TOURIST TIPS

HOTELS

Washington Square Inn - One of the best hotel locations in town, if you like lovely and fairly peaceful and like not being downtown. Faces Washington Square Park in North Beach. Prices are reasonable, B & B food's great, and the rooms are very comfortable. Decor is warm and genuine. Owned and operated by a local couple. Highly recommended.

Hotel Drisco - Off the beaten track, and quietly tucked into the neighborhood atop Pacific Heights. Great views. Easily accessible to Union Street (not to be confused with Union Square). Prices reasonable and downright cheap at times. Staff is fairly bland.

Stanyan Park Hotel - On Stanyan Street facing the east entrance to Golden Gate Park. Loyal patrons. Unpretentious and neat.

RESTAURANTS

Dosa - Wonderful South Indian cuisine, as distinct from the typical North Indian restaurants. $35 tasting menu with different wines. Very classy food at moderate prices. Atmosphere is charged with happy, successful people. Many of the patrons are Indian, which I take to be a good sign.

Front Porch - The food and atmosphere here are heartfelt and profound. Will write longer review soon. Outer Mission (29th at Mission).

Piperade - Delicious, genuine, expert Basque cuisine. Not cheap but worth it.