What to eat San Francisco? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Restaurants close very early in the evening in small towns. You may be pushed out the door as early as 8pm, or even 9pm if you're lucky... In larger towns, some restaurants open later.

As long as you're not in a Mexican taqueria or sandwich shop, expect to pay at least fifty dollars for an honest restaurant, and often much more.

Waiters are paid by tip, so you'll have to pay an extra 10-20% of the bill. Not to mention taxes (8.875%), which are not included either... The bill quickly climbs. Water in a carafe is free.

Beware: classic restaurateurs often overcook their meat and soak their seafood in butter that you almost want to wring it out. It's best to warn the chef beforehand.

Children are welcome just about everywhere, as are dogs, which enjoy a very privileged status in California.

Smoking is strictly prohibited not only in public buildings, but also on terraces. So you'll never find a smoking terrace in a restaurant like in France.

Coffee shops and juice bars are plentiful in San Francisco, generally opening at 7 or 8am and closing before 8pm. Most bars open at noon, but the more upscale ones rarely open before 4pm on weekdays. Small neighborhood bars close between 10pm and 1am.

It's best to go out with a well-stocked wallet, as the prices quoted do not include local tax (8.875%) or tip. It is customary to leave between 10 and 20% of the bill. Rooftops undoubtedly charge the highest prices, as do speakeasies, where cocktails can cost up to US$20. Beer remains the most affordable, and there are some interesting local and artisanal brands. Conversely, wine is atrociously expensive, especially if you're from France... Between US$10 and US$15 a glass. Finally, in cafés and tearooms, a hot drink generally costs between US$3 and US$4. The solution: go out duringhappy hour, which takes place on weekdays between 5pm and 7pm, sometimes earlier. In some bars, reduced prices also apply to food, generally starters or plates to share.

In the United States, alcohol consumption is subject to very strict rules. The minimum legal age for ordering alcohol and drinking in public is 21. At bar entrances, even if you're a thirty-something on the verge of forty, a doorman will systematically ask you for your identity card. Anyone under legal age or without ID will be turned away.

All the city's bars and restaurants serve cocktails and, even in the most unassuming places, the bartender will be able to concoct you a killer Cosmopolitan, complete with shaker. Americans are also big fans of beer, especially IPAs, the bitter, hoppy beers. And of course, wine country obliges, Californians know how to appreciate wine, and you'll find good bottles from the Napa or Sonoma valleys in most establishments. As for non-alcoholic beverages, Americans are great coffee drinkers: cappuccino, iced coffee when the weather's hot, matcha latte for the trendiest.

There's no law against taking children to bars, as long as they're accompanied by a responsible adult and the venue serves food.

Tobacco legislation is very dissuasive. As in France, smoking is obviously prohibited inside stores and cafés, the only exception being the city's few cigar bars. The same applies to electronic cigarettes. Where there are tables outside, you'll sometimes see a no-smoking sign. But even if you don't, smoking on the terrace of a café or bar is not allowed in the USA.