San Francisco's Best Spot for a Secret Affair 2008

Tucked away in an alley by Union Square, this genuine French cafe dishes up Gallic cuisine with abundant charm.

Reviews:

• “Great service, ambiance and food!”
• “Super”
• “Yum!”
• “Amazing food, good atmosphere”
• “Feels Like You’re In Paris!”

Tips: Enjoy live jazz on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Cafe Claude French Restaurant or email Cafe Claude French Restaurant

Colorful Chinatown dive bar draws in-the-know night owls.

Reviews:

• “i love this place”
• “Great Spot”

Tips: Bring cash; this bar does not accept credit cards.

Li Po

A casual Noe Valley den with an extensive martini menu, fireplace and DJs.

Reviews:

• “This really isn’t for locals, is it”
• “Not as advertised, offensively loud”
• “A Diamond In The Rough”
• “Gotta Have a Mojito!”
• “OK music, OK martinis, Killer Bellinis”

Tips: Arrive early and snag the romantic table for two near the fireplace.

Bliss Bar or email Bliss Bar

Trinket shops, sea lions and Ghirardelli chocolate star in this carnival by the bay.

Reviews:

• “Don’t forget your Sweater”
• “The Complete SF Experience "
• “What else to say”
• “The whole enchilada”
• “The Seals are Tops”

Tips: Love photos? This is perfect spot to snap shots of quintessential San Francisco sights, including the Golden Gate Bridge.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Deco fans will find real value at this historic motel.

Tips: It was built in 1936 and has received architectural awards for its Streamline Moderne design. It made headlines when it opened (it was the city’s first motor hotel) and again in the summer of 2003, when a big-time jewel thief from a Union Square heist was caught in one of its rooms.

Ocean Park Motel or email Ocean Park Motel

Uber-stylish, reservations-only speakeasy keeps the focus on well-made cocktails and conversation.

Reviews:

• “Proper Drinks, Elegant Atmosphere.”
• “poor service even before we arrived”
• “We still drink Jack & Coke "
• “Blew my mind.”
• “Great drinks, great atmosphere”

Tips: The impressively long menu is split up into sections like “champagne cocktails” and “the classics” (one of the house rules is “Don’t even try to order a cosmo”), but the Gin & Sin, a blend of Miller’s gin, lemon juice, orange juice and grenadine, is superb.

Bourbon & Branch

Cozy, delightful wine bar with a pub feel in Union Square.

Reviews:

• “Best intimate wine bar”
• “Great wine bar!”
• “Comfy. Cozy atmosphere with a fun wine list”
• “Very impressed!!!”
• “What a nice Birthday treat”

Tips: Be sure to ask owners Dave or Angela for their latest, favorite little-known wine find.

The Hidden Vine

Solid meal service and onboard entertainment will blow your horn, but not your savings.

Reviews:

• “What was I paying for?”
• “A Must do whether you live in the Bay Area or your visiting SF”
• “Best Champagne Brunch "
• “NOT WORTH THE MONEY”
• “Great new dining experience!”

Tips: The Hornblower ships sail nightly and also feature weekend champagne brunch cruises. Call (415) 394-8900 for detailed schedules and fares.

Hornblower Cruises & Events

Free parking within walking distance to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Reviews:

• ""
• “Value Plus”

Tips: If you can afford a hefty rate increase can reserve the relatively more luxurious Penthouse Suite overlooking the wharf.

The Wharf Inn

Hidden in the Presidio, this tiny bowling alley easily overcomes its lack of size with a dose of charm.

Reviews:

• “new decor is not pleasing”
• “Good Times”
• “Downgraded”

Presidio Bowling Center