Nob Hill: Bar Crudo

630 Bush Street

415-956-0396

Though this tiny raw bar is just blocks from Union Square, it’s no tourist joint. Locals in jeans and T-shirts gather at the zinc-topped bar, which wraps around the compact kitchen, to sample the inventive crudo and drink from a long list of Belgian ales. (The menu also includes cooked fish and hearty seafood soup.) A small upstairs dining room caters to a more businesslike crowd.

Dress: Jeans to jackets

Prices: Midrange

Reservations: Recommended for a table; not taken for bar

Close to: The Fairmont San Francisco

Financial District: Perbacco

230 California Street

415-955-0663

Perbacco offers the solo diner everything he or she needs—a long, marble-topped bar; two dozen wines by the glass; and pasta dishes in half portions, so you can leave room for a salumi plate or the signature five-hour pork sugo. The after-work crowd is friendly, and conversations start up easily. If Perbacco is full, try the Tadich Grill, a San Francisco institution with bar dining right next door.

Dress: Suits and business casual

Prices: Expensive

Reservations: Recommended for a table; not taken for bar

Close to: Mandarin Oriental San Francisco

Embarcadero: Piperade

1015 Battery Street

415-391-2555

Basque cuisine is known for its large communal meals, but Piperade takes a more individual approach, with lots of small dishes. The full menu is available at the long, curved bar, and there’s also a large table at the center of the restaurant for sampling shared dishes.The grilled meats are charred on the outside, juicy and perfectly pink on the inside. While this neighborhood only blocks from the heart of North Beach is busy during the day, at night it’s a bit empty. However, the bartender will be happy to call you a cab.

Dress: Suits and business casual

Prices: Midrange

Reservations: Recommended for a table; not taken for bar

Close to: Le Meridien San Francisco

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