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Quick lunch

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Quick lunch
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We (2 adults 3 kids ages 7-13) have a long layover in SF on June 1st. We arrive at 10 am and have rented a car to drive to Pier 33 for our Alcatraz tour at 1pm. (It was cheaper to rent than pay for 5 people on public transit). Anywho, is there somewhere along the route from the airport to the Pier that would be good for a quick lunch?

San Francisco...
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1. Re: Quick lunch
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Have you priced parking at Pier 33? And if your 7 year old is less than 4'9" they legally need to be in a booster seat. I would rethink the car rental. But if you go ahead with it, be aware that there is a major car break-in problem in San Francisco. Leave literally nothing in the car. Not a jacket or a paper bag or anything.

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2. Re: Quick lunch
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Rather than park twice, park at the Pier 39 garage and eat somewhere in the area.

This is on a layover? I can think of a lot better stuff to do than Alcatraz, but that's your deal. I assume you have your Alcatraz tickets? Because they're sold out right now.

8 posts
3. Re: Quick lunch
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I have read the forums about having a car and have researched parking. We will be careful. We have tickets to Alcatraz already. Thank you for the warnings, but I was hoping for some specific suggestions for food. Hopefully something unique to SF and not a chain. We'll probably hit something nicer after Alcatraz while we explore a bit more. Our flight out is not until 9:40pm.

Edited: 5 years ago
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4. Re: Quick lunch
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There's not a whole lot that I can recommend in the Wharf area.

Cod Mother's Fish & Chips is a permanent food truck on Jones at Beach. About a mile from the Alcatraz Pier. Pier 23 is close too.

Pretty much the Wharf is a tourist area that locals rarely venture into. And if we do, we shudder in horror and leave as soon as possible. While I don't know where you live, I imagine you've seen purpose built tourist traps before.

Voorhees, New Jersey
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5. Re: Quick lunch
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Not a favorite of the natives is Bourdain and their sandwiches and soup in a sourdough bread bowl. Sourdough bread is the best and they bake the loaves right there or they used to. As a tourist who has been to San Francisco about a dozen times, I can say I enjoyed every bite. It’s not recommended by the locals since the Wharf area is loaded with tourists and food is not good since it’s made for mass consumption but I liked it. Sorry guys😏.

San Diego...
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6. Re: Quick lunch
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Maybe Hog Island Oyster Co in the Ferry Buidling?

If you arrive at 10am and have to pick up a car, Im assuming you are a preferred member or whichever company you are using so you can just walk to you car and go? By the time you get into the city and parked you wont have much time before you will want to get to the line for the boats to Alcatraz for a 1pm tour.

Id just use Uber XL or Lyft Plus and not worry about having to take the train to the the rental car facility from the airport.

Sacramento, CA
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7. Re: Quick lunch
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I agree with Goodbeer. Uber to the Wharf. You'll waste too much time getting the rental car, navigating unfamiliar streets, looking for parking and then returning the car. Uber/Taxi gets you door to door with no hassle.

There's not much at the Wharf that will classify as both uniquely SF and a quick lunch. Boudins would probably be your best bet.

Edited: 5 years ago
New Hampshire
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8. Re: Quick lunch
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Grab some great Mission style burritos from the Mission District.

Uber is better for your needs

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9. Re: Quick lunch
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Stopping and getting something to go is a good idea. You can eat at the dock area on Alcatraz. However, anywhere else on the island, food is prohibited.

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10. Re: Quick lunch
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Even if you're flight is on time, you're right, you're going to need something QUICK. I think I'd hit Wendy's, or the Costco Food Court just north of the airport, they open t 10am.

I'm not sure that' you'll have time to park, and walk over to Pier 39 where all the food is....but if you're into your rental car by 11am I guess you can breathe easy.