San Francisco's Best Group Dining 2008

All-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue plus a noisy, fun setting equals a culinary adventure.

Reviews:

• “Reminded me of being in Rio! Great atmosphere, and customer service”
• “Exelent food whit great smiles”
• “Excellent food, but a little pricey.”
• “GOOD FOOD, BUT $159 FOR WATER??!!!”
• “Don’t be Late”

Tips: To experience the magic of the meat without paying full price, visit at lunch on a weekday.

Espetus Churrascaria or email Espetus Churrascaria

Izakaya-style dining destination for locally sourced food sprinkled with flavors from throughout Asia.

Reviews:

• “Lovely Experience”
• “Something Made Me Really Sick!”
• “Very disappointed”
• “Best Japanese, Best Sushi @ Umami.”
• “Great Food and Drinks”

Tips: Chef Sam Josi and general manager Stryker Scales traveled to Japan before opening Umami to research authentic sake bar styling.

Umami or email Umami

Stylish French-Asian fusion in an over-the-top South of Market setting.

Reviews:

• “Great food, great service, great atmosphere!”
• “cold re-heated food! "
• “A restaurant you have to try!”
• “Ruined my valentines’ dinner”
• “A good place to focus on your date”

Tips: The restaurant is available for large groups and private parties.

Azie

A slick SoMa brewpub serving Spanish tapas.

Reviews:

• “Good food, drinks”
• “Worth the stop”
• “good beer, good scene, eh tapas”
• “vanillalicious”
• “Make sure to ask for Sarah!”

Tips: The upstairs room can be rented for private parties. Any of the specialty beers can also be had for your own house party—$110 (half keg) or $50 (five-gallon). Call at least one day ahead.

Thirsty Bear Brewing Company

Homespun decor and all-American comfort fare entice diners to this buzz-worthy eatery.

Reviews:

• “Great Food, Great Price, Wonderful Place”
• “We liked it!”
• “In response to marinmezz:”
• “A Bit of a Disappointment”
• “Poor Service and Direspectful Manager/Owner”

Tips: Though reservations are suggested, a 14-seat table is always available for walk-in and solo diners.

Town Hall

On the site of a former brothel built in 1884, serves up weekend brunches, daily lunch, dinner and live entertainment.

Reviews:

• “Terrific atmosphere and ambiance – overall good food”
• “Nostalgic”
• “Heavenly…”
• “Nice setting, very Average”
• “Didn’t know where to go…”

Tips: Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night from 10pm to 1am.

Fat Lady

Generous portions of traditional German cuisine and brews draw the crowds to this popular Hayes Valley restaurant for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Reviews:

• “Not a place for a party!”
• “great atmophere, good eats, always packed”
• “Decent Food, Ok Service”
• “Expansive German beer offering with amazing food”
• “Worst night ever”

Tips: Pick your poison from the impressive selection of 20 drafts—most of them German—or a wine list heavy on California choices.

Suppenkuche or email Suppenkuche

A young professional crowd descends on this Mission hangout for lots of sangria and Caribbean-style tapas.

Reviews:

• “Worst dining experience EVER "
• “Wanna get pushed out during good convo and drinks with your friends? Then go here….”
• “The Sangria sneaks up on you!”
• “Wanna wait a long time for good food?”
• “Great casual spot”

Tips: The weekend wait for a table can be very long (and very loud); reservations are only taken for parties of eight or more.

Cha Cha Cha

Straddling NoPa and USF, this restaurant-lounge serves Asian cuisine and cocktails in a DJ-friendly atmosphere.

Reviews:

• “Great Food Great Service”
• “Don’t go here”
• “Excellent small plates & great cocktails, also great wines by the glass list”
• “Happy Hour=perfect”
• “A great way to spend the evening”

Tips: There is a pay lot directly across the street at Albertson’s.

Poleng Lounge

Concrete chic meets “La Dolce Vita” at this Mission District phenomenon.

Reviews:

• “Perfect Date”
• “It’s such a lame place for movie!”
• “Reminds us of why we love living in San Francisco "
• “Great Food, Ambience and Service!”
• “First time, will try again!”

Tips: For the same food in a more casual setting, head to the adjacent Laszlo Lounge. Patrons can order from the Foreign Cinema menu.

Foreign Cinema

This elegant Italian eatery woos downtown professionals with a spectacular happy hour.

Reviews:

• “Great Service you’ll feel right at home just a lot more fancy!”
• “Not good for DINE ABOUT TOWN”
• “This is the place!”
• “Average”
• “Tasty meal, great service”

Tips: Happy hour is 4pm-7pm Monday through Friday. Recieve a free pizza with any order of two drinks.

Palio D’Asti or email Palio D’Asti

Sit-down Turkish fare is served up in bright, inviting surroundings in West Portal.

Reviews:

• “Fine Turkish food”
• “At last, Hummus done right!”
• “Yummy food and bellydancing (hips don’t lie)”
• “Special spot”
• “A gem of a restaraunt”

Bursa Kebab

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