Holiday in California

[GRRREAT]

Im travelling from LA to San Fransisco this summer for two weeks but having never been to the states am unsure of what would be suitable daily budget (accomodation and transport already confirmed) for eating out etc.

[Clanad]

Depends on your tastes... (pun only slightly intended).  On can eat at the chain type restaurants, i.e., Denny's, Perkins, etc., for perhaps an average of $6.00 to $8.00 (breakfast, lunch) and upwards of $12.00 to $15.00 for a reasonable dinner.  Beyond that, McDonalds, at the low end and wharf side exclusive restaurants can vary greatly.  A good, late evening, wine included, several pieces of silverware on three tablecloths, meal can run $40.00 to $75.00 per dinee...Welcome to the U.S.!

[jno]

No offence Clanad but... when did an old-fashioned diner become a dinee in Amerispeak? Or are diners only the place where you dine over there?

[Bangkok]

Echoing Clanad's thoughts, that part of California is a more expensive than most of the rest of the US.  However, if you are eating away from city centres (sorry, centers), and are prepared to walk a little to gauge prices, a decent main course that would feed you three times can be had for $10-15 (portions in chains tend to be huge - starter will be enough although you may get funny looks).  A lot of places will but leftovers in a box, so pick something you could eat again in the morning!  Wine prices vary enormously, as Napa wines tend to be overpriced and in demand.  There are a number of good microbreweries, where you pay a 50% - 100% premium over Bud, but it is worth it!  If you see it, try a pint of Napa Red, it is wonderful.   If the budget will stretch, try a hot air ballon over the Napa Valley.  Other than that, have fun. 

[Clanad]

Gee, try for only a little individuality... dinee seemed appropriately whimsical...

[POTTSY52]

hi  whatever you do stop at san lou o'bispo (bad spelling sorry) between the two- has the best steak house in the world and so affordable- if you get there ask for it and the locals will point you in the right direction.best food I have ever had! the name of it has slipped my mind since 3 years ago

[jno]

Oh, sorry Clanad... for professional purposes I have to try to keep up with American idiom, so I'm always on the alert for new ones... and since it wasn't yet April 1... Oh, I'll just go hide under a rock.

[Clanad]

I'm pretty sure this is the Steak House referenced...

http://www.dinnerbroker.com/restaurants/california/san_luis_obispo/tahoe_joe_s___san_luis_obispo/

No need for the rock,  jno...