving distance.
Email: thesanfranciscofoodie@gmail.com
Insta: @thesanfranciscofoodie
