Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
2355 Chestnut St. (btw. Scott and Divisadero sts.).
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415/771-2216.
www.a16sf.com. Highchairs, boosters.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $6-$16 lunch, $10-$25 dinner . AE, DC, MC, V. Wed-Fri lunch
11:30am-2:30pm; Sun-Thurs dinner 5-10pm; Fri-Sat 5-11pm. Muni: No. 30-Stockton bus to Scott St.
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Betelnut
ASIAN When you first approach Betelnut, you may ask yourself why you've
brought kids. The entire front of the restaurant opens out onto the sidewalk, where you'll
find trendy 20- and 30-somethings sipping cocktails and nibbling on pan-Asian appetiz-
ers. Behind them lies a long bar and, off to the right, steps leading back to a dimly lit
restaurant. But despite the boister ous, bar-like atmospher e, the r estaurant is actually a
very welcoming, low-key hangout that's become a neighborhood institution. Many local
families bring their kids her e regularly. The kids don't seem to mind the dar k exterior,
and the vibrant atmosphere (this is definitely a place for groups, not couples) will drown
out any child whining about having spent the entir e day sightseeing. Kids all lo ve the
chicken satays, but ask for the peanut sauce on the side, as it 's mildly spicy. The Cecilia's
minced chicken in lettuce cups and the S hanghai steamed chicken dumplings ar e also a
hit with the kids. If the adults want something with a little more zing, try the five-spiced
firecracker shrimp.
2030 Union St. (bt w. Buchanan & Webster sts.).
&
415/929-8855.
www.betelnutrestaurant.com. Kids
menu, boosters. Reservations accepted. Main courses $9.50-$21. DC, DISC, MC, V. Sun-Thurs 11:30am-
11pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-midnight. Muni: No. 41-Union or no. 45-Union-Stockton.
La Terrasse
FRENCH There's hardly a better way to end an excursion to the Presi-
dio than with an early dinner at La Terrasse, located in a stand-alone building within the
Presidio N ational P ark. While S an F rancisco's fickle w eather makes alfr esco dining less
common than one might hope, La Terrasse offers glass walls and heat lamps to pr otect
outdoor diners from chilly winds and guarantee a cozy meal. Despite a French bistro menu
not created with families in mind, La Terrasse is certainly the most kid-friendly r estaurant
in the Presidio and one to which w e've taken our childr en several times. The kids usually
have wood-oven fired pizzas or the onion soup , while we adults order lighter fare like the
salad Nicoise or sautéed prawns. If you're extra hungry, the grilled hamburger with Roque-
fort or the rack of lamb is sur e to leave you without room for dessert.
Note:
The outdoor
seating fills up fast, so call ahead and specifically ask to eat outside and/or arrive early, as in
5pm. Service can be slo w so, if y ou come for lunch, don 't get fr ustrated that the meal is
cutting into your afternoon sightseeing time. Either order “to go” sandwiches and picnic at
Crissy Field or grab a table, order a glass of wine, and enjo y the fresh air.
215 Lincoln Blvd. (in the P residio, btw. Montgomery St. and F unston Ave.).
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415/922-3463. w ww.la
terrassepresidio.com. Highchairs, boosters. Reservations recommended. Main courses $14-$29, $8-$29
brunch. AE, V, MC, DISC, DC. Continental breakfast Mon-Fri 7-11am; Mon-Sat 11am-4pm and 5-10pm;
brunch Sun 10am-4pm. Muni: Muni: No. 43-Masonic bus to Letterman Dr. and Lincoln Blvd.
Mamacita
MEXICAN Disregard any pr econceived notions of M exican cuisine
that those Tex-Mex chain restaurants have impressed on your psyche. This hip addition
to the Chestnut S treet dining scene ser ves up inventive, intensely flavorful Latin dishes
prepared with top-quality ingr edients like ultra-fresh seafood, naturally raised beef , and
handmade tortillas. The carnitas made with slo w-cooked pulled por k and the M exican
gulf prawns sautéed with jalapenos, smoked bacon, and roasted tomato-coconut milk are
luscious possibilities. The kids' menu quesadilla is big and tasty , and the fr eshly made
chips and guacamole ar e so good y ou could make a meal of them—but it would be a
shame to miss the better offerings to come. Be warned: You'll find plenty of families din-
ing in the early hours, but Mamacita's impressive selection of tequilas draws its fair share
of margarita-swilling revelers later in the evening.
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