Transportation doesn’t need to be that difficult on New Years Eve. Cabs can definitely be difficult to come by at peak times, but with a little planning you will get from destination to destination with ease (and possibly in style)

(Don’t have you New Years Eve Party tickets yet? CLICK HERE!)

 

Free Muni and extended BART:

 

On December 31, New Year’s Eve:

• Muni travel, including cable cars, is free from 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. New Year’s Day.
• Customers are encouraged to use the Metro to get into and out of the Downtown area.
• Additional Metro service from 9 p.m. to 2:15 a.m. from West Portal to Caltrain and until 4 a.m. from Embarcadero to West Portal Station.
• J, K, L, M, and N Metro lines are operating on their regular schedule, until shortly before 1 a.m.
• Owl service: Extra service on Muni Owl Lines (1 to 5 a.m service): 5 Fulton, 14 Mission, 22 Fillmore, 24 Divisadero, 38 Geary, 90 Owl, 91 Owl, and L and N Owl motor coach service. Frequency will be shortened from 30 to 15 minutes.
• Extra Owl service is subject to change, based on operating conditions.
• The San Francisco 311 Customer Service Center, is open all night, as usual, for travel assistance.
• The F Market and Wharves service will be provided by motor coaches after approximately 4 p.m. There will be reroutes only if necessary.

Other Transit Systems

• BART:
  • Customers are encouraged to buy two-way tickets at the start of the evening to avoid long lines for return tickets at the end of the evening.
  • BART will have extended service that evening. To help ease the crowding at the Embarcadero and Montgomery Stations, the following will be in effect after 8 p.m.:
    • Trains coming from the Pittsburg/Bay Point and Richmond lines will at Montgomery Station, but not at Embarcadero Station. After the fireworks, customers returning on the Pittsburg/Bay Point and Richmond lines will pick up the trains back at Montgomery as well.
    • Trains coming from the Dublin/Pleasanton and Fremont lines will stop at Embarcadero Station, but not at Montgomery Street. After the fireworks, customers going to Dublin/Pleasanton and Fremont will also catch the trains at Embarcadero for their return trip.
    • If you are going to the Peninsula, you are encouraged to use Montgomery Station rather than Embarcadero station. If you do board at Embarcadero, take any train, but you may need to transfer at
• Caltrain will operate on a Saturday schedule and add four extra trains. Southbound trains leave at 7:15, 8:15, 9:15 and 10:15 p.m.; 12:01, 12:45, 1:15, 1:45 and 2:15 a.m.
• AC Transit provides regular overnight service on Route 800 from selected stops on Market Street.
• SamTrans provides regular overnight service on Route 397 from Transbay Terminal and from 11th and Market.
  Early trips are shown after later trips.
• Golden Gate Transit provides a regular late night Route 70 trip after midnight.

Re-routes

This information is subject to change.

No re-routes are scheduled. If re-routes are required, vehicles will re-route as follows:

Re-routes in the various neighborhoods will take place only if necessary:

• Embarcadero area:
  • The 1 California would not serve stops east of Davis.
  • The Californa Cable Car would not serve stops east of Kearny.
• North Beach. If Broadway and Columbus closes :
  • The 10 Townsend and 12 Folsom/Pacific toward Cesar Chavez would run via Clay between Powell and Battery.
  • The 8X Bayshore Express and 91 Owl would not serve stops between Kearny and Jackson through Columbus and Stockton.
• Cow Hollow (Union Street):
  • The 45 Union-Stockton would not serve stops on Union west of Van Ness.
• The Castro:
  • The 24 Divisadero would not serve the stop at Castro and Market.
  • The 35 Eureka would stop on Market between Douglass and Eureka, and would miss all stops on Castro. Board on Eureka.

F, 5, 6, 14, 21, 31, 38, L Owl, N Owl, California Cable Car possible downtown re-routes

 

 

CABS

Although there are many cab companies in San Francisco and Yellow Cab alone

has approximately 500 cabs on the road New years Eve, it is often difficult to get

a cab in the city, especially on a night with so many people out and about. Below

is a list of the cab companies that service the city and their phone numbers. I

would recommend calling in advance and setting up a pick up time (although, this

does not even guarantee getting a cab in a timely fashion on the busiest night of

the year).

Yellow Cab: This is the largest cab company in the city with approximately 500 cabs servicing the city on any given night.

Phone: 415- 333 -3333

Service: 24 hours

Payment methods: cash, all major credit cards, Paratransit Debit Cards, Yellow Travel Card

Fares: $3.50 first 1/5 mile and $.55 for each additional 1/5 mile or minute of wait time

 

Luxor Cab Company: This is the second largest cab company in San Francisco. You can arrange pick up by phone or on line.

Phone: (415) 282-4141

Service: 24 hours

Payment methods: cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

Fares: $3.50 first 1/5 mile and $.55 for each additional 1/5 mile or minute of wait time

 

Arrow Cab Company

Phone: (415) 648-3181

Service: 24 hours

Payment methods: Cash

Fares: $3.50 first 1/5 mile and $.55 for each additional 1/5 mile or minute of wait time

 

DeSoto Cab Company

Phone: (415) 970-1300

Service: 24 hours

Payment methods: cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express

Fares: $3.50 first 1/5 mile and $.55 for each additional 1/5 mile or minute of wait time

Metro Cab Company

(415) 920-0700

Veterans Cab Company

415-648-4119

 

Limos

Nothing can ruin a wonderful time on New Years Eve like standing in the cold for a long time trying to track down a cab or being arrested for DUI. For safe and dependable transportation you may want to consider one of the Bay Areas many limousine services.

BALI Limousine Service

Phone Number: 415 957-1888

Web Page: www.balilimo.com

Rates: $55 per hour plus with a 3-hour minimum.

Vehicles: 2008 Lexus 400 Hybrid, Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac Escalade, ESV, Mercedes S550, 6 and 10 passenger stretch limos, 12 passenger van, 30 person mini coach

 

Carryou Limousine Service

Phone: 415 337 0911

 

Champagne Limousine Service

‪(408) 885-1700

Web Page: www.champagnelimo.com

Rates: various packages starting at $285 up to $1,100

Vehicles: Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac Escalade, 6 to 24 passenger limos

24 to 30 passenger coaches, 15 passenger vans

 

Destiny Transportation

Phone: 415-351-1999

Web Page:

Rates: $71 to $180 per hour with a 3 hour minimum

Vehicles: Lincoln Town Car, Stretch Limos, SUV’s, Luxury Sedans

Luxury Mini Buses

 

Le Grand Affaire

Phone: 1-888-301-limo

Web Page: www.legrandaffaire.com

Rates: $280 for the bar hopping package

Vehicles: 6- 12 passenger limos

 

Mr. Limo

Phone:415.474.8070

Rates: go to the rate calculator on the web page

Vehicles: Lincoln Town Car Sedans

 

North Star Limousine

Phone(415)559-5252 or

(800)317-5466

Web Page: www.nslimo.com

Rates: $50-$85 per hour (may be slightly higher on holidays)

Vehicles: 6-12 passenger limos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening just a few weeks before the start of 2012, the minds behind Per Diem have put together a special Prix Fixe menu for a limited number of people that includes a tour of the new restaurant before their First Annual New Years Eve Event.

The event welcomes you to take a step back in time to the prosperous Roaring 20′s to let your inhibitions loose at San Francisco’s newest spot. Tucked away in the Financial District, Per Diem is a 2 level speakeasy that is the perfect setting to enjoy New Year’s Eve with your closest friends. Inspired by Gatsby’s elaborate parties in the masterpiece by F. Scott Fitzgerald, we will be re-creating the secret “West Egg” soirees that were paid for with prohibition-fueled bootlegger money.

The New Year’s Eve party starts at 10PM, but Per Diem will be a special seating at 7PM to try out their delicious new menu.

Click HERE to grab a seat at the dinner before it is too late.

*Optional Beer, Cocktail or Wine Pairing available

 

***********

6:30PM to 7PM cocktail hour (complimentary)

7PM Dinner Seating:

*********

 

MENU:

*Optional Beer, Cocktail or Wine Pairing available

 

Begin

Marin French cheese company baked brie with crostini

Or

Marinated baby beet, laurel chenel goat cheese bruschetta

 

Salad

Wild arugula, persimmon, champagne pickled shallots, toasted hazelnuts with shaved ricotta salata

Or

Chicories, crispy pancetta, aged bleu cheese, roasted pears, with a sherry vinaigrette

 

 

Pasta

Winter squash gnocchi, sage brown butter with shaved parmeasan cheese

Or

Basil pappardelle, roasted garlic, oven roasted tomatoes with grana cheese

 

Mains

Pan roasted Local halibut, Dungeness whipped potatoes, pomelo, truffle micro salad with herb oil

Or

Grilled petite fillet, day boat scallops, crimson lentils, roasted root vegetables with veal demi glace

 

Dessert

 

Top 10 Places to Dine New Years Eve

(Don’t have you New Years Eve Party tickets yet? CLICK HERE!)

 

With over 2,000 choices in dining and the best seasonal ingredients available year round, the San Francisco Bay area is truly a foodie paradise. 2011 was certainly an epic year for dining. The year started strong when James Beard Foundation revealed that eight San Francisco restaurants/chefs had been nominated for James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. This is pretty significant considering the City by the Bay was represented in 7 of 9 categories and that the total list of nominees nation-wide included a mere 45 restaurants/chefs (5 in each category).

The restaurants on this year’s top 10 list were chosen because they are the definition of dining San Francisco Style in 2011. The trendiest spots of 2011 all seemed to have a few things in common; 1.they offer high-end food in a casual setting 2. The chefs source local, seasonal and organic ingredients 3. They offer warm, friendly hospitality minus the pretention associated with fine dining in decades past.

Last minute Addition: Special Restaurant Tour and Prix Fixe Meal at the Brand New Per Diem Restaurant. CLICK HERE!

 

CASTRO

Frances:

3870 17^th Street

415- 621- 3870

Homey is the first thought that comes to mind when I think of Frances. It is a simple, inviting place. It seems very appropriate that the place is named after Chef Melissa Perello’s grandmother, as the staff at Frances extends a warm style of hospitality that you would expect when invited to the home of a relative or friend.

Perello does not have a particular “signature dish” but rather a “signature style” that truly captures the essence of San Francisco style dining in 2011.Her dishes are not trendy. The cuisine that consists of classic dishes, which is expertly executed, is prepared with seasonal items sourced from local purveyors. Her food showcases the local bounty, is affordable and is served without a trace of pretention.

And the menu changes on a daily basis.

Prior to opening Frances, Chef Perello continuously was recognized for her incredible talent, while working in the kitchens at much celebrated restaurants like The Fifth Floor and Charles Nob Hill she had received accolades from James Beard, Michelin and Michael Bauer. Perello is definitely passionate about her life’s work and that passion shows in every dish.

Cuisine: French Inspired California Cuisine

Accolades: James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant of 2009 (one of 5 restaurants nationwide); Michael Bauer’s top 100 list 2010

Chef/owner: Melissa Perello: Her laundry list of achievements includes a Michelin Star award under her leadership at The Fifth Floor, Numerous Rising Star nominations from James Beard, “best New Chef of 2004” by Food and Wine Magazine and a 3.5 star review for food from Michael Bauer

New Years Eve: 4 – course, price fixed menu for $55 with a wine pairings option for $45.

DOWNTOWN/UNION SQUARE

 

Fish and Farm

339 Taylor Street, inside the Mark Twain Hotel

415-474-3474

Tucked away in the Mark Twain Hotel is one of SF’s best-kept secrets in dining, Fish and Farm Restaurant. They offer affordable Classic American Cuisine, made with organic, locally sourced ingredients. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and goes out of their way to accommodate special requests. Signature dishes include Pan Roasted Loch Duarte Salmon, Grilled Niman Ranch Pork Chops and House-Made Vegetarian Gnocchi. The restaurant also has two beautiful private dining rooms that can be booked for groups from 6-40 people. The kitchen team is willing to work with you to create custom menus. There is really no request that this passionate, flexible team of professionals won’t entertain to ensure you have an absolutely unforgettable dining experience. Once you find your way to this hidden gem, you become one of the family.

Cuisine: “Farm to Table” Classic American Cuisine

Accolades: 2.5 Star from the SF Chronicle; “Best Burger of 2009” in 7×7 Magazine

Chef: Menu created by Chad Newton

 

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

 

Wayfare Tavern

558 Sacramento Street

(415) 772 9060

Wayfare Tavern serves Classic American fare at very affordable prices. The ambiance is rustic and comfortable with a hint of sophistication. When Celebrity Chef and Food Network Star, Tyler Florence, took over the spot once occupied by the beloved Rubicon, many were anticipating it would be all hype. Chef Florence has proven his critics wrong. You have to arrive early for lunch or happy hour to be lucky enough to score a seat without waiting. Don’t miss menu items include the deviled eggs (quite possibly the best in SF); the butter lettuce salad with Green Goddess Dressing and the buttermilk brined fried chicken. You will not want to miss dessert either. His pineapple upside down cake with salted caramel ice cream is heavenly, quite possibly the best dessert I have ever had. Indulge on the last night of 2011 and wait to start counting calories until 2012. A night at Wayfare Tavern is no time to worry about the waistline. It is the spot to eat, drink and be merry, a perfect spot to ring in 2012.

Cuisine: American Cuisine inspired by local cuisine at the turn of the 20th Century

Accolades: 2.5 star rating from the SF Chronicle, Food Network Star

Chef/owner: Tyler Florence

New Years Eve: A La Carte Menu

 

 

 

 

MARINA/COW HOLLOW

Betelnut PejiuWu

2030 Union Street

415- 929-8855

Tourists always seem to be on the hunt for great Asian cuisine when they come to the City by the Bay. I can’t tell you how often I am asked which restaurants in China town are the best or where somebody can find authentic Asian Cuisine in the city. It may not be located in China Town, but Betelnut is, perhaps, the quintessential San Francisco dining experience.  Chef Alexander Ong prepares Pan-Asian cuisine inspired by his travels in Asia (don’t miss the Beggar’s chicken or the Chaca La Vong!), prepared with fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. And he serves everything family style, keeping the dining experience casual and fun. Yes. Betelnut has been on Union Street for well over a decade, but Ong has a remarkable way of keeping the menu updated and fresh without removing the classic dishes that have kept the regulars coming back again and again (it is hard to imagine Betelnut’s menu without Cecilia’s Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups or Szechwan Green Beans).

 

If you are dining with a vegan, a vegetarian or that friend with a laundry list of food allergies on New Years Eve, or any day of the year for that matter, I can’t think of a better spot to eat than Betelnut. The staff is very knowledgeable and can easily guide you through the menu. And, more importantly, the kitchen staff is willing to accommodate you in every way possible. Whether you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or are just a finicky diner, they go out of their way to make sure your dining experience is memorable and incident free. This is a great spot to bring guests from out of town for a uniquely San Francisco style new Years Eve Dinner. Make sure to call and reserve a Beggar’s chicken in advance!

Cuisine: Pan Asian

Accolades: SF Chronicles “Bay Area Top 100 List” year after year, Chef Alexander Ong was given the Chronicle’s Rising Star award in 2000 (when he was still at Le Colonial) and he has continued to receive praise and recognition from Critic Michael Bauer ever since. Just a little over a year ago Betelnut was featured on the Inside Scoop and Mr. Bauer basically challenged San Franciscan’s to catch up with Chef Ong and his creative and cutting edge cuisine.

Chef: Alexander Ong

New Years Eve: a la carte menu

 

 

MISSION

 

Local Mission Eatery

3111 24th Street

415.655.3422

I have never met anyone as passionate about his life’s work than Jacob Des Voignes. Jake’s menu at Local Mission Eatery is a celebration of local purveyors and local ingredients. His culinary talents and passion, combined with the best ingredients (hand-selected with great care during DesVoignes three weekly trips to the farmer’s Market) result in an unforgettable dining experience, worth every penny and every calorie. His menu is simple, approachable and affordable. The nightly menu has the option of small and large plates, which is nice because you can create your own chef’s tasting menu (I suggest bringing a friend or two and a big appetite and working your way through the entire menu). It would be hard to identify one signature dish. It seems like everything Chef Des Voignes touches turns into a masterpiece blessed by the culinary gods. Jake has a way of taking the simplest ingredients and making them into something absolutely unforgettable. And you will definitely want to save room for dessert, as Jake’s wife Shauna creates some of the best desserts around, at Knead Patisserie, which shares a space with the Local Mission Eatery. For the ultimate San Francisco dining experience, which absolutely defines the trends of 2011, there is no place that can top the Local Mission Eatery.

Cuisine: New American Cuisine that celebrates the best the Bay Area and the season has to offer, a slow food enthusiasts dream

Accolades: Jake DesVoignes was on the team at the Fifth Floor when they were given a Michelin Star; 2.5 Stars from the Chronicle as the new Co-executive Chef of Fish and Farm in 2008.

Chef: Jacob Des Voignes

Pastry Chef: Shauna DesVoignes

New Years Eve: All night, Dagan, owner of Terroir Natural Wine Merchants will be at Local Mission eatery to pair wines. Some “by the bottle wines” will be opened as well. They will offer a Californian Pinot Noir flight–Clos Saron’s Tickled Pink Rose from the Sierra Foothills, Paul Mathew from Dry Creek Valley, and Ghostwriter from the Santa Cruz Mountains–for $20.

After everyone is invited to head over to Dagan’s place in SOMA (Terroir) for more wine, lots of bubbly, and to bring in the New Year.

 

 

Flour + Water:

2401 Harrison Street

415 -826 -7000

Cuisine: Italian

Don’t be fooled by the simple name or the casual neighborhood vibe. Flour andWater is a foodie destination spot certainly worthy of a Bay Area New Years celebration. Chef Thomas McNaughten may be young but his talent combined with passion has resulted in a culinary experienced that is not to be missed. After your first bite you will realize that this is not your average pizza and pasta joint. In true San Francisco style each dish is made with fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. And everything is made from scratch. They butcher their own meats and make the ricotta cheese in house. The dishes all have a unique flare, setting them apart from your grandpa’s corner neighborhood Italian spot.

Don’t be mislead by Chef McNaughten’s youth either. He is no stranger to Michelin rated restaurants. His resume is quite impressive including places like gary Danko and La folie and he has staged in top rated restaurants while travelling in Germany, France and Italy. Right before the restaurant opened MchNaughten spent time in a “Pasta Laboratory “ in Balogna.

Make your reservations now. Flour and water always has a wait. If you are not able to get a table on New Years, it is another Foodie hot spot that should not be missed in 2012. McNaughten is once again on the James Beard radar as a finalist for Rising Star Chef in 2011.

Chef: Thomas McNaughton

New Years Eve: 5 course, price fixed menu that celebrates the cuisine of Bologna and the bountiful selection of fresh, seasonal, local ingredients that Northern California has to offer.  At only $80 a head, this New Years Eve worthy dining experience is a steal.

NOB HILL

#6 Sons and Daughters

708 Bush Street

415 -391- 8311

Teague Moriarty and Matt McNamara, two young guys who decided to say, “What the heck, let’s open a restaurant and see what happens”, are proving each day that passion will always trump a fancy resume. For a uniquely San Francisco dining experience, you may want to spend New Years Eve sampling their molecular gastronomic cuisine. Their menu is small and innovative and is designed to either enjoy a la carte options or a tasting menu with or without wine pairings. The ingredients used are hyper local (some ingredients have been grown in Chef McNamara’s mother’s personal garden!). And the flavor combinations seem somewhat unusual but come together in a most surprising way. For a creative, cutting edge dining experience this New Years Eve, Sons and Daughters is the spot.

Cuisine: Contemporary American

Accolades: 2.5 star review from the SF Chronicle (3 stars for the cuisine), earned a Michelin Star one year after opening.

 

Chefs: Matt McNamara and Teague Moriarty,

New Years Eve: 8-course chef’s tasting menu $82

 

 

 

NORTH BEACH

 

 

 

Park Tavern

1652 Stockton St

(415) 989-7300

In 2010 Restaurateur Anna Weinberg and Chef Jennifer Puccio earned a solid three stars from Michael Bauer. Foodie’s all over the city flocked to the SOMA’s Marlowe for Puccio’s outstanding cuisine. The Marlowe Burger, which has captured the heart of many in this burger-crazed city, was reason enough for locals to come back again and again.

 

Less than two years later, this talented duo opened a second restaurant, which is creating a lot of positive buzz about the dining scene in North Beach. Park Tavern offers a diverse menu of small and large plates that are prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The small plates are divided into smoked, raw and fried. The smoked deviled eggs with pickled jalapenos and apple wood smoked bacon should not be missed. For those of you who already know and love Puccio’s cuisine, the famous Marlowe Burger is offered at Park Tavern as well. Michael Bauer has once again granted the pair a solid 3 star rating. Make a reservation soon! Park Tavern is pretty much the foodie hot spot in the city right now.

Cuisine: New American

Accolades: 3 Star Review from the SF Chronicle

Chef: Jennifer Puccio

New Years eve: TBA

 

PACIFIC HEIGHTS

Baker and Banker

1701 Octavia

415-351-2500

The incredibly talented husband and wife team, Lori Baker and Jeff Banker, have turned their little Pacific Heights eatery into a foodie hotspot since their doors opened in 2009. Baker and Banker is known for its affordable prices, excellent service and it is definitely a place you will want to save room for dessert. Jeff Banker’s “New American” cuisine is prepared with seasonal, organic ingredients and many of the dishes have international influences. Lori Baker, coming from a back ground as a pastry chef, creates incredible desserts. If you find yourself just too full for dessert, you can always stop by in the morning for freshly baked pastry and Four Barrel coffee at the Bakery next door (entrance on the Bush side of the building). In addition to their a la carte menu, they have a chef’s tasting menu, which I highly recommend.

Cuisine: American/Californian

Accolades: 3 stars from the SF Chronicle, listed in the Bay Area’s Top 100 list.

Chef: Jeff Banker

New Years eve: 5-Courses for $95

 

 

SOMA

Bar Agricole

355 11th Street

(415) 355-9400

Chef Brandon Jew’s menu is a celebration of seasonal ingredients from local, organic and biodynamic farms. Restaurateur and well known San Francisco mixologist, Thad Vogler, has created a cocktail scene that is equally impressive, with ingredients sourced from his patio herb garden. The restaurant itself has a modern, casual vibe with a sustainable twist. The building is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council and recently won the 2011 James Beard award for Outstanding Restaurant Design. This is truly a locavore’s dream destination spot. If you do not make it to Bar Agricole for New Years, it should be among your list of places not to be missed in 2012.

Cuisine: New American

Accolades:

Chef: Brandon Jew

New Years Eve: TBA

 

 

 

Sin City New Years started 6 years ago at Roe Nightclub and has been sold out and growing strong ever since.

Roe nightclub is a 3-level nightclub in Soma located right near the Moscone Center. Conveniently located near the Palace Hotel, The W and many other great hotels. Anyone visiting from out of town can easily find a great place to stay within walking distance of the Sin City Party. Cabs on New Years Eve can be a little bit difficult, so we would definitely recommend getting a room near whatever party you choose.

The party will feature a few great San Francisco Djs (should be announced soon), a premium open bar, Party Favors, VIP tables and a special midnight countdown and champagne toast. The party will feature Vegas decor, so feel free to dress it up a bit for this one.

More information available here: SIN CITY NEW YEARS WEBSITE

Discounted Tickets Available on Pinchit.com

SFNewYears.com has become SF’s #1 website for all things New Years Eve. We have decided to add a blog to the site to keep you up to date with any news about parties, fireworks, dinners and more!