BIGMallrat's Editorial Review
 Embarcadero
Center is an urban mall that spans the bases of four towering
skyscrapers. Offering over 100 stores and outstanding architectural
features, you'll find a little something for everyone.
Taking advantage of the mild climate of
the waterfront, this open-air mall is a refreshing respite for
the 14,000 office workers sealed in the high-rises above.
With shops covering the street level and two levels
above, each building offers its own personality through art and
retail offerings. For first-time visitors, try the overhead walkways
shared by both the Promenade (third) and Lobby (Second) levels to
take in the views. Be sure to pause at some of the corners of the
magnificent buildings
and look straight up forty-five stories of offices (buildings 1
and 4).
Out of town visitors be warned, the weather here
is generally on the cool side most of the year, especially summer.
It calls for a jacket most of the year.
Atmosphere
An ocean of concrete gives it a cold, modern appearance;
yet it's appropriate for a large city.
Although the giant columns supporting the high-rises
above sometimes act as barriers, you can stroll the Lobby (second)
and Promenade (third) levels with ease. If you walk the Street (first)
Level, use the marked crosswalks to safely move between towers.
Stores
Embarcadero Center has no anchor stores,
but plenty of mid and high-end national retailers. Plus, many restaurants
that
cater
to the daytime working population with happy hours and casual dining.
One important draw is the Embarcadero Center
Cinema, which is a premier art house in the region, running foreign
and independent films.
Food
Some restaurants are attractive to visitors
who prefer recognizable casual-dining restaurants, such as Chevy's
Fresh Mex, Fuzio Universal Pasta, and Tony Roma's. Yet others will
enjoy the distinctively unique offerings, such as Gaylord
India Restaurant, Buckhorn Grill, Monte Cristo
Cafe, and Osha Thai Restaurant.
Art
A unique collection of art was created by developer
David Rockefeller. Every building showcases different sculptures,
murals, tapestries, and more. All from many talented artists,
including Olga de Amaral, Stephen DeStaebler, Jules Guerin, Fritz
Koenig, among others.
In the Hyatt Regency Hotel, you'll find "Eclipse,"
the enormous aluminum sculpture (35' in diameter) by Charles O. Perry.
Parking
Embarcadero Center features plenty of parking,
but for a fee.
Parking with validation
Weekdays (10 AM - 5 PM): Reduced rate up to 3
hours with validation only at select restaurants and EC Cinema ($5
minimum purchase).
1st hour = Free
2nd hour = $4.00
3rd hour = $4.00
Weeknights (5 PM - 12 AM): 4 hours FREE parking
with validation from select restaurants, Cinema, and
dental offices ($5.00 min. purchase).
Weekends (10 AM - 12 AM): 4 hours FREE parking
with validation from retail stores, restaurants, Cinema,
and dental offices ($5.00 min. purchase).
Parking without validation
Weekdays (5 AM - 5 PM): $2.50 each 15 minutes
Weeknights (5 PM - 12 AM): $3.00/hour
Weekends (10 AM - 12 AM): $3.00/hour
Daily Maximum (24 hours): $27.50
Additional areas of interest
Justin Herman Plaza, along the waterfront, features
the unique and controversial Villancourt Fountain. Another
must-see is the inside of the Hyatt Regency in Embarcadero
Five. It features San Francisco's only revolving restaurant, Equinox.
The hotel also offers some nice shops for tourists.
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