Rainforest Cafe

If you can’t afford to go on safari, there’s always the Rainforest Café in Fisherman’s Wharf. A meal here is a feast for all the senses. And while it’s definitely a tourist destination with hiked up prices (Rainforest Cafés are located in major destinations throughout the U.S., from Disneyland to Vegas to Atlantic City), it’s well worth experiencing at least once, even if you’re a local and especially if you have kids.

Depending on where you sit, the dining room will transport you to a lush forest setting or an underwater kingdom. In the forest, animated animals are built into the surroundings. Macaws flutter their colorful wings, elephants nod their wrinkled heads, jaguars twitch their tails, and gorillas chatter wildly in the mist. The mist sprays regularly into the dining room, and every now and then, a storm will brew, with simulated lightning and rain that will cause younger kids to squeal with terror and delight.

The underwater room features textured walls that look and feel like a wild coral reef. The ceiling here resembles the moving surface of water, and aquariums throughout the space dazzle onlookers with an impressive variety of live, tropical fish. Wherever you sit, you’ll hear forest sounds like bird songs and trumpeting elephants mingle with festive music.

The menu is just as lively as the setting, with a tropical theme and large servings you can easily share. Selections like China Island Chicken Salad, Macadamia Crusted Tilapia & Coconut Shrimp, and Amazon Fajitas feature an exotic twist, while other selections like Coastal Calamari, Rainforest Burger, and Little Islander Caesar Salad give exotic names to more traditional dishes.

The kids’ menu includes an activity book featuring Rainforest Café’s cheerful array of animated characters, from Iggy the Iguana to Cha! Cha! the tree frog. (Parents beware, because the same characters are also found in gift items throughout the retail village connected to the restaurant, beckoning the kids to take home something more than a full stomach.)

Desserts at the Rainforest Café are impressive – with the likes of the Volcano bursting with a humongous serving of ice cream, brownie, and hot fudge, all of it lit up with a sparkler on top. This is definitely a fun place!

HelloSanFrancisco tip: If you can make it on a weeknight – Wednesday is currently Family Night at the S.F. location. Kids eat for $3.99.
 

- by Renee M. Rutledge, San Francisco Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Renee M. Rutledge

Renee M. Rutledge currently writes articles on local travel and culture for Red Tricycle, Parents' Press, Oakland Magazine, and Alameda Magazine.