Where to take business guests out in SF?

Question

I have two people coming into town for business visit and I would like to take them out somewhere.
We're professionals so it's not about clubbing or something like that, but drinks and somewhere special and nice that we can also talk will be nice.
Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Super fancy:
Gary Danko
Harris Steak house
Ruth Chris
Morton's
Aqua
Chaya

Nice:
Boulevard
Shanghai 1930
Slanted Door
The W hotel
Momo's (nice outdoor area, across from ballpark)
Paragon


Trendy/Fun:
Gordon Biersh
Beetlenut
21st amendment

Answer 2

That really depends. The most important thing when hosting a business lunch or dinner is to know something about your guests' tastes and comfort zones. I have made the mistake of entertaining business contacts from the midwest, for example, at places that I thought were extraordinary treats that would impress them, only to learn the next day that they were very uncomfortable with the ahi tartare and other California nouvelle cuisine and went out afterwards for a hamburger!

Here's a few ideas:

Seafood - Upscale, Aqua. A little more Old San Francisco if they have not seen the city, Scoma's on the Wharf.

Basic Steak and Potatoes (for those midwesterners) - Bob's Steak and Chophouse in the Omni Hotel.

For sophisticated palates - One Market, Boulevard, Postrio, Kokkari, Fleur de Lys, Masa, Jardiniere, Gary Danko, Big Four, or the dining room at the Four Seasons.

Comfortable but reasonably businesslike as a safe bet if you are unsure about culinary tastes - MacArthur Park down on Washington Square or Il Fornaio at Levi's Plaza.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You have some excellent suggestions, I'll add to the list with places we've taken our clients:

Shanghai 1930 - hi atomosphere, unique, fun, great food

Bix - a beautful, classy restaurant hidden in an alley in the financial district

Boulevard - wonderful restaurant, on the quite pricey side, but would be impressive. Very near Embarcadero

Slanted Door - Highly gourmet Vietnamese, they have a newer restaurant in the Ferry Building

Restaurant Lulu - another great food, great atmosphere location, South of Market. Big, airy, full bar, a bit loud, but quite impressive and interesting.

Enrico's - North Beach, great drinks and food, live jazz, outdoor patio if you can get seats, lots of action to look at while you're there.

Good luck.

Answer 4

You can go to the Metreon on Market street. There is really nice bar/grill in there where you can have drinks and talk business.

Answer 5

How about Vesuvio's or San Francisco Brewing Company?

Answer 6

Fubiegirl listed the best places. I agree with her. She has my vote. And look at those eyelashes. Mmmmm.

Answer 7

i would go to tommy toys on montgomery or to tadich grill on california

tommys is intimate tadich is a san francisco experience

Answer 8

Roy's in downtown financial district - it is amazing and can be casual or dressy - it is a hawaiian gourmet cuisine....

Answer 9

wherever you go make sure you dont cheat

Answer 10

BIX