Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles TimesThe Ferry Building sits along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street. Once a busy hub for San Francisco commuters arriving by ferry from across the bay, the landmark nowadays teems with foodies hungry for all things organic, artisanal and upscale. Mor...
Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times
The Ferry Building sits along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street. Once a busy hub for San Francisco commuters arriving by ferry from across the bay, the landmark nowadays teems with foodies hungry for all things organic, artisanal and upscale. More photos >>
NAVIGATING S.F.
Ferries: Five ferry companies run boats from the Ferry Building, connecting to Sausalito and Larkspur (which take you near the Golden Gate Bridge); Oakland and Alameda (which take you under the Bay Bridge); Angel Island State Park and Vallejo. Except for the $13 Vallejo ride, most fares are less than $10 for an adult one-way. For list of ferry services with links: www.watertransit.org.
WHERE TO STAY
Hyatt Regency San Francisco: 5 Embarcadero Center; (415) 788-1234, www.sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com. This 17-story behemoth has 802 rooms, the Eclipse Cafe and one of the world's largest atrium lobbies. Doubles from $119.
Hotel Vitale 8 Mission St.; (888) 890-8688, www.hotelvitale.com. Emphasizes natural elements. The Americano restaurant downstairs has a big patio. Doubles from $239.
Hotel Griffon: 155 Stewart St.; (800) 321-2201, www.hotelgriffon.com. Perry's Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Doubles from $170.
Harbor Court Hotel: 165 Steuart St.; (800) 346-0555, www.harborcourthotel.com. Built as a YMCA in 1926, it has 131 rooms but no pool. Ozumo Restaurant downstairs offers Japanese lunch and dinner. Doubles from $167.
WHERE TO EAT
The Slanted Door: 1 Ferry Building No. 3; (415) 861-8032. Big, loud dining room, but we got excellent service, and I liked the scallops and spinach. Lunch and dinner. Entrees usually $16 to $33.
Taylor's Automatic Refresher: 1 Ferry Building No. 6; (415) 318-3423. Sullen servers aside, it's the kid-friendliest restaurant in the building, and our dinners were good. Entrees $3.99 (grilled cheese sandwich) to $14.99.
Market Bar: 1 Ferry Building No. 36; (415) 434-1100. Lunch, dinner and an excellent weekend brunch. Dinner entrees $14.95 to $25.95.
Mijita: 1 Ferry Building No. 44; (415) 399-0814. Mexican regional dishes. Nothing over $7.
TO LEARN MORE
Ferry Building: www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com.
Free tours: www.sfcityguides.org.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: www.cuesa.org/markets/.
