Hours: Sun-Thurs 11AM-10PM, Fri & Sat 11AM-11PM

In San Francisco, it may be relatively easy to find any old burger joint, since there are many scattered around town. Though, it might be a little more difficult to find one that holds clout above the masses. Bill’s Place is definitely a good find. Located in one of the business sections of the city’s Richmond district, on Clement Street, you will notice the long red awning out front. The specialty is gourmet hamburgers, but you will find lots of items to choose from on the menu, ranging from salads to pastas. The place gets fairly busy during lunch hour and on weekends, but they also have an outdoor patio to accommodate (for those rare sunny days warm enough to sit outside). The patio area is adequately spacious, complete with an appealing Japanese-style garden. I haven’t personally met Bill, but he boasts that he grinds his own beef daily, making for a very fresh choice of any type of burger to suit your tummy. The homemade fries are a very tasty addition to a wide variety of deli-style sandwiches. And who can forget a delicious and refreshing milkshake to top off a good meal? They do serve dinner as well. Reasonably priced (you can find many items under $10 on the menu) and clean, I would recommend this as a great place for lunch. –cj

Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-10PM, Sun 7AM-8PM

If you’re driving by, it isn’t all that easy to notice – if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Sea Biscuit Café is snuggly squeezed between a dry cleaners and an electronic repair shop. This quaint little café is not only riddled with a sea-life themed décor, but also influenced by local artists as well. Among the photographs hanging on one of the walls, you will note a little background information about the local artists who may be credited. The other wall is actually made up of a colorful tiled mural of a little blue whale and other sea creatures. Another point I’d like to share is about the background music. While I was there for maybe around an hour, I heard everything from old school punk to surprisingly loud and serious gangsta rap. I think maybe the place is hoping to appeal to a wide crowd, and if so, they certainly are doing a good job of it. The blue-haired woman behind the counter really adds to the hip and cool atmosphere of the place. This café offers a selection of sandwiches, specialty coffees and also a variety of dishes to suit your palate any time of day. There is a chalkboard menu of items to choose from, as well as a deli-case for showing off the fresh foods when you walk inside. The prices are average and won’t break you. I haven’t tried the sandwiches, but while I was munching on my fresh and tasty chocolate chip cookie (nice and big too!), the man next to me ordered a veggie burger and I couldn’t help but get a whiff of the delightful aroma that filtered through the room. I’m definitely going back! Those chocolate brownies on display are very tempting, and strategically placed too, right by the cash register. Sea Biscuit Café is very small, and only has a few tables, and a breakfast-style bar with a few more places to sit. I do have to mention, there are other places in which one can find fresh bagels, and I’ve tasted better mochas. –cj

California cuisine. Anyone for a crepe? Delectable crepes are the specialty at Savor, which is exactly the reason for my recent visit to this cozy café. I hadn’t had Nutella before, but I assure you, they did a great job of smothering the flaky crepe with loads of this enticing chocolate sauce. Mmm! You can have your choice of fruit toppings, and I chose fresh strawberries. Very good and I would recommend this plate to anyone looking to top off a perfect night. They have a pretty decent wine list and I had fun doing a little tasting of my own. Wines by the glass or by the bottle. Prices are moderate, but I’d say it is well worth it. They also serve brunch dishes as well as sandwiches and salads. The ambience is quite casual and dim later in the evening. I’d say Savor is a great place for dessert and of course aptly named! – cj

Hours: Open Until 2AM

If you’re in the mood for some late night grub, go to Escape >From New York Pizza. Show up at the location in the heart of the Castro neighborhood say around 1:30AM, and you’ll find this is where it’s at! Not only do they have individual slices of pizza to go in a flash, they also have the largest group of late-night-partier-freaks to feast your eyes upon (or try not to knock elbows amongst). Many a weekend clubber ends up here after hours to get some good greasy slices to fill up on before heading home to call it a night. The slices are only around two dollars, so for the price, you really get a deal. It’s not the best pizza I’ve tasted, but for what you get, at the hour you can get it, it’s a good pick. If you can handle the crowds – many people usually stream out into the street to enjoy their pizza, since there are only a few tables/stools inside – this is a great little spot to get that late-night snack. – cj

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 AM-9PM, Sat-Sun 11AM-9PM

Café Macondo is one of those eclectic coffee houses with a mixed-bag atmosphere and a feel of intimacy right off the bat. Once you walk in, you notice that the café is dimly lit and appealing to the cozy-seeker in each of the soft fluffy chairs, wooden low-back chairs, and few couches strewn around the room. There is a hinting notion that you may just find a bit of charisma if you just took the time to peer around the corner or lift up one of the lamps resting on a raggedy table in the back. A good sized bar and half-kitchen area lets you know that there is more than coffee to be ordered at this place. While there is background music, if you ask the guy behind the counter ever so nicely, he will turn down the volume for you, so you can hear yourself think. A good meeting place for social occasions, though parking is a problem (since this is The Mission). Meet your best pal at Café Macondo, possibly to engage in a deep philosophical or political discussion, and while away the late afternoon hours. I suggest giving the Green Tea a try! Makes for a stimulating outing. – cj