There are thousands of different reasons to visit San Francisco, but it’s the culinary scene that pulls in so many visitors. This guide is only a glancing look at the food and drink Downtown San Francisco has to offer; you’ll have to go out and discover the rest for yourself!
Getting Around
If you’re trying to fit as many of the city’s great eateries as possible into one trip, then it may be easiest to buy a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass from Gray Line San Francisco. It’s cheap, easy, and it’s the best way for a foodie to get around the city, sampling its delights.
Breakfast
For beautiful breakfast pastries and bread, make sure you visit Craftsman and Wolves. This venue is famous for The Rebel Within: a sausage, cheese, and onion muffin with a runny egg stuffed inside! And if you feel like something sweet, try the somewhat unusual Thai green curry scone: it’s a sweet scone with coconut and candied ginger.
If you’re looking for one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the Northern Hemisphere, head to Devil’s Teeth Baking Company, on 3876 Noriega St. If you’re not sure what to choose from the huge menu, opt for a biscuit filled with aioli, cheese, bacon, eggs, and avocado.
Lunch
If you’re out seeing the sights, you will probably be hungry come lunchtime. San Francisco knows how to make bread; so, head into any deli or sandwich shop for an incredible sandwich. If you’re in a hurry and want to eat on the move, get a burrito from El Castillito on Church St. Their burritos are incredible, with special effort made to ensure the cheese is melted on the inside of the tortilla.
Dinner
For dinner, seafood is most definitely on the menu. Check out Boudin at the Wharf on Jefferson St. It is part of Boudin Bakery (a San Franciscan institution) and it’s famous for its clam chowder, served in a hollowed-out sourdough loaf.
If you like oysters and have made it your personal mission to try oysters from every sea on the planet, then Swan Oyster Depot on Polk St. is a must. It has a wholesome atmosphere, with a no-frills décor, and reasonable prices. But don’t let that fool you; the food is incredibly fresh and cooked to perfection (except for the oysters, of course!).
Drinks
If you’re looking for a local beer, check out Shotwell’s at 3349 20th St. It has an incredible array of craft beers and a warm, jostling atmosphere. If you get there on time, you can even take advantage of the happy hour specials.
If cocktails are more your style, then Wilson & Wilson may be exactly what you’re looking for. With a classic speakeasy style, this bar was one of San Francisco’s pioneering cocktail bars. They make their own syrups and other cocktail ingredients, making it perfect for cocktail connoisseurs.
If wine is your forte, you can take a tour out of the city. Gray Line offer a comprehensive tour of Sonoma & Napa Valley Wine Country that includes a guided tour, wine tasting, and air-conditioned buses that pick you up from your hotel.
Wherever you go in San Francisco, you’re likely to find great food and drink, so don’t be afraid to explore the city. Chances are you’ll find culinary surprises wherever you go and at Gray Line San Francisco, we’re always happy to help! So don’t be afraid to get in touch!