Hog Island Oyster Company A-

Located at the aforementioned Ferry Building, this small oyster bar/seafood counter features Happy Hour specials every Monday and Thursday from 5-7, with $1 oyster specials and $2.50 pints of beer.

Raw oysters are an aquired taste, but must be my favorite taste experience in the world. And they must be had fresh, so don't attempt your first raw oyster in the buffet at the Monte Carlo or in Manila... get it from a trusted oyster shucker. The oyster of the day is the $1 special and it varies from day to day, but can always be trusted to be GOOD. We shared 24 oysters, two beers (I.P.A and Hef) and the free sourdough bread, all for about $30 dollars! The service is brisk, namely because of the special, and the lines really back up right at 5, so try to get there a little early if you can. Squeeze a little lemon onto the oyster and you'll be good to go, trust me.

Our favorite foodchick Melissa left for Japan this past weekend. We love you Melissa!!

Hey Francis, and welcome. I'm not completely gone (yet), so here's a great place I tried last month:

Zax A

Upon browsing the Chronicle's Top 100 Bay Area restaurant's list, I noticed a place that I pass all the time on Telegraph on the way to the highway. Zax Tavern is this nondescript restaurant a few blocks down from Parker (trust me, you know where it is) that has been consistently lauded by reviewers but is practically unknown by Cal students. The diners were mostly post-work professionals; we were the only young couple there. The menu featured items like grilled salmon, pork chops, scallion horseraddish mashed potatoes, sorbets, and amazing appetizers. They are known for their goat cheese soufle, which at around 8 dollars was creamy and delicious. Another famous appetizer is the warm duck-liver salad. YOU MUST GET THIS DISH. Mustard dressing, baby greens, bacon, duck liver, and a poached egg on top. Seriously heaven at $9.75. For the main course, I got one of their gourmet hamburgers ($10). Jason got the rack of lamb, a much better choice at $18. Zax features several tasty sounding desserts; try the blueberry pastry with vanilla ice cream ($6.50), a great way to end your meal.

I highly recommend this place- the food that we tried (including the free bread) was all quality.