singles scene

Restaurant Website: http://www.thetipsypigsf.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2231+Chestnut+St.+San+Francisco&sll=37.764456,-122.475715&sspn=0.009279,0.013304&ie=UTF8&ll=37.801138,-122.440116&spn=0.009274,0.013304&z=16&iwloc=A

Decorated with kitschy eBay finds, from brass pig’s head to wooden ducks to a literal library of vintage volumes, this self-proclaimed gastro-pub from the owners of Mamacita and Umami attempts to capture a bit of London in its Chestnut Street location. The large back deck, however, where drinkers can lounge al fresco, is pure San Francisco. Marina-ites pack the bar, but neighbors and families have made the sit-down area into a casual night out.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Tipsy Pig may be British in spirit, but the menu tends toward American comfort classics. There’s the requisite burger, of course, as well as fried chicken and a brined pork chop, generously rimmed in delicious fat and served with a potato cake (perhaps the most pub-like among the offerings). Though there is a list of creative cocktails and wines by the glass, beer is the beverage of choice here.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Bossa+Nova++++sf&sll=37.866723,-122.373276&sspn=0.197853,0.424347&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.78218,-122.412629&spn=0.01316,0.026522&z=15&iwloc=A

Though Bossa Nova hides, signless on the dodgy block where Eighth and Minna streets intersect, the samba music emanating from the small Brazilian joint alerts passersby to its whereabouts. Owner Jocelyn Bulow may be best known for his Frenchified projects (Chez Papa and Couleur Cafe among them), but he’s nailed this Rio-inflected resto-bar.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Take a hint from those around you and order the signature cocktail, the caipirinha—a fiery combination of cachaça, agave nectar and lime wedges. With that in hand, you’re ready to peruse the menu: Pay special attention to any of the raw-fish preparations, skewers of lamb or pork sausage accompanied by three sauces, as well as the hearty moqueca, a seafood stew with coconut milk. Skip dessert; instead, have a second drink.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=asia+sf,+sf&sll=38.056742,-122.187195&sspn=0.826134,1.722107&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.792965,-122.421341&spn=0.051819,0.107632&z=13&iwloc=A

This SF landmark dishes up Cal-Asian cuisine along with gender-illusionist entertainment, shattering the conventional idea of “dinner and a show.” All attention is set on the crimson bar (which also doubles as a catwalk) when the Ladies of Asia SF strut their diva-fabulousness in between serving and chatting with guests—think bachelorette- and birthday-party revelers.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Entrées tend to be modestly portioned, so sharing a few first courses and main courses from the Ménage à Trois menu is the way to go for parties of six or fewer. The Asia-dilla—a duck quesadilla topped with sun-dried cherry crème fraîche—is a signature dish, and diners rave about the orange lamb and honey-tamarind-glazed “Baby Got Back” ribs. Larger groups can choose from one of three prix-fixe menus.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=balboa+cafe,+++sf&sll=37.776176,-122.42383&sspn=0.012178,0.026908&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.835005,-122.436104&spn=0.103579,0.215263&z=12&iwloc=A

Sidewalk seating, retro Coca-Cola emblems and a neon green sign mark the site of this 1914 saloon. From lunch to closing, the old-school interior with its dark wood-paneled walls and white-tablecloth-covered tables—is thick with fashion-forward 30-somethings as bartenders clad in white lab coats juggle boisterous crowds and cocktail compositions like true pros.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>The much-lauded Balboa Burger consists of top-notch chuck on a sourdough baguette (with mushrooms, grilled onions, bacon and cheese as optional accompaniments). For a lighter meal, try the pan-roasted salmon or Hoffman Farms organic half-chicken. Standard cocktails and beer flow freely, and the wine list features PJW wines from down the block (the shop is, of course, under the same ownership).</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Umami,+sf&sll=37.810191,-122.425289&sspn=0.060893,0.107117&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.810869,-122.429752&spn=0.060893,0.107117&z=13&iwloc=A

This pan-Asian boîte is the second venture from Sustainable Restaurants (the same team that brought Mamacita to the Marina) and features a low-lit bar stocked with sakes and rock gardens lining the upstairs dining room.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>The menu takes a something-for-everyone approach: Start with the untraditional galangal duck okonomiyaki, or try the addictive wok-tossed spare ribs from the list of grilled items. As for mains, miso glazed black cod comes in a flavorful green tea broth, while Niman Ranch barbecue pork stars in a Korean hotpot.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&q=Tokyo+Go-Go,+SF&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,4112390618433467785&ll=37.76622,-122.423615&spn=0.007481,0.013819&z=16&iwloc=A

Since 1998, this izakaya-style sushi restaurant in the heart of the Mission has been booming with SF scenesters in snazzy dress—which makes sense, as it’s the sister-restaurant to Ace Wasabi in the Marina. The avocado, eggplant and rust-colored walls and hanging orb lights lend a touch of ‘70s retro to the crisp, modern decor. Those in the know come straight from work for a daily happy hour featuring three-dollar hand-rolls.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>One of San Francisco’s first Cal-Japanese sushi spots, Tokyo (as it’s called) keeps regulars addicted with special rolls like the Azteca: a kicky combo of spicy crab, jalapeño, tobiko and chile aïoli. A selection of non-sushi share plates includes a Kobe beef tataki with yuzu and fresh wasabi. Most regulars skip dessert, but the fried banana bathed in chocolate should make them reconsider.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=amelie,+++sf&sll=37.786318,-122.43885&sspn=0.024352,0.053816&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.81114,-122.421169&spn=0.051806,0.107632&z=13&iwloc=A

It’s easy to miss this French-owned wine lounge and small-plates restaurant amid Polk Gulch’s dive bars and shops. While weekends are standing room only, Euro tunes play nightly as groups convene by the ruby-red bar, at tables in the back and on vintage ‘60s theater seats. You won't find any signs of Amélie, the movie, here—as this spot was named after the owner's goddaughter—though the wine-bottle-shaped lights do add a touch of whimsy.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>The signature raviole de Royans—a ravioli stuffed with Gruyère and chanterelles—pairs well with the hearty Chateau Coufran cabernet, just one of the 20-some red and 20-some white wines by the glass, predominantly from California and Europe. Expertly presented cheese plates come with such accoutrements as homemade blackberry jam or toasted nuts to round out the offerings. While the focus is on wine, soju cocktails and an eclectic 10-bottle beer list are also available.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=720+Howard+St,+San+Francisco,+CA&sll=37.781848,-122.409792&sspn=0.012414,0.026908&ie=UTF8&ll=37.788115,-122.405934&spn=0.012413,0.026908&z=15&iwloc=addr

Housed in a sleek, all-glass building on the upper terrace of the Yerba Buena Gardens, B Restaurant & Bar, from the folks behind Boxed Foods over on Kearny, has the look and feel of a museum cafe. It’s airy and bright; on warm days the outdoor tables are the ones to snag. Just steps from the Metreon, it’s also a good spot for a dinner-and-movie date.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>For a civilized but unstuffy lunch downtown, you’d find it hard to do better than B Restaurant. A glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade and a chicken-salad sandwich layered with herbs, slices of Granny Smith apple, bacon and walnut pesto will make the workplace seem far away. For dinner, start with a dozen Marin Miyagi oysters before moving on to horseradish-encrusted salmon with braised fennel or the Black Angus burger topped with feta and tomato.</p>

This dark, English-style pub on the edge of the Presidio is bar-casual in the front room, while the back is devoted to white-tablecloth dining. Celebrities (Sean Penn, Jerry Springer and local boy Gavin Newsom) turn up here from time to time, and on warm afternoons you can grab a table on the outdoor patio and sip your pint in the sunshine. Eats:What's on your menu.: Most people eat at the bar, where they order a burger and fries, a Reuben piled with kraut or a generous helping of fish-and-chips. In the back dining room, the menu is more refined—here you’ll see steakhouse-style rib eyes, escargots and petrale sole in a caper-butter sauce.

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2942+Lyon+St.,+sf&sll=37.801765,-122.445931&sspn=0.00512,0.008583&gl=us&g=2953+Baker+St.sf&ie=UTF8&ll=37.805071,-122.447262&spn=0.01024,0.017166&z=15&iwloc=r2

This dark, English-style pub on the edge of the Presidio is bar-casual in the front room, while the back is devoted to white-tablecloth dining. Celebrities (Sean Penn, Jerry Springer and local boy Gavin Newsom) turn up here from time to time, and on warm afternoons you can grab a table on the outdoor patio and sip your pint in the sunshine.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Most people eat at the bar, where they order a burger and fries, a Reuben piled with kraut or a generous helping of fish-and-chips. In the back dining room, the menu is more refined—here you’ll see steakhouse-style rib eyes, escargots and petrale sole in a caper-butter sauce.</p>