San Francisco: Places to eat

Where to get some grub, according to one typical tourist

While on our recent family vacation to San Francisco, my poor mom got walking pneumonia. Stay with me, I have a point: Because of Mom feeling sick and having no appetite, we didn't really experience all the yumminess SF had to offer — but we did the best we could. And for the most part, it really was the best!

6 Totally-worth-it eats in SF for a typical tourist:

#1 Tartine Bakery
This glorious bakery was recommended by friends and oh, has it ever earned its recommendation and its line out the door. I'm talking life-changing croissants. Also these cinnamon-sugar morning buns with a hint of orange. And the pain au chocolat with freaking amazing chocolate. I die. If pastries are your thing (and even if they're not), this place is not to be missed. Plus, the savory eats look awesome too. Go to Tartine. Let your life be changed.

#2 Ghirardelli Square
The Ghirardelli chocolate factory sits within walking distance from Fisherman's Wharf, and not only can you buy all kinds of chocolate treats to bring back for your coworkers, you can get a sweet something like a Ghirardelli ice cream sundae the size of your head or, for the chocoholics, go for the Decadent Drinking Chocolate. It's basically like drinking melted chocolate mixed with heavy cream. Divine. 

#3 In-N-Out
This is one legendary fast food joint, but we Lawlers reached a consensus: It's no Culver's. You just can't top a butter burger, I'm sorry! Plus, Culver's has custard. The one thing we did love about In-N-Out though were the shakes. Those shakes are so choice.

#4 Seafood Peddler
In Sausalito, the bike parking lot attendants recommended the Seafood Peddler for lunch. We soon realized that the bike people are probably paid to recommend the Seafood Peddler, but we ran with it. It has a nice view of the harbor and a fish sandwich that's fresh and delicious — perfect for lunch. I'd definitely go back for the fish sammy. But the fish tacos were itty bitty. Proceed with some caution. 

#5 Mountain Home Inn
If you're in the Muir Woods, climbing the canopy trail, and have an insane need for food, keep going til you reach the Mountain Home Inn — breathtaking views and yet another yummy fish sandwich. Oh, and mint-infused water. It's exactly what high-maintenance hikers need.

#6 Don Antonio Trattoria 
At the end of our day trip to Napa, we stopped in Tiburon for dinner at the Don Antonio Trattoria. It's a small, cute, family-owned place — the kind that serves warm bread with oil and vinegar for dipping and pasta that is absolutely scrumptious. I tasted the pesto gnocchi, carbonara, and veal ravioli (a daily special) — all delicious.