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 A touch of Hollywood in Bernal Heights |
3286 Mission Street (between Excelsior and Brazil streets) San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 641 8445 |
This homey and inviting cafe pays homage to Hollywood. The jukebox plays soundtracks from the movies, and posters and life size cutouts of Hollywood starlets are placed throughout. The food, a smattering of traditional diner fare like juicy burgers, huge sandwiches, and crispy fries, is good and the prices are right. Breakfast is served all day by the friendly and efficient wait staff, who can also tell you about the daily specials that are always a great deal. Only cash is accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gourmet market |
1200 Irving St (between Funston and 14th avenues) San Francisco, CA 94122 United States +1 415 753 0403 http://www.andronicos.com/ |
This large, upscale Sunset market has a lot to offer. Clean, pleasant, and filled with gourmet groceries. You will find everything you could possibly need including health, organic and bulk foods, beer and spirits. Why cook when this market offers a deli and rotisserie counter filled with fresh pastas, salad, side dishes, and healthy meat dishes? The seafood is also extensive with shellfish, fresh and saltwater fishes. One of the largest collection of microbrews in The City is an added plus. Although it is more expensive than traditional grocery stores, you get higher quality goods. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rick Audet  |
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East meets west |
11 Digital Drive, Suite C San Francisco, CA 94949-5736 United States +1 415 382 8298 |
The guys who run this authentic New York-style deli have done an excellent job of recreating the East Coast deli experience out west. The generically functional tables, chairs and counter could have been transported as one from Brooklyn to the delight of the locals who crowd it. Ditto the contents of the display cases in the take-out at the rear. All the greats that can be difficult to find in the Bay Area are here and served up in heaping portions that would please your Bubbe. The Beef Brisket, in particular, is delicious and so tender that you can cut it with your fork. It is great with a Dr. Brown's cel-ray tonic or Cream Soda. For breakfast, try the lox and eggs or the plump cheese blintzes bursting with farmer's cheese or the matzo brie. For desert, try the creamy and dense cheesecake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cheap good eats |
747 Irving Street (between Eighth and Ninth avenues) San Francisco, CA 94122 United States +1 415 665 7440 |
Also known since the 40s as Art's Fine Foods, this tiny counter-service place serves honest food at honest prices and always with a smile. The decor has not changed much since it opened, though the formica counter has been jazzed up with postcards from far and near. The path worn in the floor paint attests to the loyal local following. A breakfast of two eggs, two pancakes, two slices of bacon or sausage is less than $5. Omelettes of all kinds are $5 or less and so are the sandwiches and burgers. Tangy and tasty Korean BBQ is a recent and popular addition to the menu. Only cash is accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alexander |
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A little of everything |
2656 Bridgeway San Francisco, CA 94965-1400 United States +1 415 332 8083 |
There are all sorts of fusion cuisines going on these days but none quite like what you will find here at this unassuming little family-run restaurant. The food is Indian. Not a region of India, but a little of every kind of regional cooking from that subcontinent. But the fusion does not end there. The menu includes whatever strikes the fancy of the owners, so next to the Vegetable Samosas you'll find Spinach Ravioli and a specialty of the house, a Punjabi Tostada. It all tastes great, especially with the house-made Chutney and Tamarind Sauce. The chat from the family that cooks and serves is engaging and so are the crowds that include locals, tourists and retirees. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Upscale nostalgia |
44 East Blithedale Avenue San Francisco, CA 94941-1916 United States +1 415 388 6003 |
An upscale take on regional American cuisine is served here in an authentic American setting. The casually chic diner with counter service and a small full service bar is housed in a converted gas station for an effect that is whimsical and nostalgic. The food may inspire some nostalgia, too. The menu offers meat loaf with gravy and garlic mashed potatoes, shrimp croquettes with roasted pepper aioli, as well as grilled steak and fish dishes. Seasonal specials round out the entrees. The noise level can get high here, but the food is delicious and the wine list, heavy on California vintages, makes up for that as does a personable wait staff. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Marina favorite |
2346 Chestnut Street San Francisco, CA 94123 United States +1 415 346 1801 |
This family-owned diner has been feeding the Marina for over two decades. Usually busy in the morning hours with an eclectic crowd, this contemporary American coffee shop is a great place for catching up with family and friends. Enjoy breakfast or lunch in this bright and airy coffee shop's friendly and relaxed environment. The menu consists of classic breakfast and lunch dishes like omelets, French toast and eggs Benedict, hamburgers, sandwiches and salads. If you like the way things are done here, you will appreciate the owner's other coffee shop, the Flower Market Cafe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dawn Endico |
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Tasty Burgers |
5740 Geary Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94121 United States +1 415 933 6232 |
If you're in the mood for a quick, scrumptious burger but just can't face the fast-food joint, try Belly Burger in the Outer Richmond. Pay just five dollars and get one of the best-tasting burgers in town. Plus, they have all-you-can-add toppings and a "natural beef" option for those who prefer it. Toppings go way beyond the usual lettuce, tomato and onion - try avocado, sprouts or even pineapple atop one of their perfectly grilled patties. You won't leave disappointed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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San Francisco time machine |
2315 Clement Street (Between 24th and 25th Avenues) San Francisco, CA 94121 United States +1 415 221 5262 http://www.billsplace.qpg.com/ |
This is the San Francisco of the 1950s: gum-cracking waitresses with big smiles and long pony tails, oldies rising from the antique jukebox, thick milkshakes made with real ice cream spilling from old-fashioned stainless steel cups. Gourmet burgers, salty fries and other diner favorites round out the pre-cholesterol-counting era menu. On a sunny day, enjoy your trip down memory lane outside on the garden patio. Most entrees are $6-10 with a few that are higher. Great burgers, great California atmosphere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mom's best |
2337 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94114 United States +1 415 863 2583 |
Upscale diner food is the star here with classic comfort foods re-imagined as gourmet classics. The Chicken Pot Pie is full of the freshest produce and Bechemal Sauce instead of the usual vapid veggies and starchy gravy. The classic Chilled Green Salad has a Pesto Sauce instead of mere oil and vinegar. The place is hopping all day with a nimble wait staff delivering plates heaped high with food to the dotcommers, students and hip families that frequent the chrome and cement favorite. There is usually a wait, but food this good is worth it! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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SoMa cantina |
1198 Folsom Street (at the corner of Eighth Street) San Francisco, CA 94103 United States +1 415 626 6043 |
This is a festive little Mexican restaurant in SoMa. Find a full bar and a menu packed with all your favorites. The restaurant is aesthetically pleasing with a colorful decor and a friendly staff. After work, it is a great place to sit at the bar, drink margaritas, and share a plate of the house special, Supreme Nachos. It serves deli sandwiches with a side salad. Beyond the deli, the menu features the traditional Mexican fare like Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Fajitas, and Huevos Rancheros. Chimichangas and Crab Enchiladas are a couple of the house specialities. The margaritas are locally famous. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Comfort food |
566 San Anselmo Avenue San Francisco, CA 94960 United States +1 415 459 6862 http://www.bubbas-diner.net/ |
This is the Marin version of down-home cooking in a glitzy diner setting complete with formica tables and linoleum flooring. There are grits on the menu, but they are mixed with portobello mushrooms, and the same menu offers both Meat Loaf and Poached Salmon Salad. It is all rib-sticking hearty, but the idea that this is what you'd find in a dive south of the Mason-Dixon line is a fantasy. Never mind. It's a fun and casual place for a great meal replete with comfort foods that nurture the cross-section of patrons young and old that pack the place. The wait staff is nurturing, too, in its own way, especially when bearing Chicken-fried Steak or Tapioca Pudding. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Quick burgers |
101 Spear Street San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 777 9200 |
An unassuming hamburger joint this may be, but the burgers are terrific, made from quality cuts of lean beef, cooked to order and then slathered with onions that are fried to just this side of caramelized. The patrons are Financial District types and other assorted office workers grabbing a quick bite for lunch. It is the same crowd at breakfast, though the offerings of eggs and hash browns while still well-priced are not quite as tasty as the burgers. The owner is friendly, but usually too busy to chat while giving great service to the crowds his food attracts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: HawBone |
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Burgers worth driving for |
807 Valencia Street (between 18th and 19th streets) San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 824 3494 http://burgerjointsf.com/ |
The atmosphere is casual and there are the usual burger joint tables and chairs, but the color scheme is vibrantly contemporary and the beef is organic from Nieman-Shell, one of the premiere producers. Burgers are grilled over charcoal to-order and come with fresh, truly ripe tomatoes. The fries are thick-cut and deep-fried to perfection. There is no better accompaniment than the milkshakes made the old-fashioned way with premium ice cream. The crowd is a mix of tourists and locals, some who drive across the city for the great food. The wait staff is hip and efficient. Payment is in cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Adams |
 Photo: Nathan Gunter |
 Photo: Marc Novakowski |
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Best Burger in Town, Hands Down |
138 Church San Francisco, CA 94114 United States 415 566 1274; 415 296 9907; 415 437 2874 http://www.burgermeistersf.com |
Burgermeister is a classy, clean burger joint that has been known to tempt even the devout vegans who get a passing whiff of their Organic Niman Ranch beef patties sizzling on the grill. They do have vegetarian options, such as their scrumptious grilled portobello mushroom burger and several veggie burger varieties, but honestly, the beef cannot be beat. Top off your burger of choice with all the fresh fixings and their special zesty chipotle sauce, and share a basket of their exceptional garlic fries. Call or check their website and visit any of their three San Francisco locations for an experience you won't soon forget. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Everyday |
123 Seventh Street San Francisco, CA 94103-2835 United States +1 415 626 6950 |
Located off the 7th Street exit of Highway 101, this bright spot is open everyday, including holidays, and offers free parking and private dining facilities. Cozy and comfortable rather than upscale and trendy, it is a friendly home-away-from-home spot. This family-friendly restaurant has a full bar and serves popular contemporary dishes like steak, seafood and pasta. It is also a great choice for breakfast serving everything from cereal and oatmeal to Belgian waffles and Denver omelets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Multimedia Gulch spot |
102 South Park Avenue San Francisco, CA 94107 United States +1 415 882 1500 http://www.caffecentro.com/ |
Here in the heart of Mulitmedia Gulch is a fun spot for hip and hip wannabes. It is a good choice for grabbing a croissant and cafe au lait for breakfast, a frittata for lunch, or an intense espresso during an afternoon break served by a counter staff that turns over more quickly than the stock market. The setting is strictly hi-tech minimalist with pale walls of uncertain color, metal furniture and a floor that cannot decide if it is a mosaic or a mural. The outdoor seats take advantage of one of The City's few sunbelts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classic North Beach |
1600 Stockton Street San Francisco, CA 94133-3316 United States +1 415 391 1290 |
A bit of authentic North Beach ambiance is what you will find at this unpretentious spot. The decor is classic Italian restaurant, down to the checkered tablecloths, and so is the food which includes carefully prepared spaghetti, ravioli, lasagna as well as Osso Bucco and Scampi that is served up by a quick wait staff to tourists, yuppies and locals who have been coming here for more than twenty years. A substantial breakfast is served all day. The house coffee is made from beans roasted in-house and makes the visit worthwhile by itself. Sip some over an Italian pastry while you watch the passing parade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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New York-Style Tradition |
The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco 3200 California Street San Francisco, CA 94118 United States +1 415 922 3354 http://www.californiastreetdel... |
This is not your average west-coast sandwich joint. The California Street Delicatessen & Cafe is a strong-willed recreation of an authentic New York deli, complete with attitude and hustle 'n' bustle. Come in and enjoy heartwarming matzo-ball soups, rich smoked-fish platters, hearty brisket sandwiches and a real egg cream to wash it all down. You can even order from a list of full-size dinner plates. Stuffed cabbage or homemade meatloaf anyone? And, okay, since this is the west coast, it should be noted that all the meats and produce here come from the finest local purveyors. See website for menu, by-the-pound menu, photos and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A pleasant mix |
1624 Powell Street (at the corner of Union Street) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 392 0144 http://www.curlysbar.com.au/ |
This North Beach landmark must be what diners are like in Yokohama. The classic decor features a chrome counter, stools, a few tables, and things you do not usually find in such a place, such as soy sauce on the tables and deliciously flavorful 'donburis' on the menu next to the juicy hamburgers and all-American breakfasts of bacon and eggs. It is an odd but welcome combination to find in Italian North Beach. The counter staff is cheerful and efficient whether you are a regular or a tourist visiting North Beach for the first time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jared Hanson |
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Authentic Jewish food |
474 Geary Street (between Powell and Mason streets) San Francisco, CA 94108 United States +1 415 276 5950 |
This deli is one of the few places in San Francisco where you can get good Jewish food. It is not much different than a Jewish deli in New York with its Formica counters and solid, unfussy food. There is nothing to kvetch about in the corned beef sandwich and the matzo ball soup can cure what ails you, physically or spiritually. It is worth saving room for one of the pastries shown off so prominently in the window display. Meals here are $15 or less and the service is quick and friendly. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Katheline jean-pierr |
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Hearty and great |
200 Shoreline Highway San Francisco, CA 94941 United States +1 415 381 0298 http://www.dipseacafe.com/ |
Real farmhouses probably do not have murals of farmyard life in the dining room, but they might very well have the checkered tablecloths and the home-style food that is served up in ample portions at this local favorite. The personable wait staff is always on the move with plates of homemade biscuits and gravy, pancakes, scrambled eggs and the other makings of a hearty country breakfast. For lunch, things take a more Marin turn with seared ahi and Salad Nicoise served up along with the terrific burgers and fries. There is a separate menu for kids and a great meal for all. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Town center |
574 Magnolia Avenue San Francisco, CA 94939-1343 United States +1 415 924 9334 |
This popular local spot for breakfast gets a lot of fan mail to judge by the plethora of postcards that cover its walls. Cozy and bright with tchatchkes decorating the shelves and a neighborly attitude, it attracts families with kids, students, local artists and tourists with its huge breakfasts and equally satisfying lunches. Pecan waffles are locally famous as the other breakfast offerings of omelets and pancakes, that are served all day. The lunch menu has sandwiches stacked high with quality ingredients, hamburgers and a daily special that could be enchiladas or moussaka depending on the owner's whim. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The perfect place to share a milkshake |
1300 Battery Street San Francisco, CA 94111 United States +1 415 982 2000 http://www.fogcitydiner.com/ |
The diner scene has always been about good conversations over hearty plates of food. This New York-style diner, complete with brass railings and display dessert cases, happily keeps that tradition as it caters to a yuppie and tourist clientele. It offers up American favorites with contemporary twists that date back to its original chef, Cindy Pawlcyn. The grill continuously flips hamburgers and lamburgers with grilled fennel and tomato-mint chutney. A variety of salads such as Oakleaf Lettuce with Maytag Blue Cheese and Currants is available. The service is great, and with comfy black leather booths to dine in, there is no need to make haste! And don't forget the malted milkshakes! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: R.Henry Goins |
 Photo: surfiñg sløvak |
 Photo: Mary Lynn Masek |
 Photo: Jack French |
 Photo: Sara Jo |
 Photo: David Rietdorf |
 Photo: Barbara Haven |
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Unexpected and delicious |
1525 Pine St (between Polk Street and Van Ness Avenue) San Francisco, CA 94109 United States +1 415 673 8268 http://www.sfgrubstake.com/ |
Do not mistake this diner with a typical San Francisco tourist trap. Beyond the garishly painted exterior featuring the Golden Gate Bridge and a curly-cue city skyline, you will find a cozy converted railroad car that serves up some very fine burgers, fries and milkshakes. But that is not all. Portuguese specialties such as Bacalbau a Gomes de Sa (codfish with eggs and olives) can be found depending, according to the menu, on availability. The service is always good, but the crowd changes with the hour. Daytime and early evening, it is full of local professionals with their families and students from around town. Later at night, after the area bars have closed down, it becomes a bit more boisterous with people drifting in for a munchie and a cup of java after a night of drinking. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anne van Schooneveld |
 Photo: Jason Woodard |
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Organic and natural foods |
1621 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 487 1540 |
Committed to healthy living? If the answer is yes then patronize this independent health food store, located in the heart of San Francisco's legendary Haight-Ashbury district. Catering exclusively to the healthy and environmentally conscious individual, this store is filled with a variety of goods. You will find organic fruits and vegetables, vegan-friendly edibles, bulk nuts, grains and dried fruits, and more plus dietary supplements, herbal medicines and all-natural beauty aides. Do not miss the delicious soups, salads and made-to-order sandwiches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Just like the old days |
1801 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94103-1107 United States +1 415 431 6395 |
Take a trip to the 1930s by visiting this corner coffee shop that is been around since then and has not changed much over the years, except for changing hands to the family that has run it with style and good humor since the '50s. The neon sign is vintage, too. Sit at the counter with locals, or in one of the booths by the huge windows, sip a lemon Coke and listen to your favorite oldie playing on the jukebox. There are the usual burgers, fries, shakes, and banana splits on the menu, with eggs and pancakes for the breakfast crowd. It is all good and there is not a thing to break the spell of being in another time and place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marc van Woudenberg |
 Photo: Emily Wilska |
 Photo: Mike Fischer |
 Tasty barbecue |
1222 Stockton Street San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 433 3981 |
There is no better place to buy Chinese barbecue anywhere than here at one of the oldest shops in Chinatown. The place has been remodeled through the years into a generic-looking butcher shop, but the BBQ duck, pork, chicken and beef is in a class by itself, sweet and tangy with a hint of a spicy bite. The efficient counter staff can de-bone your to-go purchases, or you can sample the wares in the tiny dining area, which is generally overcrowded and claustrophobic during peak hours. Payment is in cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Middle Eastern comfort food |
1924 Irving Street San Francisco, CA 94122-1714 United States +1 415 681 3337 |
If you are craving freshly made Baba Ganouj or real Persian-style yogurt, this is the place to go. The ambiance is pure '50s Americana with red vinyl booths, but the selection of imported olives and house-made stuffed grape leaves make this a far more enriching delicatessen experience. You can also get Coleslaw, Potato Salad and an excellent selection of sandwiches made to order. The family that runs this nice find is equally adept in both cuisine worlds and everyone always has a ready smile to go with that Tuna Melt or Falafel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great deals |
250 Hyde Street San Francisco, CA 94102-3324 United States +1 415 441 4884 |
Beneath the ceiling fans of this diner, you can get a prime rib dinner (a good one at that) for a very reasonable price. You will get a Lettuce Salad and a bowl of soup with that. The prices are good, but the ambience is only so-so, as are the breakfasts. The paint could be spruced up a bit and some of the tables have seen better days, but the expenditure would probably raise the prices. Seen like that, the faded glory becomes more charming than anything else. The service is brisk if impersonal with the crowd of tourists and blue-collar locals, but at those prices, who cares? Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: james dillon |
 Photo: Dave Glass |
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Retro diner |
149 Powell Street San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 677 9999 http://www.lorisdiner.com/ |
This downtown eatery is a blast to the past if you're over 50 or watch Nick at Night. Find two other downtown locations on Mason and Sutter streets. A retro menu and a décor to match makes a comfortable place to dine alone or with family and friends. Music from the 50s plays in the background and the memorabilia from the era decorates the walls. Happy Days worthy meals include the LA Burger (chilies, bacon, guacamole and cheese), the Moon Doggie (beef hot dog, split and grilled, with relish, onion, and fries), banana splits and cherry Cokes. Breakfast favorites served include a mean corned beef hash, French toast and a Denver omelet. You'll also find California café-style entrees like the Chicken Caesar Burrito, Penne in a Marinara Sauce and New York steak. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alan Seaver |
 Photo: Lorraine Wrennall |
 Photo: Ho John Lee |
 Photo: Michelle N |
 Photo: Sherwin Techico |
 Photo: Joel G |
 Photo: atariboy.com |
 Photo: Chris Arends |
 Photo: doc will |
 Photo: Jose Huerta |
 Photo: Amanda Brown |
 Photo: Erin Mason |
 Photo: Brett Ritchey |
 Photo: Ivy |
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Old World in the Marina |
2120 Chestnut Street San Francisco, CA 94123-2756 United States +1 415 921 7873 http://www.luccadeli.com/ |
This place has been in business since 1929 and the narrow linoleum floors, a counter that runs the length of the store, and the shelves stocked floor-to-ceiling with a cornucopia of delicious Italian foods have not changed much since then. Still run by the Bosco family, it is always stocked with hand-rolled ravioli, a locally famous spinach frittata, and a variety of house-made pasta sauces available by the pint. The selection of imported Italian cheese and meats is second to none in The City, and the service is friendly. This is a great place to stop in for a sandwich made to order (expect a line of Marina locals at lunchtime), or to pick up the fixings for a great dinner to make yourself at home. Or just drop in to marvel at how many different kinds of imported olives one deli can find to stock. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Liz Henry |
 Photo: Juan del Real |
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Old-style diner charm |
321 West Portal (at the corner of San Andreas Way) San Francisco, CA 94127 United States +1 415 661 2468 |
Looking for the diner of years past? Seek formica countertops, booth seats and waitresses in little pink uniforms? Come here. It has all the old-style charm with a menu to match. Breakfast dishes are traditional American favorites such as eggs, bacon, pancakes and French toast. If you feel adventurous, try the Kitchen Sink Omelette. The basics are what keep regular customers coming back. Lunch items range from burgers to salads, all at prices that recall the days when a dollar or two went a long way. Note: Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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New York style |
555 California Street Concourse Level San Francisco, CA 94104 United States +1 415 788 6297 http://www.maxsworld.com/ |
Set up so you can get your food fast, Max's consists of a deli counter and a handful of assorted tables. It is not fancy, but comfortable and casual. This place carries a fresh selection of fresh foods like tossed salads such as Cobb, Spinach or Caesar, already prepared, as well as, potato, Coleslaw, Tuna Caper, chicken, and pasta. The sandwiches are good; BLT, Roast Beef, and vegetarian varieties and the hot sandwiches (Garlic Stuffed Pot Roast, Reuben), are even better. You will also find quick snacks like fruit, cheese, and chips. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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All American classic |
601 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 771 7300 http://www.maxsworld.com |
This diner is genuinely all-American with a '50s decor and plates filled with comfort food. There can be a line at lunch and dinner. From the counter to the tables to the floor, Max's attempts to capture that all-American diner feel. The accent is on chrome and big picture windows. A mini-juke box is on every table full of classic 50s tunes. The menu is filled with delicious classic meals like French Dip, Philly Cheesesteak, a famous Rueben Sandwich, Cheeseburgers, and Patty Melts, crispy fries and vegetarian platters. Classic breakfast dishes like Steak and Eggs are served all day. Dinner specials include Country Herb-Crusted New York Sirloin and Grandmas Style Roasted Chicken. A full bar and great service completes the mood. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jane |
 Photo: Atsushi Shibayama |
 Photo: http://flickr.com/photos/cookiecrook/126162134/ |
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Groceries & more |
2498 Fillmore Street (between Washington and Jackson streets) San Francisco, CA 94115 United States +1 415 346 1700 |
This clean and pleasant neighborhood market had a lot to offer the Lower Pacific Heights District. Located on the corner of Fillmore and Jackson Streets, the independent market features inexpensive fresh floral bouquets, a full service deli counter, groceries, and liquor. In the morning come here for a cup of hot coffee and a breakfast pastry. Visit at lunch and try the soup and salad bar with your deli sandwich. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Casual, crazy and fun |
1050 Van Ness Avenue (Between Geary and O'Farrell Streets) San Francisco, CA 94109 United States +1 415 292 6357 |
The sister restaurant to Mel's on Lombard Street is often filled to bursting with tourists due to its location (on San Francisco's main hotel/motel strip). However, that does not make it any less fun. When you finally secure a table, order a frosty milkshake (around $4 and worth every penny) and peruse the menu for the most outrageously calorie-packed item you can find from meat loaf plates to enormous hamburgers to truly soothing Chicken Noodle Soup. It is the perfect place to take younger siblings or rowdy friends or a date. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Monica Dahl |
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Windy City west |
425 Hayes Street (at the corner of Gough Street) San Francisco, CA 94102-4308 United States +1 415 431 2440 |
There are few enough kosher-style delis left in the city and this is the only one that is Chicago-style, from the special, slightly salty whitefish on the menu to the lived-in look of the gleaming counters full of delights. You will find great pastrami, corned beef and other cured meats served by the pound or in huge sandwiches piled high with meat as well as kugel, knishes, babkas and bialys, all made authentically just like Grandma used to. The service is friendly. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Deli dose |
280 Golden Gate Avenue (at Hyde) San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 567 3354 http://www.mortysdeli.com/ |
Start your day with breakfast at Morty's. Located at the Golden Gate Avenue, this place is almost always bustling with students and office goers of the civic center region. Specialties include delicious preparations like the garden veggie sandwich and the lip-smacking chicken parmesan. So, before you head for a busy day of meetings and lectures, stop over at Morty's for your daily deli dose. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classic diner food |
969 Hyde Street San Francisco, CA 94109 United States +1 415 474 5985 www.markhopkins.net |
Classic diner food prepared the right way is what you will find at this classic counter-and-stool operation packed with doctors and other health care types from the hospital across the street. You will find locals, too, enjoying plates of burgers, club sandwiches and home fries. Maybe because of the proximity to that hospital, carrot sticks are offered as a substitute for the equally crunchy French fries. The lemonade, made from scratch not a mix, is a big draw on those rare sultry San Francisco days. The service is fast and friendly, and the food never fails to hit the spot. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Diner deluxe |
301 Franklin Street San Francisco, CA 94607-3822 United States +1 510 835 1176 |
The fact that this down-home diner sits next to the produce market means that the lettuce and tomato on your juicy burger or the avocado in your omelette will be as fresh as it gets in an Oakland restaurant. The atmosphere is casual and the clientele is a mix of the working class and upscale professionals who have discovered the great food, huge portions and low prices to be found here. The pork chops with apple rings are a particular favorite with the lunch crowd and, in a foray into a more chi-chi cuisine, enormous dinner crepes are served after 5p and are delicious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The fabulous 50s live! |
3991 17th Street (at the corner of Castro Street) San Francisco, CA 94114 United States +1 415 864 9795 |
The red leather covering in the booths and on the chrome-stemmed stools at the counter let you know that this Castro Street institution is proudly 50s retro. The food is classic 50s diner fare with hamburgers cooked to order and fries that are tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The milk shakes are almost too thick to get through the straw. Other sweet treats are from some of the finest bakeries in the Bay Area. The prices are sweet, too, with most entrees lower than (some far below) $10. Located on the corner of Castro, this is a great place to people watch, too. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andy Smith |
 Photo: Joe Gratz |
 Photo: Don Hamerly |
 Photo: Caryn Solly |
 Photo: jack jones foto |
 Photo: Richard Boardman |
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Italian cafe |
505 Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA 94111 United States +1 415 362 6900 http://www.paliopaninoteca.com/ |
This contemporary cafe is set up for convenience. Have a seat or get your food to go. The atmosphere is bright and airy, the mood casual. The specialty here are sandwiches that you can buy either half or whole. Fresh ingredients you might find include oven roasted tomatoes, romaine lettuce, grilled portobello mushroom, roasted bell peppers, gorgonzola, and filone. It also prepares entrees such as lasagna, polenta, pasta and tossed salads. Take home one of the delicious cakes in flavors like Lemon Mousse, Triple Chocolate Mousse, and Tiramisu. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Local charm |
3214 Folsom Street Betsey Street San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 821 9435 |
A charming little cafe right by Precita Park, it is popular with locals taking a break for great coffee, a refreshing smoothie or a light snack. You can also get delicious sandwiches here with the mountainous veggie deluxe taking pride of place for its combination of cream cheese, sprouts, avocado and other goodies. Find house-made soups, crispy salads and a tempting assortment of pastries. The atmosphere is unhurried as patrons dally under the works of local artists while reading a paper or watching the goings on at the park. The counter staff is perpetually cheerful. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Always open, always good |
401 Geary & Mason Street (at the corner of Pine Street) San Francisco, CA 94102-1222 United States +1 415 885 6407 |
When you need a plate of scrambled eggs and hash browns or a tuna melt at 3a, there are not many places that can help you out. This coffee shop can not only serve them up for you, but they will be tasty and bargain-priced, too. The set up is classically functional with a long counter on one wall, deep-cushioned booth seating on the other and a few Formica tables in between. The colors are chocolate brown and harvest gold, reflecting the decorating craze at the time of its last remodeling somewhere back in the late '60s. The place is tidy and the wait staff is professional. Denizens include tourists, local professionals, and the crowd from one of the local theaters catching a bite before or after the show. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aaron Landry |
 Photo: Allison E. Drake |
 Photo: Bill Koneski |
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The 19th hole |
300 Finley Road San Francisco, CA 94118 United States +1 415 561 4661 |
The majority of the diners at this upscale diner are golfers from the Presidio Golf course, but you do not have to know a niblet from a nine-iron to enjoy the fabulous breakfasts, lunches and dinners served up here. The wait staff is personable while serving up stacks of Belgian Waffles, Roasted Lemon Chicken, or Polenta with Portobello Mushrooms. They can also lend a sympathetic ear to your golfing tales of woe. You can also get classic diner fare such as burgers and fries or a thick and tasty milkshake to help that last bogey go down easier. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alec Fredericks |
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Seaside chow & cocktails |
855 China Basin Street San Francisco, CA 94107 United States +1 415 621 2378 |
On a pretty day, one the best places in The City to stop by for a drink is right here. A popular restaurant with a wharf-type set up, your table is quite literally seaside as you partake of generous portions of American-style cuisine including juicy burgers and crispy fries. Live music often accompanies the good food and drink on weekend evenings. There's no extra charge for seagull dancing or the barking seal show. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Robert Garrett |
 Photo: Robert Garrett |
 Grilled Sausages To Die For |
545 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117-3406 United States +1 415 437 6851 |
Rosamunde is beloved by all. From bike messengers and bar flys, to hip-hoppers, construction workers, and neighborhood moms with babes in arms, the expertly assembled sausage sandwiches here are undeniable. First, the sausages themselves: popular choices include Chicken & Cherries, Wild Boar, Smoked Lamb, and Beer Sausage. Traditional favorites are well-represented as well, from Bratwurst to Weisswurst and Hungarian. If your philosophy is 'the spicier the better,' try the Merguez. Each sausage comes on a toasty-hot, freshly-baked bun, and with your choice of grilled or fresh onion, sauerkraut, chili, pickle relish, hot or sweet peppers, and an assortment of mustards and ketchups. Rosamunde's German-style potato salad puts other potato salads to shame, so grab a tub. Enjoy your meal at one of the counters facing the hustle and bustle of the Lower Haight, or bring it all next door to Toronado for a beer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Unbeatable Burgers |
1204 Sutter Street (at Polk Street) San Francisco, CA 94114 United States +1 415 885 3288 |
Slider's is the local favorite that no one talks about; this location is basically the jewel of the Tenderloin. The burgers here are great and aside from the traditional they serve the best turkey burger in the city, an incomparable grilled chicken sandwich and phenomenal veggie burgers. The chili fries and onion rings are amazing here too and the best part is you can get it all to go. When your order is up you build your own burger at the condiments and salad bar and there is literally everything your heart desires. The service is great and there are two other locations; one in the Inner Sunset and one in the Castro. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Comfort food 24/7 |
242 Church Street (At the corner of Market Street) San Francisco, CA 94114 United States +1 415 626 8666 |
This diner serves eggs and bacon round the clock for around $5. It also serves omelettes, hamburgers, turkey burgers and lots of yummy, greasy sandwiches and specials, all priced for less than $15. Visit around 9p and there might not be too many people there. Visit around midnight, however, and you may not be able to find a table. It all depends on how many night owls and concert-goers are out and about in the city, looking for a late-night burger and fries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Fresh, efficient, and delicious |
333/369 Pine Street 4th Floor San Francisco, CA 94104 United States +1 415 362 2930 http://www.specialtys.com/ |
Legions of office types from mail room clerks to fast-track Yuppies love the enormous sandwiches on freshly baked bread here, and the huge and hugely popular lemon-poppy seed rolls that are the size of a small cabbage. You will find the usual turkey, ham and meatloaf selections plus some innovative vegetarian sandwiches that change daily and that go beyond sprouts and avocado. Though small, the space is well planned, so you can pick up a soda or bottled water on your way to the counter and exit by the bakery counter/coffee bar with a second cash register, making it easy to change your mind and pick up dessert after all. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Clever and Delicious |
1058, Valencia St. San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 643 5000 http://www.sporksf.com |
From the moment you take a seat in the sleek vinyl booths and have your water poured from a clear plastic coffee pot, you will feel a distinctive vibe here. There have been many attempts to create diner-chic restaurants, but Spork is truly on target. Votive candles illuminate the pop art that decorates this comfortable and inviting restaurant. The food, like the art, is a triumph in simplicity. Start with the savory gnocchi gratin, and then try the kooky but delicious "mussels and pork with a spork." Spork also offers classics like the steak au poivre that are sure to satisfy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dine in a time warp |
2801 24th Street (At York Street) San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 826 4200 |
It does not get more authentic than this classic soda fountain that dates back to 1918. The place was last remodeled with linoleum floors and cozy booths right after WWII, and the Christakes family, which has owned it from the beginning, has not seen a need to change anything since. It is a place where teenyboppers swooned over Frank Sinatra while sipping the same strawberry sodas you can order up today. Virtually everything on the menu is made in-house and from scratch, including the mayonnaise on the egg salad sandwiches, the ice cream and syrups in the sundaes, and the marshmallows in the heavenly hash. The homemade soups are a local institution with the patrons who range from students new to The City to old-timers who have been coming here since it was (relatively) new. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris |
 Photo: katharine shields |
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New York sandwiches |
1 California Street San Francisco, CA 94111 United States +1 415 781 6297 http://www.maxsworld.com/ |
This New York-style eatery sells a variety of meals, quick bites, and desserts. Everything from a bag of chips, bagels and soda, to a chocolate birthday cake. Downtown professionals stop by this contemporary lunch stop for a quick bite to go. It is strictly a no-frills operation. This downtown deli is best known for its delicious sandwiches. Local favorites include the BLT on focaccia bread and their famous Reuben. Also try the fresh salads in varieties like Chinese chicken breast and turkey with apples and wild rice. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Authentic Breton creperie |
3108 16th Street (At the corner of Valencia Street) San Francisco, CA 94103 United States +1 415 252 7373 |
More than 50 different kinds of sweet and savory crepes are offered at this high-spirited cafe with a low-key atmosphere and decor that is a nod to its Breton inspiration. Whatever filling you fancy is sure to be on hand, and a selection of salads, soups, and rich desserts is an alternative to the meal-in-a-pancake. Try crepes with chicken, artichokes, or smoked salmon. Or if you prefer the dessert type, try strawberry, banana, or chocolate filling. Prices are always low here. You will pay no more than USD12 for your fluffy fix. The service is personable and quick. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chad Childers |
 Photo: Valerie Young |
 Photo: Chalalai |
 Photo: Erin McAnallen |