Need a quick, delicious bite on a budget? Check out the high-quality eats at these low-priced restaurants.
1. Taylor's Refresher
Courtesy Taylor's Refresher
This retro diner–style cafeteria is a crowd pleaser at the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market, where diners can sit outside or in the sleek all-white restaurant. The all-natural preparations include generous leafy salads, hot dogs, hamburgers served with a secret sauce on a toasted egg bun, grilled cheese sandwiches, and a memorable ahi tuna burger. Taylor’s also makes decadent onion rings and superrich milkshakes.
Address & Phone: Ferry Building Marketplace (Market and Embarcadero Streets; 866-328-3663
Website: Taylor’s Refresher
Address & Phone: Ferry Building Marketplace (Market and Embarcadero Streets; 866-328-3663
Website: Taylor’s Refresher
2. Tartine Bakery
Eric Wolfinger/Tartine Bakery
Come to this neighborhood bakery for breakfast or lunch for signature goodies like bread pudding studded with seasonal fruits and croissants that are crunchy on the outside, warm and buttery within. Standout savory dishes are creamy quiches and hot-pressed sandwiches oozing with decadent fillings. Over-the-top desserts include a rich, dense chocolate pudding and a tangy lemon cream tart. Coffee drinks and wines by the glass are also served.
Address & Phone: 1453 600 Guerrero @ 18th Street; 415-487-2600
Website: Tartine Bakery
Address & Phone: 1453 600 Guerrero @ 18th Street; 415-487-2600
Website: Tartine Bakery
3. La Taqueria
This friendly taqueria in the heart of the Mission has an almost cult-like following. Tacos and burritos are made to order with the freshest ingredients; meats are marinated and grilled to perfection. Try the delicious carnitas (stewed pork) tacos washed down with an icy agua fresca Don't be dismayed by the long lines; they move fast.Address & Phone: 2889 Mission St (at 25th Street); 415-285-7117
4. Blue Bottle Cafe
Courtesy Blue Bottle Coffee
A terrific option for breakfast or lunch, Blue Bottle Cafe is known for its exceptional coffee. Beans are roasted in house and each cup of java is brewed individually. Try the smooth tasting New Orleans style iced coffee made with chicory. Edibles include fresh pastries, granola, Belgian-style waffles, and sandwiches such as grilled gruyere on French bread with proscuitto and whole grain mustard.
Address: 66 Mint St. or at the Ferry Building Market (store #7)
Website: Blue Bottle Cafe
Address: 66 Mint St. or at the Ferry Building Market (store #7)
Website: Blue Bottle Cafe
5. Warming Hut Cafe
The Warming Hut’s location in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge at Crissy Field ensures a captive audience. But the coffee, grilled sandwiches and soups are so well made here it’s hard to decide which the bigger draw is: the view or the food. When the fog rolls in, this is just the place to warm up with a cappuccino, hot chocolate or hot mulled cider. The fact that the café doubles as a gift/book shop and makes memorable cookies and brownies doesn’t hurt, either.Address & Phone: 603 Mason St.; 415-561-3040
6. Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store
This historic haunt in the heart of North Beach is the perfect corner cafe to take in the flavors of San Francisco’s Little Italy. Enjoy a crispy, warm panini (try the signature meatball version) and sip a beer as you relax beside the picture windows or at the old wooden bar. Finish it off with a biscotti and espresso for an authentic North Beach experience. Old–school, for sure.Address & Phone: 566 Columbus Ave.; 415-362-0536
7. Just for You
Huge breakfasts are the draw at this funky neighborhood dive decorated with Rock ’n Roll posters. Just for You serves whopping portions of southern-inspired cooking; locals come for the piping hot beignets dusted with sugar, savory hash, and biscuits and gravy. Standards like hamburgers and fries are also served.Address & Phone: 732 22nd Street; 415-647-3033.
8. Chez Maman
Courtesy Chez Maman
Half the fun of eating at the tiny Chez Maman is watching your food cook on the grill from the counter as you sip a glass of wine or beer. Delicious panini are grilled to order, outsized burgers are served on a grilled roll with your choice of cheese, classic steak frites are as authentic as they come. Sweet and savory crepes are another great bet here.
Address & Phone: 1453 18th Street; 415-824-7166
Website: Chez Maman
Address & Phone: 1453 18th Street; 415-824-7166
Website: Chez Maman
