Unlike other Indian restaurants in the city that exude a more ethnic ambiance, I was a bit surprised to find a modern space with industrial design elements. I love the |Emeco 111| chairs. Needless to say the interior is miles away from what one may have grown accustomed to when dining Indian.

Specializing in home-style Indian food, the menu is split between Kati rolls (similar to a taco) and Thali, which features multiple menu items served on a traditional metal platter. Both choices include their handmade roti, which is similar to a buttery tortilla. Dishes include Chicken Tikka, Chicken Tikka Marsala, Lamb Curry, Kebabs, and various vegetarian options. In addition to these menu options, the Thali platter is served with chutney, raita (yogurt), a veggie salad, and daal (lentils). Just be wary of the green pickled pepper relish for it packs a punch. Best of all, Kasa is open until 10pm, offering a healthier and more tasty option for late-night food. Delivery is available after 6pm every night. |Kasa Indian Eatery|

Hours of Operation:
Open Everyday: 11am – 10pm
Delivery after 6pm

If you spot the bright orange awning just off the path from all the shops, bars and restaurants that fill Polk Street in Russian Hill then you’ve found the right place. Biondivino is a charming little wine boutique that specializes in Italian varietals and wines from lessor known wine regions like Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. For those seeking something that fizzes, this shop also features a large French Champagne selection. Though the space is compact, much thought went into the design in order to maximize the number of bottles on display in their wine racks, while also keeping the space welcoming and pretty. The modern furniture and fixtures marry well, creating a space that plays host to small tastings periodically for the members of their mailing list. Be on the lookout for orange tags that hang on the neck of some bottles to indicate it is a value wine. I always seem to have good luck finding something I have yet to try here that I would normally expect to pay more for. |biondivino|

Hours of Operation
Mon-Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 9pm

After years in the wine and restaurant industries, husband and wife Spencer Graham and Elizabeth Pressler established Elizabeth Spencer Wines in 1998. Sourcing their grapes from a handful of growers and a dozen vineyard blocks in the Napa Valley, Sonoma Coast and Mendocino appellations,  varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and a Rose of Syrah.

With a tasting room originally outfitted as the town’s post office, the small interior space with its exposed red brick walls is an inviting setting for a wine tasting with friends. My favorite aspect of this place is the large patio off the side of the tasting room. Complete with comfy couches and pillows, the large tents extend the tasting room to the outdoors, allowing for larger groups to be accommodated. |Elizabeth Spencer|

Tasting Room Hours:
Sun-Sat: 10am-6pm

Ring the outside buzzer and in true speakeasy fashion, only the right password “books” uttered at the front door gains entry into the secretive library back bar in this Tenderloin gem. Once inside, whisk past the secret passageway door that doubles as a bookshelf, and you’ll find yourself at a dimly lit bar surrounded by floor to ceiling shelves full of books. Fully stocked with some of the best liquors around for making some distinctively tasty libations, Bourbon and Branch prides itself on making drinks only with fruit juice squeezed by hand, purees and extracts made in-house, and mixers that do not come from a tap. Adding to its authenticity, this establishment operated as a real speakeasy from 1921 to 1933. Per their web site, the term speakeasy was coined from the manner a patron would order a drink without raising suspicion, behaving quietly and speaking easy. The Branch in this place’s name refers to the term branch water, which was used in the 1800s to refer to pure clean water from a tiny stream called a branch. A bourbon and branch was basically the request for a bourbon and water.

Reservations are required for drinks in the main bar, but the rear bar is open anytime without having to call ahead. The JJ Russell room is a secret basement bar that can be rented for special events. During prohibition times, patrons would have to order a special brand of cigar for a trap door to open that would lead to the downstairs bar. Connected to this room are five secret exit tunnels that are still in effect today, allowing for a quick underground escape to various streets close by. With its dim lights, old aromas that seem to be ingrained in the wood, and the old records playing in the background, drinks here truly feel like a time warp to a much different era. Just be sure to review the strict house rules before visiting as cell phone use, taking pictures, and ordering cosmopolitans are definite no-nos. |Bourbon & Branch|

Hours of Operation:
Wed-Sat: 6pm-2am

Right in the heart of Saint Helena, Alpha Omega Winery is one of the newer boutique wineries in the area, conveniently located right off Highway 29. AO is a great place for large groups looking to sample some wines while enjoying the panoramic views from their terrace or in a more intimate setting within one of their private tasting rooms. While they do grow some of the grapes on the property, most of the grapes come from various appellations throughout Napa Valley. The winemakers feel that sourcing grapes from different terroirs like the the valley floor, coastline, mountain and hillside all help bring unique complexities and aromatics to their wines. Their flagship wine Era and their Chardonnay both received 94 point ratings from Wine Spectator, though they fetch premium prices. They also have a good Cabernet Sauvignon and a late harvest white wine that are priced in the $80s. I like their Sauvignon Blanc, which is on the more affordable side of the spectrum and is only available  for sale at the winery. Tastings are $20 a person, but that fee is waived with the purchase of a bottle. |Alpha Omega|

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sun: 10am – 6pm

With views of crumbling industrial warehouses creating a unique ambiance from just across the street, one may be surprised to find gourmet street food being served from such a location. Operating out of a roll-up garage door in the Dogpatch neighborhood, Kitchenette’s slogan of spontaneous organic covert nourishment delivers just that. Specializing in delicious sandwiches, the menu rotates daily with two choices like their smoked pulled pork, fried chicken, porchetta, corned beef, hot dog and burger varieties. There is usually also a vegetarian option like grilled cheese, portobello burger, and eggplant banh mi just to name a few. Side dishes include their roasted pumpkin seeds, 4505 spicy chicharrones, and cookie of the moment. Seating is basically a few benches so this place is ideal for those looking to grab something quick to take back to their desk. Cash only. |Kichenette SF|

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 11:30am – 1:30pm

A place that could very well have invented the Mission-style burrito years ago that countless taquerias have imitated since, La Cumbre is one of the familiar faces on Valencia Street in a gentrified sea of hip restaurants, hipster-friendly boutiques, and yoga studios. Walking into this place could be a bit of a time warp as the decor has probably changed little over the year, as has the menu of reasonably priced Mexican dishes. The rather large menu of choices includes some great tacos, their signature burritos, enchiladas, chile relleno, quesadillas, nachos, and plenty of options to further customize. Beverage options range from ice-cold cervezas and margaritas, to non-alcoholic options like Mexican sodas, fruit juices, and horchatas.

I usually come here when I crave a bit of rice in my burrito, and it’s a great place to stop by after a long night of touring the watering holes nearby. I love that this place provides a side of chips for free and offers a salsa bar that’s free for sampling, I just wish that the other taquerias in this city did the same.

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sun: 11am – 2am

With no overhead sign or awning to distinguish that you’ve arrived, this inconspicuous coffee shop in the Mission district can be best identified by its large wood framed windows that face 24th Street. Inside you’ll find tables filled with patrons enjoying their Ritual coffee and pastries while working furiously on their laptops. Decor is rather minimalist with white walls, contrasted by pine beams and coated concrete floors, yet the space still feels warm and inviting with its gas fireplace and abundance of natural light that fills the space on a sunny afternoon. Out back, a nice wooden patio complete with tables and chairs makes this spot a great place for those warm weather meet ups.

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 6am – 9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am -9pm

Not far from the skyscrapers that dot along the Financial District, Rickhouse is a trendy saloon that’s perfect for discerning drinkers looking for a tasty libation after a long day at the office. From the outside, this place sorta looks like an over-sized oak barrel, while the interior is a mix between an old seafaring vessel and dimly lit speakeasy. Specialties include their list of artisanal cocktails like their La Bon Vie (Plymouth, fresh lemon and grapefruit juice, fresh basil, and bitters), spirits, local beers and boutique California wines. |Rickhouse|

Hours of Operation:
Mon: 5pm – 2am
Tues-Fri: 1pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
Sun: Closed

Also found in select locations throughout the Bay Area, Roli Roti is one of the best versions of mobile street food, utilizing high quality local produce when in season and free range organic meats. The popularity of this mobile rotisserie is quickly apparent with lines that often stretch down the street, regardless of the weather. Patrons love Roli Roti for their whole roasted spiced chickens, rosemary roasted potatoes, succulent porchetta (pork loin wrapped in pork belly), and roasted pork knuckle. Keeping the menu simple is key when serving customers quickly, and the stand operates efficiently with their assembly line of workers processing orders.

While they do operate in multiple locations, the gourmet Porchetta sandwich is only served at Ferry Plaza, which is reason enough to come to the |Farmers Market| on Thursdays and Saturdays. Served on a fresh roll from Acme Bakery, the sandwich is topped with carmelized onions, seasonal greens and a mound of tender pork deliciousness. For hours and locations, check out their web site. |Roli Roti|