South of Market or Better Known as SOMA

Within the perimeter of Market Street to the north, San Francisco Bay to the east, Townsend Street to the southt, and U.S. Route 101 to the west, SOMA is a diverse and boundless neighborhood of restaurants, warehouses, nightclubs, residential hotels, art locales, loft "live/work" apartments, designer/antique furniture showrooms, condos, and technology companies.

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Sexy + Comfort Food = Town Hall Don't be deceived by the narrow space that houses this gem that's described by the owners as "small-town hominess meets big-city sophistication". This description is also apropos for the food where a simple ham and cheese sandwich is transcended to another level when enveloped with the warmth of jalapeno-infused cream and a poached egg adornment. Nothing comforts the soul like fried chicken and Town Halls buttermilk version served with bacon (repeat: bacon) gravy is no exception. Finish with Butterscotch & Chocolate Pot de Creme and one will have experienced transcendence at its finest.
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The extensive, eclectic, and worldly wine list of over 250 wines (courtesy of its Retail Wine Merchant Shop) alone is enough to warrant a visit. If more incentive is needed, look no further than the thin straight out of the wood-burning oven pizzas. If heartier fare is desired, opt for the organic rotisserie chicken served with mashed potatoes and sage-brown butter semi glace. Regardless which route, add a side order of fries (fried to perfection crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside) with either fine herbs or truffle and parmesan.
The extensive, eclectic, and worldly wine list of over 250 wines (courtesy of its Retail Wine Merchant Shop) alone is enough to warrant a visit.
I actually stay at the Courtyard San Francisco Downtown because my former employer had our annual Christmas party. So instead of driving back home I decided to rent a room. I was a great overnight stay. Most important was the location. It is right smack in the middle of Downtown close enough to all public transportation. Also easy acce... More >
I actually stay at the Courtyard San Francisco Downtown because my former employer had our annual Christmas party. So instead of driving back home I decided to rent a room. I was a great overnight stay. Most important was the location. It is right smack in the middle of Downtown close enough to all public transportation. Also easy access to freeways for a quick getaway from San Francisco. Bed was clean and comfortable. The rates are quite reasonable considering the size of the rooms. Valet parking ranged from $43 to $50 depending on the day.
If higher end or special occasions are what your looking for in a San Francisco hotel, then the W does not disappoint. Unlike the hotels located Downtown, that can be in very sketchy neighborhoods, the W provides a safe and central local to many San Francisco attractions. The W possesses very modern decor in the rooms and lounge areas ... More >
If higher end or special occasions are what your looking for in a San Francisco hotel, then the W does not disappoint. Unlike the hotels located Downtown, that can be in very sketchy neighborhoods, the W provides a safe and central local to many San Francisco attractions. The W possesses very modern decor in the rooms and lounge areas of the hotel. If you are coming in to the City for a conference, the W is right across the street. The complimentary town car service is very useful to visit other neighborhoods within the City. The prices are what you'd expect from a high end brand like the W, but nevertheless the experience is well worth the price.
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This is one of my favorite Irish pubs in San Francisco. From its extensive selection of authentic Irish beers to its great selection of food, the Chieftain provides a warm friendly environment to watch sports or just have a night on the town. Try the Bangers and Mash, it is one of the best dishes they serve. A nice touch to the experience of the Pub is the Irish accents by the employees. Not sure if it they're faking it or if they're from Ireland but nevertheless I could not help but be engulfed by the whole experience. Best strong drinks at the Chieftain include the Maker's Mark Manhattan and the spicy Bloody Mary.
The location of this spot is removed from all the activity Downtown, so parking is a cinch.
Outdoor patio, pool table and outstanding music make this bar restaurant a favorite of local San Franciscans. If you happen to go on a Tuesday, the $2 taco and Tecates special is a bit of local secret. The location of this spot is removed from all the activity Downtown, so parking is a cinch. Mars Bar also caters to its female demographic by providing two bathrooms for the ladies. My favorite dishes include the pork sliders... More
Outdoor patio, pool table and outstanding music make this bar restaurant a favorite of local San Franciscans. If you happen to go on a Tuesday, the $2 taco and Tecates special is a bit of local secret. The location of this spot is removed from all the activity Downtown, so parking is a cinch. Mars Bar also caters to its female demographic by providing two bathrooms for the ladies. My favorite dishes include the pork sliders made to perfection. A healthier dish recommendation includes the Steak salad. A great place to celebrate a Giants victory because of its proximity to the ballpark.
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About the Author

Mel Kreitz
Mel Kreitz
Life is a constant striving for balance, requiring frequent trade-offs between morality and necessity, within a cyclic pattern of joy and sadness. forging a trail of bittersweet memories until one slips, inevitably, into the jaws of death. :-) MAKING UGLY LOOK GOOD!!!
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