Any great restaurants near Golden Gate park?

[jonahsmommy]

We are going to Golden Gate Park this week to visit the California Academy of Science but don't want to eat there, its too much $$$. So any good suggestions to go eat some lunch nearby?
Thanks!

 

[Melissy]

Arizmendi Bakery, not exactly walking distance but grab something there before heading to Golden Gate Park.

 

[bcla]

I don't care for Charles Pham, so I don't eat at the Academy of Sciences restaurant even though I'm a member. I remember when there used to be a generic snack bar style cafeteria with low prices and sort of wonder why that doesn't exist now.

I guess Arizmendi was mentioned. That's one of the cooperative bakeries that started with the Cheese Board in Berkeley. I think they may also have pizza. There are a few places just south, including Paxti's Pizza. And there's tons of Chinese food in the Sunset - probably better than Chinatown because that's where middle class Chinese live in San Francisco.

Another thing I'd note is that you can take food into the Academy of Sciences and eat either at the courtyard outside or inside the center area where they have a stage. Last weekend we went in with tons of takeout.

If you're feeling adventurous...

http://www.yelp.com/biz/cheung-hing-san-francisco

It's a takeout place. Their roast duck is amazing. Not sure if you're adventurous enough to try stuff like their organ meats (marinated hearts and gizzards). You could get stuff like a half a duck, chow mein, and other stuff. Typically a line out the door, but it moves quickly. Ask for some plates and forks, and you're good to go.

 

[jonahsmommy]

Thanks so much for the great suggestions!! I am reading up on both restaurants.

 

[bcla]

Thanks so much for the great suggestions!! I am reading up on both restaurants.

Arizmendi is related to the Arizmendi Bakery that I mentioned in the Oakland Zoo thread.

http://www.arizmendi.coop/

The mothership is the Cheese Board Collective in Berkeley, but technically they're all separate businesses with separate collective ownerships. The basic recipe they use for the pizza actually belongs the Cheese Board, and any business that joins the Arizmendi cooperative agree that there are certain trade secrets (such as recipes) that they will abandon should they leave the cooperative.

http://www.geo.coop/replication-of-arizmendi

The Arizmendi Association of Cooperatives is a cooperative corporation with two membership classes. At present there are four corporate members: the Cheese Board, and three "Arizmendi Bakery" replications of the Cheese Board model that the Association developed. These businesses are independently owned, and are members of the Association on a voluntary basis - however, the use of the name Arizmendi and the right to trade secrets, such as recipes, are restricted by contract in the event a business should want to leave the Association.

This is the website for the location just off of Golden Gate Park:

http://arizmendibakery.com/

 

[jonahsmommy]

Had a wonderful day at Golden Gate Park, the weather was amazing!!!
We decided to try the pastry at Arizmendi Bakery and the scones were amazing!!! We shared a peach and cherry scone, we plan on going back again soon. Thanks for the great suggestion!