There’s a handful of things you have to do when you go to San Francisco, such as see the Golden Gate Bridge, take a stroll through Alcatraz (preferably in a stroller), and see the expansive, though not expensive, San Francisco Zoo. There are other must-sees along the way. For example, if you’re going to the zoo, you have to go to the Beach Chalet.
The idea is simple, if there wasn’t a zoo, I’d say you have to go see Sutro’s Baths and Cliff House, and if neither of those were there I’d say you have to go see the ocean. Fortunately, there’s a zoo out there so you can catch the rest on the way, but once you’re out there, you just have to grab a bite at the Beach Chalet.
Just a mile north of the zoo, situated right across from the beach, sits the Beach Chalet. It’s right at the edge of Golden Gate Park, and it’s actually upstairs from the Golden Gate Park visitor information center. It’s convenient, but it’s more than that. It’s the closest you’ll get to eating on the beach without actually eating the sand.
The Chalet has sweeping views of the ocean and a menu loaded with everything from chicken fingers to corn dogs in a 5-star restaurant setting (out of four stars possible). Me and the staff raved about their selection of juices and the quality of the French fries, but the parents seemed more interested in the goat cheese ravioli and fresh Maine lobster tail. There’s no accounting for grown-up tastes, I guess, since they were eyeing the rib-eye while we were watching the crashing waves and gaggle of beach dwelling funsters.
What can I say about parents’ tastes, they said the calamari was to die for, and I love them, so I didn’t have the heart to tell them it was nothing more than squid. Forget that madness, I’ll stick to the fresh bread offerings and panshetta wrapped prawns until my meal arrives.
Daddy-O settled on their signature beer-battered fish and chips, because when the ocean’s that close, you know it’s going to get fresh with you, and Daddy-O is a saucy sort who just loves that stuff. Turns out the beer for the batter comes from their in-house microbrewery, which has a variety of perennial favorites as well as a regular rotation of seasonal flavors. But come on, beer? No self-respecting toddler would drink that silly stuff.
Above – The view from the dining room is so good I almost forgot why I was there… oh yeah, to eat!
If you want a more expensive meal, you’ll have little trouble finding it, but if you want a tastier meal, a superior view or a better value, you’ve found your perfect place for lunch or dinner. The staff is exceptionally knowledgeable about their offerings, and uncommonly patient with the rigorous demands of junior journalists such as our infamously challenging crew.
Seriously, our crew isn’t just famous, we’re in-famous, and that’s something we’re famous for… as well as in-famous, I guess.
Beach Chalet is located at 1000 Great Highway @ Ocean Beach in San Francisco, CA 94121 — if that address doesn’t help you out, check out their handy-dandy map and directions located on their website. They serve many delicious meals throughout the day, so for menu details and times, as well as seasonal events, and reservations check them out online at beachchalet.com.
And I’m not saying that I’ll vouch for them personally, though I would if you asked, what I’m saying is that our experience was so good that we decided to go back again to their adjacent sister restaurant, the Park Chalet, the following day. What can I say, when you find something you like you stick with it, and we’re not alone because both restaurants were running nearly full both times we checked in for our meals.
Above – Baby-D liked his fries and chicken so much he figured he’d like it all… turns out he’s not much of a leafy-greens kind of guy.