SOMA:

Zero Zero - Italian, full bar, just opened 2-3 months ago, great pizzas

Oola - great burgers, ribs, but drinks at bar are a bit ehh

54 Mint - a little on the pricey side, great wine list, great food, Italian

Twenty-five Lusk - just opened a month ago, amazing decor/building, place to lounge, good drinks

83 Proof - great bar, though no food

Heaven's Dog - Asian, lounge, amazing drinks

Mission:

Bar Tartine - great food, decor

Maverick - amazing food, wine & beer only

Picaro - tapas, carafes of sangria

Just a few suggestions to get you started :)

Posted Jan 27, 2011

Umh, have you been to Wayfare Tavern? It's hip, in a an old school sort of way. I love it! Great food, service and cool bar. I like the scene, music and think they have something unique going on.

Posted Jan 29, 2011

MIssion district rocks for cheap eats and drinks 

Summit (great lil sandwich chill spot and more),

hog and rocks (superb cocktails and menu a lil pricey side),

beretta (great cocktail selection; ),

Heart (wine bar),  

Corner (they got special things like Ken Ken ramen and BBQ amongst the great menu; also wine bar)

Reyes deli with a forty, 

Posted Jan 30, 2011

Tara, I think the key to your question is a drink at the bar. 

Range: Beautiful bar. Stylish restaurant, and great food. It's not new, but it's in the Heart of the Valencia corridor, and it's guaranteed delicious. 

Zero Zero; For SOMA, this works great. Full bar and vibrant. 

Posted Jan 31, 2011

Mission: Beretta (Italian/Pizza), DOSA (South Indian), Osha (Thai). You can always walk North on Valencia starting from 22nd Street toward 16th Street to see the restaurants.. cute walk and lots of people watching. Lots of bars on 16th Street as well. A newer resto/cafe/bar on Valencia is The Summit - they have late night desserts and serve beer and wine, mellow atmosphere.

Posted Jan 31, 2011

San Francisco is spoilt for choice as all the respondents have demonstrated. Definitely Mission for good mexican and good prices, but you're looking for something sit down and more celebratory try:  Comstock Saloon.  (155 Columbus)   Nopa  (Divisadero at Hayes) La terrasse in The Presidio for a birthday brunch with great views;   The Moss Room is amazing in the Academy of Sciences building; and A16, in the Marina is a charming little authentic italian place with coveted tables all the time.  Oldies but goodies for me:  Bistro Aix in the Marina and "Jackson-Fillmore" located at the cross of those streets.  Happy Birthday and Bon Appetit!

Posted Feb 01, 2011

I was at Wayfarer Taveryn last Friday night...good food and yes it is hip!

Posted Feb 11, 2011