Feb 25, 2015 >> San Fran via Patrick Cullen of Presidio
We put the spotlight on Patrick Cullen, the owner behind Bucktown’s newest cocktail bar Presidio. And since his neighborhood—yet oh so chic!—joint pays homage to his love of the San Francisco Bay area, we couldn’t help but pick his foodie brain on where to sip, snack and indulge on the West Coast.
With many family members tied to the hospitality industry in San Francisco, Patrick recalls visiting his family members’ restaurants in the Bay Area as some of the highlights of his youth. Taking Midwest-roots and West Coast appreciation, he gives us a kick-ass list of bars and restaurants that will come in handy next time we find ourselves strolling the rolling streets of San Fran. Follow along below for some serious pro-tips and guide to your tastiest West Coast trip.
LUNCH + COFFEE
“With a handful of locations around the bay area and Brooklyn, my favorite is the Mint Plaza location. I usually start my days there.”
Blue Bottle Café, Mint Plaza
66 Mint Plaza, San Francisco
510.653.3394
FRESH SEAFOOD
“Counter service only, but the best selections brought in from the bay every morning. Simple, no-frills, and some of the freshest seafood you will ever taste.”
Swan Oyster Depot
1517 Polk Street, San Francisco
415.673.1101
NEIGHBORHOOD BISTRO + CAFE
“My Aunt has worked at the upstairs cafe of Alice Waters famous restaurant for 15 years—whenever I can make a trip to Berkeley during the day I visit her.”
Chez Panisse Café
1517 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley
510.548.5049
DAMN GOOD DINNER
“All small plates, ‘new american’ done dim-sum style—an absolute must. The entire approach to execution and service is really unique and the food itself is damn good.”
State Bird Provisions
1529 Fillmore Street, San Francisco
415.795.1272
MORE THAN JUST A DIVE BAR
“A must try! I usually make a couple trips when I’m in town—a dive bar with an award winning cocktail program—and a changing menu that is one of the most creative you will find.”
Trick Dog
3010 20th Street, San Francisco
415.471.2999
COCKTAIL BAR
“Great cocktail and beverage program by some famous names in the business. Plus, there are a handful of new hot spots on the same couple of blocks on 16th near Valencia”
%ABV
3174 16th Street, San Fransico
415.400.4748
See more of Patrick here.