Bix

This is the place you go to really celebrate in style with a group of friends. Its also a very refined place to have a small celebration dinner. The decor will make you feel transported to the east coast but you will feel like you stepped into Rome when you head outside to the narrow cobble stoned street, a great place for an after dinner cocktail or while waiting for your table. more

Bix is one of my favorite places in San Francisco. I was actually planning to go there for dinner tonight but couldn't reserve a seat.. It is tucked away in a tiny alley in the historic Barbary coast district near the Transamerica pyramid and the Embarcadero. the decoration is 1920s style, but not raffish as the term "speakeasy" would suggest, more like a very relaxed jazz club. There is often a live pianist playing. At its best, California cuisine, like French Nouvelle Cuisine, is all about top-notch ingredients highlighted, rather than overwhelmed by the preparation. The chef at Bix clearly spends a lot of time sourcing the freshest produce and meats from local organic suppliers. Obviously, the menu changes frequently to accomodate what's available on the markets. You can check it online at www.bixrestaurant.com (annoyingly, Flash is required). One of my favorites there is the local farm-grown caviar, served on crisp yet melt-in-the-mouth potato pillows and creme fraiche. And the pastry chef is no slouch, his chocolate semifreddo with toffee tiles was to die for, easily the best dessert I've had in San Francisco. more

My boyfriend and I were in town from Chicago in Jan. , and had a wonderful time back this year. Bix does such a nice job recreating the speakeasy - the jazz trio on the weekend is great, the beautiful two-tier room, low-lighting, great cocktails and food made for an incredible evening out. Our server was very attentive and though we were late for our reservation, were seated promptly. more