What is the cheapest way for tourists to eat in San Francisco?

Question

My gf and I are heading to SF for vacation over xmas. We are staying in a hotel on Geary close to Union Square. We are on a budget so we would appreciate any cheap dining suggestions or any tips on saving money during our stay. We will be in town for a week. I love mexican and seafood; my gf is vegetarian.

Answer 1

Eat your biggest meal at lunchtime, since most restaurants in downtown San Francisco have lunch specials....

Also, try the following inexpensive places:

-Ferry Building Marketplace, http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
(They also have a Farmers market on Tuesdays and Saturdays)

-New Westfield Shopping Center Food Court, http://westfield.com/sanfrancisco/dining/index.html (Asqew Grill, Buckhorn Grill, Out the Door, etc.)

-Macys Union Square Food Court- Wolfgang Puck Cafe, soups, etc.

- 1 Market Plaza Food Court- 10 different ethnic restaurants

-Rincon Center - chinese, mexican, italian, etc.

-Embarcadero Center - crepes, pizza, etc.

-Crocker Galleria Food Court, http://www.shopatgalleria.com/
-They have a Farmers Market every Thursday.

-Julie's Kitchen (Delicious lunch buffet), near Mission and 1st Street

-Orale Orale Mexican Food, 113 Sacramento Street, long lines during lunch time

People working in San Francisco eat at the places listed above. All meals are under $10.

Other places:

-Happy Hour at the Tongo Room (Fairmount Hotel, Nob Hill), all you can eat buffet for $8 per person (monday-friday, 5pm-7pm)

-Japantown, http://www.sfjapantown.org/ (The best gelato crepes are at Sophie's Crepes)

-Chinatown - many cheap restaurants

Answer 2

SF is full of cheap eateries! Many quite close to where you are staying.

There are plenty of mexican "Taquerias" all over town where you can eat a burrito or several tacos in the $6 range (most have veggie or tofu options). Try Pancho Villa on 16th Street @ Valencia, or Taqueria Altena on Mission @ 22nd is open thru the wee hours of the morning.

Also quite close to Union square are a number of great vietnamese restaurants. The streets can be a bit sketchy but the food and values cant be beat. The best Pho noodle soup is at Pho Hoa on Jones @ O'Farrell. Another great vietnamese find is Tu Lan on 6th street at Market. It is a hole in the wall, on a bad street but the food is amazing. (don't miss the Imperial Rolls). There is another cheap Asian/Thai noodle place directly across the street from the Geary theatre on Geary Ave called "King of Thai." It is a favorite of mine before or after the Theatre.

Ask around once you get here...everyone has their own favorites as well.

Have fun on your trip

Answer 3

I completely agree with Aaron C about Pancho Villas, that food is awesome. Most Chinese restaurants in Chinatown (Not the big fancy ones), offer reasonably priced meals. But if you really want to feel up cheap try the places that offer the Sourdough bowls for soup and chili. those things are huge. and yes the soups and chili's come in vegetarian as well. You can find those at Boudean's or when walking along Fishermen's Wharf and Pier 39. Have fun in my city man!!

PS. Don't forget to take your sweetie over toward Macy's ( right across street from Union square) to check out the Christmas displays. the SPCA usually places puppies and kittens in the window to play and if your girlfriend likes cute little animals she'll love seeing them.

Answer 4

If you are on a super tight budget - hit In N Out, Chipotle's, and other fast food places. Your GF can get a Grilled Cheese (animal style) at In N Out and a veggie burrito at Chipotle's. Other than that, you can also look for Sushi places, that way you can both get your fill. :)

Answer 5

I recommend a trip to the humane society. Their all-you-can eat buffet is out of this world! Homeless shelters are a great place to get cheap food, too. Have fun!