They make their own ramen noodles here and boy, can you taste it! You can't go wrong with any of their ramen, but their signature dish, the Chicken Paitan Soy Sauce Ramen, is the true star of the menu. Be sure to be in line BEFORE they open, or you'll have to wait a good chunk of time to be seated.
Our favorite beer bar in the city AND the East Bay. Listen to the bartenders and take their recommendations. We've never been disappointed with the beers we've had here, including a Finnish beer that was strongly smokey and had juniper berries in it!
One of our all-time favorite breakfast places. The fact that we've gone back multiple times when there are so many other options available in the Bay Area speaks volumes. We recommend ordering one (or more!) of their signature baked goodies in addition to their excellent savory dishes.
If you like Chai, this is the place for you! They have SO many different kinds of chai, though we love their Chai and fresh ginger combo the best. We recommend getting a chai latte while waiting in line for Dottie's.
This is the quintessential San Francisco experience! Fisherman's Wharf is home to the famous clam chowder sourdough bowls (we recommend a taste test competition - grab a bunch of friends and order from different stands so you can decide which stand is the reigning champ!), Pier 39 and the beloved sea lions, Ghirardelli Square, and lots and lots of food and shopping. If you've never been to San Francisco before, you MUST go to Fisherman's Wharf! Also, parking is both hard to find and expensive at Fisherman's Wharf. If possible, take public transit to and from this famous SF tourist location.
Given the nautical theme of the wedding, we highly recommend that you stop here! There are historical boats you can step aboard, as well as museum exhibits at the Maritime Museum and the Visitor Center (located at the Argonaut Hotel)! The Park Rangers also host a monthly Chantey Sing. It's one of Eric's favorite events to attend in the city. :)
Don't miss a visit to the most iconic bridge in San Francisco! You'll want to be prepared for cold winds and fog as you walk along the Golden Gate.
There's SO much to do at Golden Gate Park. In addition to the 18-hole disc golf course, there's the CA Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, de Young Museum, Conservatory of Flowers, and a carousel. We have yet to explore the entire park since it is so expansive! Eric's favorite disc golf course is located in Golden Gate Park. For the significant others who may not be avid disc golf lovers, don't worry - the course is beautiful and wonderful to just walk. Here's some pictures to prove it: http://www.sfdiscgolf.org/golden_gate_park. We had our 3rd date here and Eric attempted to teach Katherine how to play disc golf. She's continued to improve and enjoy both the game itself and the outdoor adventures that come along with the sport.
For food, the ferry, and a beautiful walk, visit the Embarcadero! The Ferry Building has some of Northern California's most iconic restaurants (Gott's Roadside - burgers, Brown Sugar Kitchen - chicken and waffles, Cowgirl Creamery - cheese, and Humphry Slocombe - ice cream, to name a few), in addition to other amazing food offerings (Acme Bread is particularly worth mentioning). Also at the Embarcadero is the Exploratorium, a great science museum for kids and adults.
Check yourself into Alcatraz! Katherine still hasn't made it to the famous island prison, despite her first CA apartment location on Alcatraz Ave. Be sure you get your tickets MONTHS in advance, since they sell out very quickly! However, should you secure a ticket, it is one of the best attractions in the city, offering spectacular views and a fascinating history, with a fantastic audio tour.
For all of your shopping needs! A staple for San Francisco tourists and Katherine's favorite place to begin a cable car adventure.
We call it Grant Avenue, San Francisco, California, USA! Looks down from Chinatown, over a foggy bay. A staple for San Francisco tourists.
The Crookedest Street in the World! A staple for San Francisco tourists. We recommend visiting this SF icon on foot if you choose to do so. Maneuvering through the city to drive this famous street can be quite a challenge!
Another famous San Francisco tourist location with great views of the city.
Originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts remains a beautiful building to admire today. Another SF tourist staple.
These are the famous San Francisco Victorian houses. Another SF tourist staple.