With Father’s Day less than two weeks away, we know you’re hunting for the best gift for your dad and the best day to go with it. We’ve got you covered.
Every year, Father’s Day provides you the perfect opportunity to thank the dad in your life for everything he’s done for you. While we know material items don’t symbolize love, we’re here to provide you with some local gems and activities that will make that “thank you” as fun and meaningful as possible. Whether he’s a beer guy, a master chef, a comedy lover, or just wants to spend quality time with you, we hope these suggestions give you some ideas for a great day in the Bay with your dad.
Dine with Dad:
Chicken As Cluck (San Francisco)
This Father’s Day, the new SF gem Chicken As Cluck offers you a one-day-only, delicious dish that any dad couldn’t not love. If the name doesn’t convince you, maybe the fiery Nashville HotMacDaddy’s gooey mac ‘n cheese and crispy chicken chunks (topped with bacon & jalapeño) will! Nothing says “I love you, Dad,” like taking him to enjoy a memorable, limited-time-only meal. Chicken As Cluck has become well-known for its clever menu names, juicy chicken, signature “Secret AF Dipping Sauce,” and weekend secret menu. If all that doesn’t convince you, the restaurant itself is located just blocks from the waterfront, giving you plenty of spots where you can enjoy your food with a view.
Cassava (San Francisco)
Cassava is offering it all this Father’s Day. In addition to being able to reserve outside dining for both dinner & brunch, Cassava has put together a special Tomahawk Meal Set which any (non-vegetarian) dad would die for. The meal set, on the menu now through Father’s Day, includes 24 oz of bone-in ribeye seared rare, spring onion and bacon scalloped potatoes, and charred garlic Brussels sprouts ($72; serves 3-4 adults; take-out only). Link to order here.
Wilder
If you and your dad are looking for an all-around exciting dining experience, the new Marina hotspot Wilder is right up your alley. Not only does the country Western restaurant feature a creative menu of international comfort cuisine as well as a bar and live music venue Westwood, but Wilder even offers you the chance to teach your dad how to do a whiskey luge! Just pour the shot of whiskey down the bone and enjoy the “Tahoe Chic” atmosphere while you do. And like a sweet cherry on top, the mechanical bull waiting for you at Westwood right around the corner will complete a night of good food, good drinks, and good fun.
Drink with Dad:
Sans Wine Co.
If your dad (like mine) tries to keep a clean, healthy, balanced diet while also enjoying the occasional indulgence, then Sans Wine Co. has you covered. Sans additives, sans chemicals, and, most importantly, sans pretense, Sans Wine Co. goes beyond organic with their naturally crafted, old vine and vegan-certified eco-friendly canned wines. The perfect accompaniment to grilling, golfing, or just hanging out in the backyard, Sans Wine Co. has plenty of deals your dad will love.
Zialena Winery
Zialena Winery is offering a 2-pack of wines that include their 2017 Zinfandel and their 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. Zialena Winemaker and Fourth Generation Owner Mark Mazzoni attests to this perfect pair completing every Father’s Day, seeing as they usually accompany his own. On most of his Father’s Days, Mark will usually open two bottles at once around dinner time – the 2017 Zinfandel gets poured first and is a perfect accompaniment to meal prep, which Mark does outside on the patio. The abundant fruit and complex aroma profile will dial-up anyone’s appetite (we suggest noshing on some aged cheddar while you sip on this one!) Meanwhile, let your 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon open up a bit on the counter in a decanter while you wait patiently for the grilled meats to be prepared! Once dinner is ready, the Cabernet is poured, and the wine will have opened up to reveal clove and currant. A perfect end to Father’s Day your dad will love!
Local Brewing Co.
Of course, we can’t forget about all the beer dads out there (mine included). Local Brewing Co. is a self-proclaimed “destination brewery” located on Bluxome St. in San Francisco, that crafts small batches of beer filled with bold flavors and loads of local pride. With both indoor and outdoor dining options, this bustling brewery’s thriving atmosphere will make for a fantastic evening out with your dad.
To Do with Dad:
Jack London Square Farmer’s Market
If you’re looking for an activity the whole family would love, the Jack London Square Farmer’s Market is a no-brainer. This market gives you a chance to spend some great quality time with dad while also supporting local vendors and businesses. Head over to Oakland between 10-2 on Father’s Day and enjoy a morning strolling along the waterfront, shopping fresh produce and products, and maybe even stopping for lunch at one of the unique food vendors. Easily accessible by BART and the San Francisco Ferry, you can also find directions to the farmers market here.
SF Giants Game at ORACLE Park
If your dad is anything like mine, he loves going to a good baseball game with his family. What better way to spend Father’s Day than back in our beloved ORACLE park watching the Giants kick some Philly booty? On June 20th, the Giants will be playing the Philadelphia Phillies in the final game of a three-game series, so if you’re feeling generous, you could even treat your dad to a three-game long Father’s Day! Nevertheless, this afternoon game is the perfect way to get some quality time in with the pops while cheering on your favorite team. Find current social distancing guidelines and the full game schedule here, and tickets for upcoming games here.
Live Comedy at Nido’s Backyard
For the dads who like to laugh – this stellar lineup of the Bay Area’s best comedians at Nido’s Backyard Comedy Show will have him cracking up. Regulars at SF Sketchfest, Clusterfest, Cobb’s Comedy Club, the San Francisco Punch Line, and more will have you laughing the night in the outdoor patio of one of Oakland’s hottest restaurants. You can reserve a table for 2 for $30 or a table for 4 for $50, and have the option of either the early show or the late show, depending on your Father’s Day itinerary.
Quality Cooking Time with A-Five Meat Company
A-Five Meat Company is calling all the meat-loving, grill master dads with this Father’s Day opportunity. Order your dad the Wagyu Sampler, a deal that comes with 4 pieces of Wagyu at 2oz per piece from the Kagawa, Miyazaki, Shiga, and Hokkaido prefectures, now $180 per pack for monthly or quarterly subscriptions. This gift is a two-for-one: you can cook with your dad, and you can eat with him too!
Deals for Dad:
Proclamation Goods Kitchen Essentials
This San Francisco-based company’s products are perfect for the dad that’s always in the kitchen. These intelligently designed kitchen essentials will declutter your dad’s “workspace,” making cooking even more enjoyable for your master chef dad. Check out their deals on their website.
Artwork from Creativity Explored
Creativity Explored will provide you beautiful, unique pieces filled with purpose that any dad, or more accurately, any person, would love. This Mission-based gallery features artwork created exclusively by artists with developmental disabilities, aiming to give these creators an avenue to sell their work and express themselves. These inspiring pieces would not only brighten up your dad’s life but would brighten the life of the artists and Creativity Explored community as well.
Records from Amoeba Music
If your dad grew up any time within the last century, chances are he’s at least a little bit into music. Amoeba Music, the vibrant record store with locations in both Berkeley and San Francisco, has everything you need to give your dad the perfect music-themed gift. Vintage records, endless CDs of every genre, even an array of vintage posters your dad would freak out over. If he has even one favorite band, you’ll find something at Amoeba Music for him!
// Feature photo by Kelly Sikkema.