(Opera Plaza): The enormous message board above this cafe's open kitchen, with humorous slogans such as 'Eat, Darling, Eat,' will put you in good spirits. With the bounty of author appearances here, perhaps one of your favorite writers will stop by soon. If you're pondering what to read, stop by the Staff Picks table, with its assortment of books, each accompanied by a handwritten review by an employee.

(Opera Plaza): This independent bookstore stocks the usual categories, such as cooking and fiction, along with an excellent photography and visual and performing arts section. Charter was signed in this building on June 26, 1945. Herbst TheatreĤ01 Van Ness Ave.: While attending a lecture, performance or other event in this theater, take the time to view Frank Brangwyn's eight Beaux Arts murals depicting earth, air, fire and water, originally made for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition. War Memorial Opera Houseģ01 Van Ness Ave.: The San Francisco Ballet, which is celebrating its 75th year, and the San Francisco Opera share the Opera House. Photo by Katy Raddatz / The San Francisco Chronicle #Notes: #Special Instructions: MANDATORY CREDIT FOR PHOTOG AND SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE/NO SALES-MAGS OUT KATY RADDATZ Show More Show LessĢ01 Van Ness Ave.: The sleek design and well-raked seats of Davies Symphony Hall, home of the San Francisco Symphony, make it an exhilarating place to hear classical music performed. in San Francisco, Calif., Bernard Norris prepares to deliver a lunch order on Thursday March 13, 2008.

Photo by Katy Raddatz / The San Francisco Chronicle #Caption History: At Max's Opera Cafe, on Van Ness Ave. Photo by Katy Raddatz / The San Francisco Chronicle #Notes: #Special Instructions: MANDATORY CREDIT FOR PHOTOG AND SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE/NO SALES-MAGS OUT KATY RADDATZ Show More Show Less 2 of5 #Live Caption: At Max's Opera Cafe, on Van Ness Ave. Photo by Katy Raddatz / The San Francisco Chronicle #Caption History: The southern gatepost of the opulent gate enclosing the area between the War Memorial Opera House and the Herbst Theater, with City Hall in the background, on Van Ness Ave. 1 of5 #Live Caption: The southern gatepost of the opulent gate enclosing the area between the War Memorial Opera House and the Herbst Theater, with City Hall in the background, on Van Ness Ave.

Max opera cafe