San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
GET SOME FRESH AIR WITH YOUR FRESH FOOD.
Stellar locations for a drink or dinner outside
Aside from a few all-tooshort weeks in the early autumn months, San Francisco is not known for its balmy weather.
Karl the Fog’s chilly embrace may put a damper on the appeal of outdoor dining for some, but savvy San Franciscans know that while we may have to bundle up, there are still plenty of spots around the city where one can enjoy an al fresco meal or drink. And with Fleet Week and some sunshine approaching, here are some of The Chronicle Food team’s favorites: Biergarten Beers sold by the liter, bratwurst and pretzels — the only things missing from this Hayes Valley Bavarian beer garden (sister eatery to nearby Suppenkuche) are lederhosen-clad patrons and an old fashioned band.
424 Octavia St. http://biergartensf.com
Zeitgeist The formula for this old school Valencia Street dive bar is simple: burger + Bloody Mary + backyard beer garden = good times.
199 Valencia St., 415-255-7505.
Charmaine’s The outdoor fire pits and stunning views of Mid-Market are reason enough to visit the Proper Hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge, but throw in fantastic cocktails from Chronicle Bar Stars Josh Harris and Morgan Schick (also of Trick Dog), not to mention some of the best french fries in the city. You may never want to return to street level. 1100 Market St. (inside the Proper Hotel), 628-895-2055. www.properhotel.com
El Techo Another rooftop favorite is this Mission District spot, where tropical cocktails and Latin American street food lures throngs of hip San Francisco denizens to wait in line on sun-filled days. Pro tip: Colder weather means less of a line. You might need to bring a scarf, but windscreens and plenty of heat lamps make the space almost cozy. 2516 Mission St., 415-550-6970. www.eltechosf.com Samovar
This San Francisco tea house chain has several locations throughout the city, but none boasts as lovely a view of downtown as the one at Yerba Buena Gardens. Here you can linger over a pot of pu-erh while taking a break from the busy city.
730 Howard St., 415-227-9400. www.samovartea.com
Bar Agricole
Thad Vogler’s South of Market temple to craft spirits and Northern California cuisine also boasts one of the most lovely outdoor dining areas in the city.
355 11th St., 415-355-9400. http://baragricole.com
Wild Side West Want a dose of whimsy with your neighborhood lesbian bar? You’ll find it in spades at the decades-old Bernal Heights institution, which features a lush, sculpture-filled backyard beer garden. 424 Cortland Ave., 415-647-3099. www.wildsidewest.com
Stem Kitchen and Garden
This Mission Bay restaurant, which is operated by Palo Alto food-service company Bon Appetit Management Co., boasts a large heated terrace for dining, as well as a working culinary garden, bocce ball court, fire pits and a fantastic view of the bay. 499 Illinois St., 415-915-1000. www.stemkitchensf.com
Dirty Habit The seductive atmosphere of Hotel Zelos’ fifth-floor restaurant and bar carries over into its 45-seat enclosed patio. Cushy, low sofas and fire pits encourage a lingering dinner with cocktails. 12 Fourth St. (located on the fifth floor of Hotel Zelos), 415-348-1555. www.dirtyhabitsf.com
Mersea This Treasure Island restaurant and bar from the Epic Steak and Waterbar executive chef Parke Ulrich features one of the best views of San Francisco. (It’s also the only restaurant with a full liquor license on the island.) 699 Avenue of the Palms (on Treasure Island), 415-851-8118. www.mersea.restaurant
Anina Located across from Patricia’s Green, this bright and airy bar is another great spot for day drinking. On the lighter side, opt for one of the bar’s several spritzes, or go all out and get a punch bowl to share with friends.
482 Hayes St. www.aninasf.com
Foreign Cinema Whether gathering for a leisurely brunch or a romantic dinner for two, there’s nothing quite as magical as the enclosed courtyard at Gayle Pirie and John Clark’s longstanding Mission Street a favor restaurant. and order If you the haven’t fruit “pop been, tarts.” do yourself 2534 Mission St., 415-648-7600. http://foreigncinema.com
Americano Restaurant & Bar During peak hours, the large patio at the Hotel Vitale’s Italian-inspired restaurant and bar is quite the scene for people-watching. Grab a spot at one of the outdoor tables, order an Aperol spritz and a couple of bar bites, then just relax and let the bustle of the Embarcadero wash over you. 8 Mission St. (in the Hotel Vitale), 415-2783777. www.americanorestaurant.com
Arguello You’d be hard-pressed to find a more lush spot to wine and dine than the Presidio. Traci Des Jardins’ Mexican restaurant takes full advantage of the lovely Presidio Officers’ Club space, but the main draw is a margarita on the heated patio. 50 Moraga Ave. (at the Presidio Officers’ Club), 415-561-3650. www.arguellosf.com
Sessions at the Presidio The patio at this beer-centric Presidio restaurant is ideal for lazing away an afternoon or evening with a cold one in hand. (Sessions is, after all, named after low-alcohol easy-drinking ales that are ideal for imbibing over an extended period.) With roughly 100 beers (about two dozen of those on tap), it boasts one of the best beer lists in the city. 1 Letterman Dr., #150, 415-655-9413. www.sessionssf.com