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Rotunda at Neiman Marcus
Rotunda at Neiman Marcus

Where to Eat and Drink After Your Photo Session with Santa

Restaurants near the Bay's various Santas that welcome kids, and have booze for grown-ups.

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Rotunda at Neiman Marcus

It's once again the time of year to drag the whole family down to the Bay Area's epicenters of commerce, and force them all to sit on the lap of a costumed stranger. Whether you're visiting Macy's Santaland, the Westfield San Francisco Centre, or Fairy Winterland (Santa will visit December 15-23) at Oakland's Fairyland, you'll probably be dealing with long waits, hungry kids, and an increasing need to take the edge off. After the crying stops, feed your crew and numb the pain with a cocktail at one of these family-friendly establishments.

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Super Duper Burger

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For a fast-casual burger that's better-than-average, Super Duper fills the bill, and has multiple locations around Union Square. If you're feeling festive, add a beer or a soju-spiked milkshake.

Daily Grill

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An extensive kid's menu and daily happy hour (3-6pm) are a big part of Daily Grill's charm. Expansive, bustling and brimming with high chairs, it delivers on all the comforting promise of a chain restaurant.

M.Y. China

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Nestled in the heart of Westfield Centre, M.Y. China provides modern Chinese food and will entertain your children without the crutch of an iPhone as they create handmade noodles right before their eyes. If you're feeling flush, treat everyone to a six-course Dungeness crab feast, highlighting the six provinces of China.

Tap (415)

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A new addition to the Westfield Centre's luxury eating options, Tap (415) is a craft-beer focused eatery from the people behind 25 Lusk. The restaurant has 20 craft beers, wines and cocktails on tap, to pair with hearty bar-friendly food. End the meal with an adult milkshake for mom and pops, and a sweet sundae for the little ones.

Sears Fine Food

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Originally opened in 1938 by a retired circus clown, Sears Fine Food was first known for their special Swedish pancake recipe. Truly a San Francisco institution, they're still serving up classic American fare like pot roast, pork chops and of course, adorable mini pancakes with lingonberry sauce.

Bun Mee

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Bun Mee's Market location is a great option for a quick banh mi sandwich or noodle bowl. They also have beer and wine, if that's where the day is headed. And even if you're not in the mood for a meal, their delicious house-made coconut cookie provides a nice burst of sugar-fueled energy for further shopping.

Tropisueño

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This magical restaurant is a taqueria by day and a full-service Mexican restaurant by night. Please every picky little so-and-so in your group with tacos, burritos and quesadillas. And for the big so-and-so: margaritas.

Kin Khao

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Small and spicy, Kin Khao serves some of the best Thai food in San Francisco. Swing by post-Santa for something to make you feel alive again, like the Pretty Hot Wings and a drink from cocktail masters the Bon Vivants.

The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus

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Trying to make an impression? Land a table at the super-classy Rotunda at Neiman Marcus. White table cloths, a view of Union Square and afternoon tea will make this a memorable occasion for everyone involved. Just don't look down.

TrueBurger

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Soft buns, flavorful patties and killer milkshakes are the deal at this small, casual burger restaurant. It's super-close to Fairyland, so if you've got a ravenous crew on your hands this is your best bet for immediate satisfaction.

Proposition Chicken

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Located just down the street from Fairyland, Prop C has grilled and fried chicken in sandwiches, salads, or platters. It's quick, easy, and pleasing to the whole family.

Proposition Chicken

Super Duper Burger

For a fast-casual burger that's better-than-average, Super Duper fills the bill, and has multiple locations around Union Square. If you're feeling festive, add a beer or a soju-spiked milkshake.

Daily Grill

An extensive kid's menu and daily happy hour (3-6pm) are a big part of Daily Grill's charm. Expansive, bustling and brimming with high chairs, it delivers on all the comforting promise of a chain restaurant.

M.Y. China

Nestled in the heart of Westfield Centre, M.Y. China provides modern Chinese food and will entertain your children without the crutch of an iPhone as they create handmade noodles right before their eyes. If you're feeling flush, treat everyone to a six-course Dungeness crab feast, highlighting the six provinces of China.

Tap (415)

A new addition to the Westfield Centre's luxury eating options, Tap (415) is a craft-beer focused eatery from the people behind 25 Lusk. The restaurant has 20 craft beers, wines and cocktails on tap, to pair with hearty bar-friendly food. End the meal with an adult milkshake for mom and pops, and a sweet sundae for the little ones.

Sears Fine Food

Originally opened in 1938 by a retired circus clown, Sears Fine Food was first known for their special Swedish pancake recipe. Truly a San Francisco institution, they're still serving up classic American fare like pot roast, pork chops and of course, adorable mini pancakes with lingonberry sauce.

Bun Mee

Bun Mee's Market location is a great option for a quick banh mi sandwich or noodle bowl. They also have beer and wine, if that's where the day is headed. And even if you're not in the mood for a meal, their delicious house-made coconut cookie provides a nice burst of sugar-fueled energy for further shopping.

Tropisueño

This magical restaurant is a taqueria by day and a full-service Mexican restaurant by night. Please every picky little so-and-so in your group with tacos, burritos and quesadillas. And for the big so-and-so: margaritas.

Kin Khao

Small and spicy, Kin Khao serves some of the best Thai food in San Francisco. Swing by post-Santa for something to make you feel alive again, like the Pretty Hot Wings and a drink from cocktail masters the Bon Vivants.

The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus

Trying to make an impression? Land a table at the super-classy Rotunda at Neiman Marcus. White table cloths, a view of Union Square and afternoon tea will make this a memorable occasion for everyone involved. Just don't look down.

TrueBurger

Soft buns, flavorful patties and killer milkshakes are the deal at this small, casual burger restaurant. It's super-close to Fairyland, so if you've got a ravenous crew on your hands this is your best bet for immediate satisfaction.

Proposition Chicken

Located just down the street from Fairyland, Prop C has grilled and fried chicken in sandwiches, salads, or platters. It's quick, easy, and pleasing to the whole family.

Proposition Chicken

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