Restaurants

Buckhorn Grill in San Francisco

When you go to the movies, who doesn’t love a big bucket of popcorn, with all that sweet butter and salt? Nowadays though, the price of that popcorn is approaching ten bucks, especially if you add in a large drink to help wash it down. If you’re like me, sometimes you want more than the salty goodness of that popcorn. You want something meaty, like a good burger or a steak sandwich.

Here in San Francisco, there is a place where you can get that tasty sirloin with your movie ticket, at the Buckhorn Grill. In the Westfield Metreon Shopping Mall, besides its huge selection of movies, you will find a variety of delicious food options. Recently before our show time, I wanted to grab a bite of something substantial. Their tri-tip sandwich turned out to be one of the best reasons to skip the popcorn I have ever had. Read More »

This San Francisco French bistro is as charming as its name. If you find yourself at Moscone Center for a conference or catching a movie at the Metreon, Le Charm is a warm and cozy spot to enjoy lunch or dinner.

Located south of Market Street, in the SOMA neighborhood, at night it is easy to almost miss this wonderful spot because its entrance is behind two large trees. However these same trees provide a sense of security and seclusion from the busy street out front. When we were there, the number of cars buzzing down the street were pretty noisy so we were very impressed by the restaurant’s quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

When the weather is mild, the outdoor patio dining in the back, along with the heat lamps is wonderful. The striped awning over the tables along with the plants adds a nice touch as well. The subdued lighting and the interiors definitely add to the warmth inside the restaurant. We had dinner recently at Le Charm and they gave us an intimate table for two. It was very romantic and surprisingly quiet for our conversations given how many people were close by. They recommended a great bottle of Beaujolais nouveau wine to go with our appetizers and salads.

Seasonal Beaujolais Nouveau Wine

If you are looking for value to go along with the charming bistro menu, then you won’t be disappointed. They offer a nice selection of items from the a la carte menu or if you go for dinner you also have a great prix fixe menu to order from, with a delicious coq au vin (chicken cooked in red wine).

My favorite starter for dinner or lunch is the sautéed chicken livers with the mixed greens or sometimes the French onion soup. I’m definitely returning on a Thursday night for their jazz music.

Le Charm French Bistro
315 5th Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-546-6128

Tuesday-Friday Lunch: 11:30-2:00 and Dinner: 5:30-9:30
Friday and Saturday Dinner: 5:30-10:00
Sunday Dinner: 5:00-8:30
Closed on Mondays

Every Thursday night is live jazz in the patio.

Photo credit to Le Charm and jetalone