Not far from the skyscrapers that dot along the Financial District, Rickhouse is a trendy saloon that’s perfect for discerning drinkers looking for a tasty libation after a long day at the office. From the outside, this place sorta looks like an over-sized oak barrel, while the interior is a mix between an old seafaring vessel and dimly lit speakeasy. Specialties include their list of artisanal cocktails like their La Bon Vie (Plymouth, fresh lemon and grapefruit juice, fresh basil, and bitters), spirits, local beers and boutique California wines. |Rickhouse|

Hours of Operation:
Mon: 5pm – 2am
Tues-Fri: 1pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
Sun: Closed

Italian for “by jove”, “wow”, or just sheer astonishment, Perbacco strives to pleasantly surprise the senses with their take on regional Italian cuisine from Piedmont and Liguria. Chef/Owner Staffan Terje utilizes seasonal, local ingredients to drive the diverse and well-balanced menu, enabling patrons to experience new dishes with every visit. With so many enticing choices on the menu, sharing is encouraged especially with the pasta tastings and cured meat platters served family-style. Perbacco is a perfect place for a fancy business lunch or a date to impress, the best seats in the house being the booth tables located upstairs. |Perbacco|

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 11:30am-10pm
Sat: 5:30pm-10pm
Sun: Closed

When the mood strikes for some authentic Vietnamese cuisine, one place always comes to mind: Golden Star. Located in Chinatown, on a nondescript street adjacent to Portsmouth Square, this very popular lunch spot has an expansive menu of freshly prepared Vietnamese dishes that are both delicious and affordable. The workday lunch is especially busy so it’s common for strangers to share a table.

I usually find myself here when I am craving imperial rolls and a large bowl of regular pho(pronouced Fa), my roommate prefers the special spicy version. Since this restaurant is pretty authentic, some menu items have exotic parts of beef like tripe and tendon, the spicy one even has liver, so it helps to read the variations on the menu. Chicken, pork, and vegetarian options are also available. For those hot days, the cold vermicelli noodle salads are a refreshing alternative to a steamy bowl of hot noodles. After I simply cannot eat another bite, an iced Vietnamese coffee is the perfect end to a great meal.

Open 7 days a week:
Mon-Sun: 10am-9pm
Cash only.