Noe Valley Bakery

4073 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 550-1405
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Since opening in 1995, the Noe Valley Bakery has been a popular favorite among locals for their freshly baked cookies, artisan breads, cakes, pastries, and pies. Everything is made on the premises, all baked fresh throughout the day with natural ingredients. I usually find myself stopping in after a lunch somewhere on 24th street, craving something sweet like a cookie or cup cake to satisfy my sweet tooth. Read more »

farmerbrown’s little skillet

360 Ritch Street
(at Townsend Street)
San Francisco, CA,
(415) 777-2777
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On a bright and sunny alley in SoMa, patrons line up near the kitchen counter window, waiting intently to order soul food favorites like fried chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and po’boy sandwiches. Farmerbrown’s little skillet also serves |Fall Mills| stone-ground organic grits, |Let’s Be Frank| hot dogs wrapped in waffles, and pulled pork sandwiches.

The waffles here have a nice golden crust that softens just right from the real maple syrup, which also goes great with the savory fried chicken. Read more »

Tartine Bakery

600 Guerrero Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 487-2600
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Perched on a corner in the Mission, no sign or awning to give away its location, one could easily drive past without noticing they’ve missed one of the best bakeries in the city. Luckily, the constant line of patrons pouring out the door of Tartine Bakery helps draw the eye, and by constant I mean, rain or shine, expect to see some sort of line. While I was waiting in line to order, I couldn’t help but appreciate the dated decor that’s changed very little since the sixties, exuding a sorta hipster charm that has come to define the Mission district for some. Read more »

Just for You Cafe

732 22nd Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 647-3033
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Located in an area of the city mostly known for its relics of San Francisco’s shipping industry, Just for You Cafe is helping to redefine the Dogpatch district as an up and coming neighborhood worth visiting. While many of the large industrial spaces still remain as reminders of this district’s roots, the local landscape is also a blend of live/work lofts, restaurants, and a growing arts scene. Situated on a sunny block of 22nd Street, the cafe is conveniently located near the T-Third Street Metro line, which makes the trip from Downtown only a few short stops. Read more »

Mocca

175 Maiden Lane
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 956-1188
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For those crisp and sunny autumn days spent shopping in Union Square, an outdoor lunch on Maiden Lane is the prefect break from the frenzy of holiday shopping. Dining here amongst the boutiques and art galleries feels like areas of SoHo, while the live jazz helps to muffle the harsh noises of the city. Read more »

Dynamo Donut & Coffee

2760 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 920-1978
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Deep within the Mission, far from its more likely surroundings of chic boutiques and trendy restaurants located further up 24th Street; Dynamo Donut & Coffee is a charming little shop that’s gaining a loyal following for their unique and unconventional donut varieties. Visible mostly by it’s bright yellow paint and green awning, Dynamo’s retro styling and quaint walk-up counter feels like a trip back to 1950s Americana. Read more »

Pat’s Cafe

2330 Taylor Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 776-8735
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Not far from the Powell Street cable car line turnaround, Pat’s Cafe is an unpretentious, charmingly small North Beach restaurant, best known for their brunch and breakfast dishes. I like this place for the neighborhood cafe feel, the personable service, and convenient North Beach location.

Let the tourists wait in line at all the crowded traps (i.e. Mama’s) around Washington Square; I’d rather not start my day with a hour plus wait just for some hearty breakfast. My favorites include the French toast, pancakes, and the scrambled eggs with cheese and chicken-apple sausages. The free Wi-Fi is a nice perk, and I heard they recently started dinner service. Read more »

La Taqueria

2889 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA, 94110
(415) 285-7117
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While nearly every district in the city has its own decent Taqueria, it’s no surprise that when I am craving delicious Mexican food, a trip to the Mission is always in order. Though there are plenty of noteworthy places that serve good tacos and burritos in the Mission, La Taqueria is always worth a mention. I love this place for their steak tacos, garnished with beans, salsa, sour cream and a heaping scoop of guacamole. This place is pretty authentic with meat choices like beef tongue and cabeza, though I tend to stick to the more standard meats like carne asada or the barbecued pork. Refreshments include ice cold cervezas, sodas, and house made cantaloupe, mango, and strawberry agua frescas. Read more »

Chloe’s Cafe

1399 Church Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 648-4116
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At risk of increasing the already long wait times at Chloe’s Cafe, I was initially reluctant to write about this Noe Valley gem. The cafe is tiny, the kitchen is even tinier, and getting a coveted table in the sun outside can take upwards of an hour on the weekends. The breakfast is that good here, that I am willing to give up parking in the Marina and drive across town to Noe Valley, just to wait in line for a table. Read more »

Red’s Java House

Pier 30
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 777-5626
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As rare as those sunny and clear days in the city are, it doesn’t get much better than relaxing on a pier, basking in the sun with a cold beer and a burger. Red’s is a no-frills establishment, in business since the 1950s, and is a throwback of simpler times. Read more »