PRESIDIO EATS: Three Delicious Presidio Grab-n-Go Options

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2017 Category Food and Drink

You are likely already aware of many of the Presidio's fast and delicious food options – organic fare from the Warming Hut at Crissy Field, quick coffee and snacks at Starbucks in the Letterman Digital Arts Center, or the ready-made bites at the little Bridge Café located beneath the Round House Café at the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza.

But there may be a few options you have yet to discover – some with new choices at a good price-point, some innovative, and all easy and simply delicious!

1. TRANSIT Restaurant

Did you know that TRANSIT Restaurant – located at the bus and shuttle stop next to the Presidio Visitor Center – not only has made-to-order items (like their delicious oven-baked pizza at $4 a slice), but also reasonably priced pre-made items in their "grab n' go" fridge? Their menu changes regularly, and they have a rotating selection of wraps, fresh salads, seasonal fruit, and fresh sandwiches. Most grab and go sandwiches are priced at $7. This is a great spot to take a break (public restrooms!), and it's the perfect place to pull together a picnic to take on your park adventure.

2. New Food Machines at the Tides Thoreau Center

The Tides Thoreau Center is a mecca for good people doing good things. It currently houses more than 75 charitable organizations and social enterprises, and it's home to two art galleries as well as Café Rx – a Presidio favorite for weekday breakfast and lunch. More recently, the Tides folks installed self-serve fresh food kiosks by Byte Foods, stocking options from local vendors, such as The Town Kitchen, a food delivery service that employs low-income youth. The machines are pretty nifty – just choose an item, swipe your card, and grab your grub. Meals include healthy beverages, salads, wraps, sandwiches, pastas, and more. Prices range from $4 to $12. The Tides Thoreau Center building's hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

3. Presidio Palms Café

Presidio Palms Café, located inside the San Francisco Film Centre (39 Mesa Street on the Main Post), is a great spot to grab a weekday breakfast or lunch. They have plenty of tasty options, including their half sandwich and soup or salad combo, and their hard-to-resist cheese toast and tomato soup ($10.25). But if you're in a hurry, they have a selection of quick meals, like the Savory Turnover ($4), assorted cookies and scones ($3), and a refrigerator case featuring pre-packaged yogurt parfaits ($4.50), salads ($5), and pre-made sandwiches (prices vary, $9-12). They also have beverages, including fresh squeezed juice and lemonade ($3), agua frescas ($3.75), and a selection of the Presidio-brewed Fort Point Beer!

Then + Now: MacArthur Meadow	Historically, the site known as MacArthur Meadow is part of the Tennessee Hollow Watershed. It’s functioned as a wet meadow, collecting seasonal rains and filtering the water of three converging creek tributaries as the water makes its way to the bay.
Discovery of the Month: Uncovering the Foundations of El Presidio	This month the archaeologists of the Presidio Trust are back at work excavating around Pershing Square on the Main Post, so we bring you the Discovery of the Month from the FIELD! This month, our report comes from archaeologist Kari Jones.
Special Exhibition – Home Land Security	This special exhibition by the FOR-SITE Foundation examines the borders we create, protect, and cross in the name of security.
Presidio’s Greatest Lists: Five Great Ways to Get in the Halloween Spirit in the Presidio	The Presidio offers fun ways for kids AND adults to celebrate the spookiest season. Here's our list of the top five ways to get in the spirit.
Then + Now: El Presidio de San Francisco	In June, Pasados del Presidio special events commemorate the founding of the Presidio and celebrates the people of early California. Get in the spirit by tracing the evolution of the first Spanish fort in San Francisco from 1776 to the present.

The Greatest: Six Great Places to Picnic in the Presidio	The park features a half dozen stunning sites for picnicking – some with views, some with beaches, and some with perfect butterfly and bird watching nearby. Here are six great places to nosh in nature.
Presidio's Greatest Lists: Five Ways to Celebrate Women in the Presidio	In honor of International Women's Month, here are five ways to celebrate women in the Presidio.