The Kensington Park Hotel

Wedding Day

Fall

Our Wedding

I glanced at the clock in my 4runner as I drove at a snail’s pace along the highway in bumper-to-bumper traffic.&nbsp;I was supposed to meet my date in Oakland exactly 30 minutes ago, but the traffic wouldn’t let up. I call him, yet again, to apologize and assure him I am, indeed, on my way. I’m just running painfully late and wondering why I ever agreed to meet this guy in a town so far away?! I have no idea where I’m going and had no clue it’d take me the longest hour and half to get there!Arriving spectacularly late, the host at the front desk greets me with a smile as I tell him who I’m meeting.&nbsp;He responds with a, “Ooohhh, you’re finally here!”. He turns around and points to a gentleman sitting alone at a small table for two, drinking a beer and says to me, “There he is.". "We’ve been keeping him company with a few pints, so you should be good!”. Frazzled, I thank the host while I hurry my step, walking toward my date as I work out in my head how I’m going to apologize. But just as I meet his face, no apologies come out, only a smile. He hands me the menu and mentions he’s glad I made it. "Hi Dave, I'm Margie."After a sangria and another lager, we chatted, we laughed, we smiled and we made plans for another date.Three and half years later, we’ve learned a few things…He loves metal rock, I love classic jazz.&nbsp;He prefers prime rib, I prefer filet of sole. He loves whiskey, I like wine.&nbsp;He loves going out, I love staying in.&nbsp;I’m a morning person, he’s a night owl. I love comedies, he prefers horror flicks.He’s Irish, I’m Mexican. We’re both passionate and we’re both loud.&nbsp;We get angry quick, but we forgive even quicker. I love to laugh and he likes to make me laugh. He loves to tell stories and I like to listen.&nbsp;In between trying to figure out how to fit 5 kids and 2 adults in one house, who will do the next food run, trying to wait it out long enough to force the other to do laundry, flipping through channels every night and never agreeing on a movie to watch until someone falls asleep and taking long walks in the evening on date night, and laughing and talking till the wee hours of the morning while listening to music on vinyl, drinking wine and wishing the night would never end,&nbsp;yes, somewhere in between life happening, we knew we wanted life to happen together forever.

Our Story

Photos

Baelaya Berendsen Gutierrez

Charles Cunningham

Anna Cunningham

Ollie Cunningham

Cash Vargas Gomes

Ava Cunningham

Wedding Party

On April 11, 1876, San Francisco Elks Lodge, a social and philanthropic club, was formally instituted and has been the longest operating lodge in the U.S and is located in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square.The photograph above was made by R.J. Waters &amp; Co. on December 10, 1908. It is the San Francisco Elks Annual Dance and Supper, where we are to be married, on the third floor of the Kensington Park Hotel.This must have been a very special evening for the people in this photo, since San Francisco was still rebuilding itself after the catastrophic earthquake and fire of 1906, less than two years earlier.

Kensington Park Hotel is housed in a 1920s Moorish/Gothic building in San Francisco's Union Square area. It is a throwback to an era of hotels with grand marble lobbies, crystal chandeliers, and massive wood-paneled elevators with loveseats. The hotel, which takes up the first floor as well as floors five to 13, share the building with the San Francisco Elks Lodge, an old-time social and philanthropic club founded in 1876, the same organization that built the building in 1924. Kensington Park Hotel has complimentary afternoon tea and sherry, served in their impressive lobby, with the painted ceilings, marble fireplace, cushy velvet club chairs, marble floors, and contemporary horse sculpture, that make for a classy way to unwind. Located in Union Square, Kensington Park's neighborhood is filled with upscale retailers such as Hermes, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bulgari, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales, just to name a few. Catch the cable cars, buses, trolleys, and BART trains nearby, or dine at one of the many restaurants.

Our Wedding Venue 

WEDDING DAY TIMELINE 3:00 PM Ceremony 4:00 PM Cocktails 5:00 PM Take Your Seats 5:30 PM Grand Entrance  6:30 PM Dinner 8:30 PM Music + Moves

Wedding Day Timeline

Our Honeymoon Registry

Kensington Park Hotel

When reserving rooms, please don't forget to enter code: WEDSF This allows for a discounted rate to attend our wedding!

Accommodations

HERE IS A LIST OF PARKING GARAGES NEAR THE WEDDING VENUE

Union Square Garage

Ellis-O'Farrell Parking Garage

450 Sutter Garage

EZ Public Parking

Parking 

We have a long history with San Francisco and, at some point in each of our lives, have called it home. While we never knew one another in all the years we were residents of the City by the Bay, we later discovered there were so many of the same places we both visited often and, several times, convinced we crossed paths and never knew it.While you are here, I truly hope you will have time enough to experience the richness if its history and appreciate its uniqueness and incredible beauty. Explore what the city has to offer!&nbsp;If you're not sure where to go, below are a few popular destination spots!

Known by the locals as, The City, San Francisco spans 47.355 square miles&nbsp;(122.6 square kilometers) and is the second most densely populated major city in America, (New York being the first, of course).&nbsp;

SEE THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE&nbsp;Crossing the strait of the Golden Gate from San Francisco’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sftravel.com/neighborhoods/richmond-presidio" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Presidio</a>&nbsp;to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sftravel.com/beyond-sf/sausalito-marin-county" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Marin</a>&nbsp;headlands is the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge, easily identified by its International Orange color. Once called “the bridge that couldn’t be built,” today the Golden Gate Bridge is one the seven wonders of the modern world. This magnificent span, perhaps San Francisco’s most famous landmark, opened in 1937 after a four-year struggle against relentless winds, fog, rock and treacherous tides.The 1.7-mile-long bridge is anchored by towers that reach 746 feet skyward and was once taller than any building in San Francisco! To support the suspended roadway, two cables—each more than 7,000 feet in length and containing 80,000 miles of wire—stretch over the top of the towers and are rooted in concrete anchorages on shore.The Golden Gate Bridge brought the communities of San Francisco and Marin counties closer together and became one of the most driven sections of historic U.S. Route 101, which stretches from Los Angeles north to San Francisco and beyond. It’s equally popular with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sftravel.com/article/best-hikes-san-francisco-beyond" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hikers</a>&nbsp;and cyclists, and is the main attraction for runners partaking in any of our many local annual foot races.<a href="https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/golden-gate-bridge" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Golden Gate Bridge | Golden Gate View Points | The Presidio (San Francisco)</a>

RIDE A CABLE CARWell before the bell-dings of Rice-A-Roni ads brought long lines of tourists, cable cars were a mainstay of San Francisco transportation. In fact, cable cars reigned. At twice the speed of horse-pulled carriages, these boxy rattlers could climb the city’s steepest hills when horses wouldn’t dare.San Francisco’s remains today as one of the world’s last&nbsp;<a href="https://worldstrides.com/blog/2011/07/cable-cars/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">manually operated cable car systems</a>. Our transit scene was transformed by these standard-gauge open-sided cars as commuters sat, stood, and hung from the sides while they trundled happily throughout the city at a steady 9 miles per hour — running as far west as 12th avenue, while also winding into the Presidio, through Castro’s hilly terrain and into Noe Valley, and even to Bernal Heights. With 23 lines (all established from 1873 to 1890) doing the former job of horses, the cars would shuttle folks up and over the hills and down Market Street to the Ferry Building. It wasn’t the end of the wars, San Francisco eventually took over Cal Cable in 1952, and city hall succeeded in removing half our streetcar tracks. Dozens of the double-ended maroon-and-yellow cable cars were sold off as surplus. A New EraThe whole cable car system was falling into disrepair by the 1960s. The cables were worn and frayed. The electric motors powering them were on the fritz.But in 1982, Mayor Dianne Feinstein personally led a campaign to completely rebuild the entire cable car system. To get it done, she&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/oursf/article/All-Down-the-Line-When-Mick-Jagger-pitched-in-to-13180639.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">partnered up with</a>&nbsp;Mick Jagger, who posed for a photo op and made a brief appearance at San Francisco City Hall in support of saving the streetcars. Feinstein’s efforts paid off.The cars were spruced up and repaired. The shabby tracks were shined. The spiffy reconstructed car barn was promised to last another century.San Francisco cable cars are synonymous with San Francisco and it’s crazy cool charm and uniqueness.&nbsp;If you do anything while you are in the City, ride the cable car!<a href="https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/cable-car-san-francisco-17878626.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cable cars in San Francisco: Everything to know (sfgate.com)</a>

HAVE AN IRISH COFFEE AT BUENA VISTA CAFÉThe historic venture started on the night of November the 10th in 1952. Jack Koeppler, then-owner of the Buena Vista, challenged international travel writer Stanton Delaplane to help re-create a highly touted "Irish Coffee" served at Shannon Airport in Ireland. Intrigued, Stan Accepted Jack’s invitation, and the pair began to experiment immediately.Throughout the night the two of them stirred and sipped judiciously and eventually acknowledged two recurring problems. The taste was "not quite right," and the cream would not float. Stan’s hopes sank like the cream, but Jack was undaunted. The restaurateur pursued the elusive elixir with religious fervor, even making a pilgrimage overseas to Shannon Airport.Upon Jack’s return, the experimentation continued. Finally, the perfect-tasting Irish whiskey was selected. Then the problem of the bottom-bent cream was taken to San Francisco’s mayor, a prominent dairy owner. It was discovered that when the cream was aged for 48 hours and frothed to a precise consistency, it would float as delicately as a swan on the surface of Jack’s and Stan’s special nectar.Success was theirs! With the recipe now mastered, a sparkling clear, six-ounce, heat-treated goblet was chosen as a suitable chalice.Soon the fame of the Buena Vista’s Irish Coffee spread throughout the land. Today, it’s still the same delicious mixture, and it’s still the same clamorous, cosmopolitan Buena Vista. Both…delightful experiences.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thebuenavista.com/home/home.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Buena Vista</a>&nbsp;Buena Vista Café2765 Hyde StreetSan Francisco, CA 94109<a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(415) 474-5044</a>

VIEW THE PAINTED LADIESThe Painted Ladies of San Francisco are a must-see on your visit. You'll find the most famous set across the street from Alamo Square Park along Steiner Street. You will also hear them called the Seven Sisters or Postcard Row.But that’s not the only place you will find them.Other top spots include streets around the Alamo Square District, the Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, Pacific Heights, and the Lower Haight.San Francisco builders started putting up Victorian houses around San Francisco in the mid-1800s. They built thousands of them, but it came to an abrupt stop in April 1906.&nbsp;This is when San Francisco was hit by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-1906-earthquake.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">one of its largest earthquakes in history</a>. This massive quake destroyed hundreds of Victorian homes and a large part of SF.&nbsp;However, the fires that raged for days after the earthquake took the largest toll on the city and these gorgeous houses.To help preserve the western and southern neighborhoods, the city built a fire line along Van Ness Street.This is why you will find hundreds of Victorians on the western side of the city, but not very many painted ladies in the eastern districts such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sftourismtips.com/nob-hill-san-francisco.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nob Hill</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sftourismtips.com/north-beach-san-francisco.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">North Beach</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sftourismtips.com/telegraph-hill-san-francisco.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Telegraph Hill</a>.&nbsp;After the destruction around the city, it took years to rebuild it. Even though the earthquake destroyed thousands of these homes, they decided to rebuild them up until around 1915.&nbsp;The next interesting period for these beauties is during the First World War and Second World War.&nbsp;As these homes aged, thousands were destroyed and replaced with more modern houses.&nbsp;Many of those that owned these Victorian homes started to spruce them up by using left-over battleship grey paint from the Navy to repaint them.YUCK!!! Can you imagine all these gorgeous houses with cheap gray paint? I don’t want to even think about it.The houses stayed this way for several years as the paint was inexpensive, easy to get, and seemed okay since other homeowners were doing the same during this time.&nbsp;Luckily, we can thank artist Butch Kardum as the creative genius behind the change back to brightly colored Victorians. In 1963, he painted his house bright colors including a combination of blues and greens.Some people loved it, some hated it. Those that loved his colorful home decided to do the same with theirs.&nbsp;This started a trend that was eventually dubbed the "Colorist Movement."It led to the writing of the book mentioned above about the painted ladies which gave them a new name. It also allowed even more homeowners the freedom to express their creativity on the outside of their homes.This trend continues today as more and more homeowners add bright colors of paint to highlight the lovely details of these historic homes.&nbsp;Now that you know a bit about the painted ladies let's talk about where you can find some of the best houses around San Francisco.I’ll start with the most well-known set, the famous Painted Ladies of Alamo Square.&nbsp;These seven sisters line up along Steiner Street just to the east of Alamo Square Park.Six are the same, and then one larger sister on the northern end. This is why they are called the Seven Sisters.The beauty of this set is not just in the houses but the fact that they are easy to photograph without any homes across the street because it is the park. More than that, you can also climb the hill at Alamo Square Park to get a beautiful view of downtown SF behind them.These are two of the reasons they are also called Postcard Row.You will find them (from south to north) at 710, 712, 714, 716, 718, 720, and 722 Steiner Street.Does anyone live in the Painted Ladies San Francisco?Yes, all seven are privately owned, and you are not allowed to visit inside them. When visiting, please be respectful to the people living in these homes.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sftravel.com/things-to-do/attractions/iconic-sf/painted-ladies" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Painted Ladies | San Francisco Travel (sftravel.com)</a>

GO SHOPPING AT UNION SQUAREThe hotel we are to be married in, Kensington Park Hotel, is in Union Square, so why not experience the loveliness that is Union Square!&nbsp;Union Square&nbsp;is a 2.6-acre public plaza located in downtown San Francisco, California. It is bordered by Geary, Powell, Post, and Stockton Streets.&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Square,_San_Francisco" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The name “Union Square” also refers to the surrounding central shopping, hotel, and theater district that spans several blocks1</a>. Here are some interesting details about Union Square:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Historical Significance:During the American Civil War, Union Square was used for rallies and support for the Union Army, which is how it earned its name.&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Square,_San_Francisco" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">It is designated as a California Historical Landmark</a><a href="https://www.sanfrancisco.net/union-square" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2</a>.Over time, it has evolved into a major tourist destination and a cosmopolitan gathering place in downtown San Francisco.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shopping and Entertainment:Union Square boasts one of the largest collections of department stores, upscale boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, and beauty salons in the United States. It’s a premier shopping district, attracting visitors from all over the world.3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Perfect Day in Union Square:Start your day with coffee and pastries at One65, a French patisserie in Union Square. Explore six floors of dining options, including Michelin-starred restaurants and unique cafes. Don’t miss riding the world-famous cable cars, which are an iconic part of San Francisco’s charm.Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Union Square offers a vibrant blend of history, shopping, and entertainment!<a href="https://visitunionsquaresf.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Home (visitunionsquaresf.com)</a>

ESCAPE TO ALCATRAZ ISLANDAlcatraz was the site of the first lighthouse in the Western United States but became a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963, housing famous convicts such as Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Now, this once infamous prison island is part of the Bay Area’s 80,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area.Located one-and-a-half miles from Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz is one of the city's most popular attractions. A visit to the island includes a tour of the cell house where visitors can see how the prisoners lived. Although the last inmates were transferred off the island in 1963, the main prison block—with its steel bars, claustrophobic (9 x 5-foot) cells, mess hall, library and "dark holes," is still structurally intact.Alcatraz is located in San Francisco Bay, approximately 1.25 miles (2.01 km) from the northern shore of San Francisco. To get there, take an Alcatraz Cruises from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, located along San Francisco’s northern waterfront promenade, on The Embarcadero near the intersection of The Embarcadero and Bay Streets, located approximately 1/4 mile from San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Allow at least 2 ½ – 3 hours for sailing to the Island, exploring the island, and returning to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. The trip over to Alcatraz Island is 12-15 minutes each way and is factored into the suggested visit time.Some movies Alcatraz was featured in:-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The rock (1996)-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Murder in the First (1995)-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Escape from Alcatraz (1979)-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Birdman of Alcatraz (1963)<a href="https://www.alcatrazislandtickets.com/Alcatraz-Tours/?msclkid=15538d2031e3171d89bceb79168f7383" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alcatraz Tours | Alcatraz Tickets | Alcatraz Island Ferry – AlcatrazIslandTickets.com</a>

SEE THE SEA LIONSAh, San Francisco; where rent is so high that 400-plus sea lions have to share one dock!Since 1990,&nbsp;a colony of California sea lions have camped out in force on PIER 39. They bark, they nap, and in that way they remind us of ourselves. Below are some notable facts about these iconic animals.Sea lions are not seals, okay?Seals are more streamlined with few protruding body features. Their ears and genitals are tucked inside their bodies so they can glide through the water faster, a tactic they possibly learned from Michael Phelps. Also, sea lions have big fins in front that help them walk. So, if an animal is waddling towards you on flippers and you can see its ears, it’s a sea lion—and you should probably move.&nbsp;How the heck did they get here?When two sea lions love each other very much…oh, you mean, “How did they get to San Francisco?" The Sea Lion Center of San Francisco says that they arrived here in 1989. Sea lions do this thing called “hauling out”— and if you didn’t picture sea lions dancing to “Roll Out” by Ludacris, you’re not doing it right. Hauling out is when the animals look for spots to rest and get it on between bouts of swimming and hunting. The sea lion population increased in San Francisco after the Loma Prieta earthquake when people started moving their boats away from the pier, thus leaving more space for the sea lions to hang out.PIER 39&nbsp;How many sea lions are there in San Francisco?The number fluctuates based on migratory patterns and prey movements, but at one point there were over a thousand sea lions chilling on the docks! Today, there are 93 sea lions lounging,&nbsp;according to the Sea Lion Center.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sftravel.com/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-san-franciscos-sea-lions#:~:text=Get%20the%20fast%20facts%20on%20some%20of%20San,in%20that%20way%20they%20remind%20us%20of%20ourselves." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Everything You Need to Know About San Francisco's Sea Lions | San Francisco Travel (sftravel.com)</a>

CHECK OUT LOMBARD STREETLombard Street, often referred to as the "crookedest street in the world," is one of San Francisco's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.california.com/getaway-guide-san-francisco/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">most iconic and unusual landmarks</a>. This one-block section, with its eight hairpin turns, attracts countless visitors each year, all eager to witness its unique design. But what's the story behind this peculiarly winding road? Let’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.california.com/unique-san-francisco-traditions-explained/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unravel the mystery</a>!The origins of Lombard Street's design date back to the 1920s. Initially, the street was a straight, steep road on Russian Hill. However, its 27% grade was too steep for most vehicles to climb, especially those from the early 20th century. In 1922, property owner Carl Henry proposed the idea of a series of sharp turns to reduce the hill's natural grade to a more manageable 16%. This ingenious solution not only made the street safer but also transformed it into an architectural marvel.Lombard Street's design is a testament to early 20th-century city planning and the ingenuity required to adapt to San Francisco's hilly terrain. The switchback design was implemented by architect Clyde Healy, who created a more navigable road that respected the area's natural topography. In the process, Lombard Street became a spectacle of urban design.But Lombard Street isn’t just about its curves. The road is also famous for its stunning visual appeal. The street is beautifully landscaped with flowers and plants, most notably hydrangeas, adding a splash of color to the gray pavement. This meticulous landscaping, combined with the red-brick road, creates a picturesque scene, especially in the spring and summer months when the flowers are in full bloom.<a href="https://www.sftravel.com/things-to-do/attractions/iconic-sf/lombard-street" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lombard Street | San Francisco Travel (sftravel.com)</a>

Exploring San Francisco

﻿In the mood for something yummy to sip or eat? We can't even begin to add all the epic places to visit to fill your tummy and satisfy your taste buds, but we can, at least, mention a few notable places only minutes from Kensington Park Hotel! Whether upscale or dive, you'll find a few choices below. Cheers!

STARLITELongtime San Francisco residents will know this place as Harry Denton’s Starlight Room, but in January 2024 the Beacon Grand unveiled a&nbsp;<a href="https://sf.eater.com/2024/1/22/24046771/starlite-room-union-square-bar-open" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">freshly remodeled space</a>&nbsp;with updated cocktail and food menus, now rebranded as Starlite. What hasn’t changed: the gorgeous views of Union Square. Espresso martini fans will want to check out Starlite’s version, which brings a hint of orange flavor with the addition of marmalade; meanwhile, the Cable Car Redux is a sidecar zhuzhed up with five spice and a showy dose of smoke. For food, tuck into hot fried chicken buns served two per order, or a plate of furikake french fries. <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/450%20Powell%20Street%2C%20San%20Francisco%2C%20California%2094102/37.789012,-122.408384" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">450 Powell Street, San Francisco, California 94102</a> (408) 252-7000 <a href="https://www.beacongrand.com/starlite" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Starlite at the Beacon Grand Hotel - Union Square Lounge &amp; Bar</a>

THE IRON HORSEIron Horse Cocktails is a local favorite for a few reasons, despite the cozy footprint of the space. The drinks are solid and poured expertly, and the dark speakeasy vibe actually feels cool, not manufactured. Pair that with the bar’s daytime business, a small coffee kiosk at the front that serves all manners of coffee including espressos, cortados, and lattes, plus they’ll also serve&nbsp;<a href="https://sf.eater.com/2024/5/9/24152965/iron-horse-bar-cocktails-coffee-san-francisco" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">boozy versions</a>&nbsp;of those coffee drinks if you can get there before the kiosk closes at 2:30 p.m. <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/25%20Maiden%20Ln%2C%20San%20Francisco%2C%20CA%2094108/37.788135,-122.403937" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">25 Maiden Ln, San Francisco, CA 94108</a> (415) 404-2877 <a href="https://www.ironhorsesf.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IRON HORSE Cocktails San Francisco - Historical Retro Style Bar in San Francisco Down Town (ironhorsesf.com)</a>

DEL POPOLOHaving slung his top-notch Neapolitan pizzas from a specially rigged, wood-oven-equipped truck for several years, local pizzaiolo Jon Darsky opened this lower Nob Hill spot and now has a&nbsp;<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516589&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fguide.michelin.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fcalifornia%2Fsan-francisco%2Frestaurant%2Fdel-popolo&amp;referrer=eater.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fsf.eater.com%2Fmaps%2Fbest-restaurants-union-square-sf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michelin Bib Gourmand listing</a>&nbsp;under his belt. It’s easily some of the best pizza in the city, but the menu also offers excellent salads and other seasonally changing-starters. <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&amp;query=Del+Popolo&amp;query_place_id=ChIJAyOgwo2AhYARCCxZE4yahWU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">855 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108</a> (415) 589-7940 <a href="https://www.delpopolosf.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Del Popolo (delpopolosf.com)</a> <a href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/san-francisco/restaurant/del-popolo?cjdata=MXxOfDB8WXww&amp;cjevent=31ff6544748311ef8218e2bc0a1cb825&amp;utm_source=cj&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=Skimlinks&amp;utm_content=100037205&amp;utm_term=15671072" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Del Popolo – San Francisco - a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant</a>

THE ROTUNDAIf you’re going to dine in Union Square, might as well pull out all the stops, right? The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus is all white tablecloths and fine dining, set beneath the store’s iconic stained-glass dome with unparalleled views of the square. The traditional move is to catch afternoon tea, though entrees are also offered for a heartier meal. <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&amp;query=The+Rotunda&amp;query_place_id=ChIJ2QAWz4iAhYARhwcyOa3aaoQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">150 Stockton St Level Four, San Francisco, CA 94108</a> (415) 249-2720 <a href="https://stores.neimanmarcus.com/restaurants/San%20Francisco/CA/1012-R-1/The%20Rotunda" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Rotunda - San Francisco (neimanmarcus.com)</a>

PACIFIC COCKTAIL HAVENThe acclaimed Pacific Cocktail Haven in Union Square is one of the most prestigious cocktail bars in the USA.Bartender and owner, Kevin Diedrich, is not short of accolades himself, having been nominated several times for "Best American Bartender," and he has created a lively and popular bar that is a neighborhood bar, as well as a tourist favorite.With a fantastic drinks menu, where better to pull up a stool at the traditional long bar and enjoy your favorite in the company of great people and in a fabulous and welcoming atmosphere!<a href="https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&amp;&amp;p=bf3ef2ebb0cb9ddbJmltdHM9MTcyNjQ0NDgwMCZpZ3VpZD0xYzNiM2JlYy03NWViLTYzZDQtMjIzMi0yZmMyNzQ2ZjYyZjAmaW5zaWQ9NTYwNg&amp;ptn=3&amp;ver=2&amp;hsh=3&amp;fclid=1c3b3bec-75eb-63d4-2232-2fc2746f62f0&amp;u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MTAxfn5Vbmtub3dufkFkZHJlc3NfTGluayZ0eT0xOCZxPVBhY2lmaWMlMjBDb2NrdGFpbCUyMEhhdmVuJnNzPXlwaWQuWU44NzN4OTMxMDEyODg3OTY1NzUyOTg0NyZwcG9pcz0zNy43ODkxODgzODUwMDk3NjZfLTEyMi40MDk4NTg3MDM2MTMyOF9QYWNpZmljJTIwQ29ja3RhaWwlMjBIYXZlbl9ZTjg3M3g5MzEwMTI4ODc5NjU3NTI5ODQ3fiZjcD0zNy43ODkxODh-LTEyMi40MDk4NTkmdj0yJnNWPTEmRk9STT1NUFNSUEw&amp;ntb=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">580 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108</a>&nbsp; (415) 398-0195 <a href="https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&amp;&amp;p=de76c8a9e34d4e9cJmltdHM9MTcyNjQ0NDgwMCZpZ3VpZD0xYzNiM2JlYy03NWViLTYzZDQtMjIzMi0yZmMyNzQ2ZjYyZjAmaW5zaWQ9NTU4Nw&amp;ptn=3&amp;ver=2&amp;hsh=3&amp;fclid=1c3b3bec-75eb-63d4-2232-2fc2746f62f0&amp;u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20vYWxpbmsvbGluaz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM2ElMmYlMmZ3d3cucGFjaWZpY2NvY2t0YWlsc2YuY29tJTJmJnNvdXJjZT1zZXJwLWxvY2FsJmg9eU1JUFJ1RDRSdHpVRzV3cDVxJTJmMFpUaXJtWFQwZEVjT2RMVzhXaVpUYVFNJTNkJnA9bHdfbHN0cHQmaWc9MkU0OTcyQUEwMTFENDI4MEFFN0M4QjExRTlGNUU1ODImeXBpZD1ZTjg3M3g5MzEwMTI4ODc5NjU3NTI5ODQ3&amp;ntb=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.pacificcocktailsf.com</a>

JOHNNY FOLEY'S IRISH HOUSEA visit to San Francisco should include a trip to Johnny Foley's Irish House. A restaurant and bar where the food is simply superb, with the menu being a mix of Irish and Californian cuisine.If you're not here for a meal, that's no problem, they're happy to serve you from their excellent drink menu. With live music often laid on, this is a lively yet relaxed bar with friendly clientele and a warm welcome.The fun atmosphere at Johnny Foley's is just what you'd expect from an Irish-influenced bar, so check it out when you're in town. <a href="https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&amp;&amp;p=341d4a4b6b851bb1JmltdHM9MTcyNjQ0NDgwMCZpZ3VpZD0xYzNiM2JlYy03NWViLTYzZDQtMjIzMi0yZmMyNzQ2ZjYyZjAmaW5zaWQ9NTY3NA&amp;ptn=3&amp;ver=2&amp;hsh=3&amp;fclid=1c3b3bec-75eb-63d4-2232-2fc2746f62f0&amp;u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MTAxfn5Vbmtub3dufkFkZHJlc3NfTGluayZ0eT0xOCZxPUpvaG5ueSUyMEZvbGV5JTI3cyUyMElyaXNoJTIwSG91c2Umc3M9eXBpZC5ZTjExNHgxNjA1OTQ4JnBwb2lzPTM3Ljc4NjI0NzI1MzQxNzk3Xy0xMjIuNDA4NzM3MTgyNjE3MTlfSm9obm55JTIwRm9sZXklMjdzJTIwSXJpc2glMjBIb3VzZV9ZTjExNHgxNjA1OTQ4fiZjcD0zNy43ODYyNDd-LTEyMi40MDg3Mzcmdj0yJnNWPTEmRk9STT1NUFNSUEw&amp;ntb=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">243 O’Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102</a> (415) 954-0777 <a href="https://www.johnnyfoleys.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Johnny Foley's (johnnyfoleys.com)</a>

THE IRISH BANKThe Irish Bank Bar &amp; Restaurant is one of America's most authentic,&nbsp;historically accurate and romantic Irish pubs. The Irish Bank can be found snugly nestled in its own lane in the heart of downtown San Francisco. <a href="https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&amp;&amp;p=e7b0ef95e14c417bJmltdHM9MTcyNzA0OTYwMCZpZ3VpZD0xYzNiM2JlYy03NWViLTYzZDQtMjIzMi0yZmMyNzQ2ZjYyZjAmaW5zaWQ9NTYzNA&amp;ptn=3&amp;ver=2&amp;hsh=3&amp;fclid=1c3b3bec-75eb-63d4-2232-2fc2746f62f0&amp;u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MTAxfn5Vbmtub3dufkFkZHJlc3NfTGluayZ0eT0xOCZxPVRoZSUyMElyaXNoJTIwQmFuayZzcz15cGlkLllOODczeDE5NzMwMzE1NjYzMDAwMzgwNSZwcG9pcz0zNy43OTAzOTM4MjkzNDU3Xy0xMjIuNDA0NDg3NjA5ODYzMjhfVGhlJTIwSXJpc2glMjBCYW5rX1lOODczeDE5NzMwMzE1NjYzMDAwMzgwNX4mY3A9MzcuNzkwMzk0fi0xMjIuNDA0NDg4JnY9MiZzVj0xJkZPUk09TVBTUlBM&amp;ntb=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Mark Ln, San Francisco, CA 94108</a>&nbsp; (415) 788-7152 <a href="https://www.theirishbank.com/#irishbank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Irish Bank</a>

GOLDEN GATE TAP ROOMWith the best beers, come to the best games. The Golden Gate Tap Room houses two regulation shuffleboard tables, three SkeeBall games, two foosball tables, new and vintage arcade games, and pool tables reside in the two video platforms. And for the modern sports fan, we have over 20 screens showing favorite live sporting events. 449 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 677-9999 <a href="https://www.ggtaproom.com/album" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PHOTO ALBUM – SAN FRANCISCO GOLDEN GATE TAPROOM &amp; GRILL (ggtaproom.com)</a>

Margaret & David

Margaret & David

Accommodations

Kensington Park Hotel