Why isn't FW so great?

Probably your best bet, without going really pricey (think Gary Danko), I would suggest Scomas.

They probably have the best food on the Wharf.

If you don't mind hopping on the Muni Metro (N-Judah) - we like Thang Long on Judah & 46th in the Sunset district. We had a Fodors GTG there about 3-4 years ago. It was recommended by Thereyet, and it has become one of our "go to" places in The City (we have reservations for dinner there this coming Sat). It is actually Vietnamese, and their specialty is their secret roasted crab. We don't order crab, however, since it is a "no brainer" to have it at home (I ate 1 1/2 crabs for dinner last night). There garlic noodles & shaken beef are outstanding. They have large tables upstairs - which would work fine for a large group. It is quite popular.
http://www.anfamily.com/Restaurants/thanhlong_restaurant/displaypages/homepage.html

I have not dined at Fisherman's Wharf in the last 35 years (except for Gary Danko & Ana Mandara), so I can't give you first hand recommendations. We've dined at Scoma's in Sausalito several times, and it is quite good. So I assume that the one at the Wharf is OK too. If someone forced me to dine at the Wharf - that's where I would go (in disguise).

Stu Dudley

If Stu's Vietnamese suggestion doesn't fill the bill (sounds wonderful) . . Then Scoma's is a reliable option. Ieat there maybe once a year and almost always have the whole cracked crab.

Charnees, ask Thereyet, he knows ALL restaurants

Well, Scoma's looks like a candidate. FW is easy to get to, and if you have found it OK lately, we could do that. OR go to the one ib Sausalito? Would that be difficult for some of you?

Dukey1, we have found over the years that FW tends to be overpriced and poorer quality, as is the case with so many restaurants in big tourist locations.

We have probably eaten at Than Long 20 times over the years. The crabs are excellent although expensive and not the same as eating them at home. They also have another restaurant called Crustacean closer to downtown.

I've never been to Scomas at FW, but the one in Sausalito is not large enough for a group over 6. More difficult to get to for people staying in The City or south. The Wharf (UGH) would be better.

The crab at Scoma's is probably steamed/boiled in salted water & served cold (never had it at a restaurant, but I think that's how it is served in most FW places). The crab at Thanh Long is covered with "special" ingredients that are a secret, roasted, and served warm. Very messy to eat - you are supplied with bibs. Lots of tasty appetizers at Thanh Long too.

If the "plan" is a salad, bread, and traditional crab - then Scomas is the best bet, IMO. If you want unusual appetizers, garlic noodles, shaken beef, octopus, calamari, roasted crab, etc - then consider Thanh Long if the journey time getting there isn't too long.

Stu Dudley

Bring your trust fund if you're going to Scoma's.