Far be it from me to suggest taking your child to happy hour. While there are many more inappropriate things one could do, the idea of sporting a baby around the overworked masses looking to get hammered on the cheap after a long day's work doesn't seem fun for anyone, unless you're dining in style at Des Amis in the Marina, where happy hour is food-focused and stroller friendly.
Hubby and I were running errands in the Marina one afternoon when we found ourselves ready for a late lunch. As we walked past Des Amis, where we'd dined once before for dinner, I noticed a new mom catching up with a friend over lunch and wine out front, baby and stroller safely tucked in next to their table. It was a bit chilly for our tastes so we headed inside only to have the hostess cheerily greet us with a "Welcome! Happy hour?"
Sure, why not?
We learned that each day the restaurant has happy hour from 3-7 pm with a special menu and cocktail and wine specials in their outdoor, lounge and bar areas, so we sat down with plenty of room for M.'s stroller and ordered-he had the burger, I had the chicken salad. While M. stared at everyone coming in and out of the door (it's her new thing and she's cute so no one minds) we gushed over how awesome our food was. Cafe Des Amis is not the kind of place to call something "world's best," but if they applied that label to the chicken salad I would never disagree. It's phenomenal--the chicken breast is sous vide, lightly seared on an applewood grill, sliced and served. As I approached the end I told Hubby it was the best chicken breast I've ever had. I thought about it for days after-I want one right now! Meanwhile he loved their burger but was really all about the fries--twice fried, super crunchy and perfectly seasoned.
As we were dining mid-day the restaurant was active but not crowded and our server was attentive and sweet with M. Even the busboy shared a bit of baby-babble with her! Our food came quickly (don't miss the bread), and our entire dining experience was fun and delicious.
One thing to note if you are stroller dining--the bathrooms are downstairs, and there is an elevator to the right of the bar.
Cafe Des Amis
2000 Union Street
San Francisco, Ca
Stroller Friendly? Yes
High Chairs? Yes
Takes Reservations? Yes, via Open Table
Changing Tables? No