pictures of washington dc landmarks Too bad the Argonaut doesn t have a pool. Then again, if it did, the other wharf hotels might go out

p. 141. Best B arbecue: N o whining and no deconstructing the barbecue sauce: you re not in Kansas City , Dorothy. In San F rancisco, w e think Memphis pictures of washington dc landmarks Minnie s (576 Haight St.; &415/8647675) does a fine job of smoking brisket and ribs. The slaw is good, too. See p. 144. Best Vegetarian: You can t beat Greens (Building A, Fort Mason; &415/7716222) for ex cellent meatless cuisine not to mention a lo vely, air y dining room and fabulous vie ws. S ee p. 133. Greens offers v egan dishes as w ell, but for those wishing to av oid any animal products whatsoever, Millennium (580 Geary S t.; & 415/345-3900) is the choice. pictures of washington dc landmarks See p. 108. I f that s not ear thy enough for you, try the all-raw menu at Caf Gratitude (1336 9th Ave.; &415/ 683-1346). Best Bakery: Tartine (600 Guerrero St.; &415/487-2600) pictures of washington dc landmarks actually has to advertise when its bread comes out of the oven (after 4pm, by the way). Otherwise, folks would be hanging ar ound all day to get a loaf of walnut br ead, which sells out immediately. See p. 148. Best C afe: N ot that kids r eally dig hanging out at cafes, but our kids (and plenty of other customers kids) love the croissants at Boulange de P olk (2310 Polk S t.; & 415/345-1107). They munch happily while parents sip cafe au lait and people watch from the sidewalk tables. See p. 140. Best Chinese in Chinato wn: The 13 R&G Lounge gets my nod because of its authentic and r efreshingly differ ent menu (631 K earny S t.; & 415/9827877). See p. 120. Best Chinese N ot in Chinato wn: In offering an out-of-Chinato wn choice, I m going to make a plug for Dragon Well (2142 Chestnut St.; &415/4746888), which offers Chinese food that has been California-iz ed, with an emphasis on v ery fr esh, high-quality ingredients and a lot less gr ease. S ee p. 136. Best Dim Sum: San Franciscans seem to be equally divided as to wher e to get the best dim sum. Many insist it s to be found at Ton Kiang in the Richmond District pictures of washington dc landmarks (5821 G eary B lvd.; & 415/ 387-8273). See p. 152. If you just can t head out that way during your stay, rest assured. It s a bit mor e expensive than Ton Kiang, but I m also a big fan of Yank Sing (101 Spear St., in the Rincon Center; &415/957-9300). See p. 124. To help familiariz e your kids with dim sum, check out the box Kids Guide to Dim Sum, below. Best Thai: By far our fav orite is Osha Thai R estaurant (2033 U nion S t., &415/567-6742). Just thinking about their pad see ew noodles makes my mouth water. See p. 137. Best E thnic R estaurant for K ids: If the ar ched ceilings, hand-painted Arabesque plates, and delectable Moroccan menu at Aziza (5800 G eary B lvd.; &415/752-2222) aren t exotic enough, head into the back r oom, which is full of North African styled sofas and cushions. B etter y et, wait until 7pm on weekends, when the belly dancer arrives. See p. 149. Best Italian: For a terrific family meal, Trattoria Contadina (1800 Mason St.; & 415/982-5728) offers hear ty pastas and a friendly ma-and-pa atmospher e. See p. 127. For truly exceptional Italian HOW TO FEEL LIKE A SAN FRANCISCO FAMILY

Too bad the Argonaut doesn t have a pool. Then again, if it did, the other wharf hotels might go out of business. When you call, ask whether the Neptune s Adventure package pictures of washington dc landmarks is still available. At last check, it granted a family of four a double queen room, passes to PIER 39 attractions and the H yde Street Pier, clever kids gifts, tickets pictures of washington dc landmarks for the cable car a mere block away, and a full br eakfast at the hotel s Blue Mermaid Chowder House