Young's Cafe

Young's Cafe is one of those places that I've seen numerous times on my way to R&G Lounge which is just down the block. I finally wandered in here the other day because R&G was utterly packed and I was hungry as hell. I decided to try their version of salt & pepper squid, potstickers and an order of egg rolls. First, let me say I didn't think it was possibly for a restaurant to eff up egg rolls so badly that even I wouldn't eat them. I love egg rolls. Yes, I am such a white person. Anyway, those were horrible. I don't recommend them. That being said, the potstickers are some of my new favorite in the city. The skin is a bit thick, but they had a taste that I just loved... and continue to crave. The salt & pepper squid was absolutely delish and it was super spicy. Dare I say, their version of salt & pepper whatever is better than R&G? Another plus? Young's is quite inexpensive. I absolutely recommend it. It is a total hole in the wall and it certainly isn't in terms of decor, but the food was good.

Cafe Algiers

If you're in this area (basically, if you're staying at the Hyatt, Hotel Vitale, or Harbor Court) and you want a cheap lunch, try this. They are quick, the sandwiches are absolutely huge and they have the best mochas. Yes, it is a sandwich shop, but who doesn't love a good sandwich? If budget is a concern, you really can't go wrong. Sandwiches are no more than $6.

Golden Gate Meat Company

I had a hot dog here (*gasp* yes, even MsBlake likes a good hot dog once in awhile!) that was absolutely so yummy! Friends of mine rave about the bbq pork sandwich. I trust their taste so I'm recommending it, though I dislike bbq and pork so I can't comment from my own perspective. You can find a cheap lunch here ($7.50 for half a chicken and potatoes) and the portions are generous. A good alternative to many of the pricey lunch places in the Ferry Building if you're in this area. I have also picked up meat here to prepare at home and it has been very good, however, since that really isn't going to apply to most of you, I won't go on. : )

McCormick & Kuleto's

So I have mixed feelings on whether to write this one or not...

So simply put, native San Franciscans typically avoid restaurants in the Fisherman's Wharf area. With that being said, I used to live very near this place. Something always has to be said for location. What makes me actually write about this restaurant is one thing: their happy hour menu. If you come on Mon - Friday from 3:00 - 6:00, you can order off of this menu and order items anywhere from $1.95 - $4.95. Obviously, if you're on a budget and want some cheap eats, this is a good deal. There is even a burger/fries included. There is better food to be had and while I certainly wouldn't direct you here as a first choice, if you're staying in the area and you are on a serious budget, this is worth checking out. Good views are a plus. If you are not here for the happy hour food, this place is absolutely not worth the regular menu prices.

U Lee

Huge, tasty potstickers. That is why you come here. I love potstickers. They are a major comfort food for me. I used to come here on my way home a lot because it is right on the cable car line. It was really easy to hop off, grab some dinner, jump back on a cable car and head home. I don't get over here as much anymore but it is worth the trip. Just take the Hyde Street cable car and get off at Hyde & Jackson. I've enjoyed most of what I ordered, but the big stand out are the potstickers.

Gourmet Kitchen

1051 Stockton St

For super cheap eats, come here. Jook is only $1.25. They have Chinese fried chicken (if you haven't tried this, you should.) The chow mein is really good and only $3 for a whole mess of it. In no way is it diet friendly and it can be a bit greasy, but if you don't mind and just want cheap Chinese, it may be worth your while.

Lucky Creation

854 Washington Street

I do eat meat but I am known to often prefer veggie food at times. This is one of my favorite vegetarian restaurants. I'm a big fan. For those who are vegans, this is a good place to try when you're in the city. They make some of the best fake chicken ever and I also highly recommend the gluten appetizer. Sounds weird, but totally don't knock it until you've tried it. The one thing I have never been a fan of here are the soups. The place is definitely a hole in the wall so just be aware of it. Bring cash.

The Tamale Lady

Neighborhood: Mission

Okay, I'll be perfectly honest here... Mexican food is just not my thing. I'm fully prepared for you to never read my blog again when I admit that the only "Mexican" food I actually enjoy are tacos and I'm not even that picky about how Americanized they are. Waiting for hate mail. Anyway, the Tamale Lady has become something of an icon in SF. Many people are huge fans. I personally applaud her for adding to the street food craze even if I'm not a fan of the goods. Many of my trustworthy friends do rave about her so I thought I'd pass the info along. Granted, some of the raves come from people who are drunk while they eat them, but what they heck, check them out and decide for yourself.

An article on the Tamale Lady:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2003/06/28/MN161258.DTL

Pearl's Deluxe Burgers

708 Post St (between Jones St & Leavenworth St)

If you are a burger person, Pearl's is worth trying. Those on a diet need not visit because there is pretty much nothing on the menu that isn't loaded with calories. Just the way it should be. ; ) You can even make it a kobe burger for an additional charge if you so choose. Not the best kobe burger I've had but certainly not bad. If you're staying in the Union Square area, this should be an easy treck for you.

Jubili Frozen Yogurt and Cereal

1515 Fillmore Street (between Geary Blvd & Ofarrell St)

I'm kind of shocked that this wasn't one of my first posts. I am totally obsessed with Pinkberry as well as their various knock offs so it is only natural that I seek those out in SF. Anyway, this is some of my favorite Pinkberry-esque frozen yogurt in the city. The best part? They have mochi balls! My favorite! I recommend if if you're in the mood for frozen yogurt and like the tart flavors. If you like the sweet "ice cream" yogurt, this probably isn't your place.

The Creme Brulee Cart

Street food is becoming more and more popular in SF and one of the latest crazes is the Creme Brulee Cart. You can find out where the cart will be by following the owner on Twitter. Something to keep in mind, this is not the same quality of creme brulee you would find in an upscale restaurant. That said, it is simple and good. It is, in my opinion, worth your while. Cash only, so come prepared. $3/each.

http://twitter.com/cremebruleecart

Bacon Dog Cart

Um. Yeah. I think these are totally vile but I know many people who absolutely love them. This is exactly what you think it is: hot dogs wrapped in bacon. Enough said. I can't go so far as to personally recommend eating this, however, I did feel the need to at least put it out there. I really don't have much more to say other than that but um... here you go. Take it for what you will. And if you eat one of these, please leave a comment and tell me (and other readers!) what you ultimately thought of it.

Sweetheart Cafe

909 Grant Ave (at Washington St)
As if you didn't know, I have a thing for boba and chinese fried chicken. So yummy. I know I had mentioned Sweetheart Cafe before but I hadn't posted much more than that. So here you go. Doesn't it make you hungry? I recommend it for a nice snack... or even a quick, small lunch.

Are you a fan of Andrew Zimmern?

Do you remember durian? You can try it in various forms in San Francisco at one of my favorite dive-y hole in the walls: Quickly. As you can see in the first photo, they have fried durian rolls. They are actually really good. It tastes sweet. If you're a little more adventurous, you can try a Durian Snow with boba. I am a huge Andrew Zimmern fan so I thought I would post this, just in case you are too.

Crabcakes & Sweets (funnel cake!!!)

So... if you know me, you'll know that I don't have much to say about Pier 39. However, over the weekend, I was craving funnel cake. Yes, I eat funnel cake. Seriously. So I decided to wander to the only place that may actually sell them: Pier 39.

At first, I thought I was going to have to leave empty handed, but then, there is was. Hidden off in a corner was Crabcakes & Sweets. I was so excited. I quickly ordered my cake. It came out piping hot and perfectly cooked. I even took a picture.

So. This is what I have to recommend at Pier 39. Bet you weren't expecting that one, huh? Seriously though. Try the funnel cake. I haven't a clue about anything else on the menu but I can totally vouch for those!

Kam Po Kitchen

801 Broadway (between Powell St & Robert C Levy Tunl)

You've probably gathered by now that I like a variety of foods. As much as I can appreciate restaurants like The Dining Room, some of my favorite meals and restaurants are just little hole in the wall places that simply serve yummy food. Kam Po Kitchen is one of these places. The food is cheap, good and portions are generous. Example of price: steamed ginger scallion chicken and rice is only $5.25. Prices start at under $3.00. And no, you aren't going to get gourmet dining and the world's cleanest restaurant. I have never gotten sick though, so something is okay. ;) The service has always been friendly. If you like Chinese, make this a stop.

And okay, if you're skeeved by hanging ducks, this probably isn't a good bet.

Nick's Crispy Tacos

1500 Broadway

This is another weirdo restaurant that I like. If a 1970s porno set were to meet a restaurant, this is it. The decor is just odd. First things first, make sure you have cash on you as this place is cash only. If you're like me, this takes planning which is why I'm mentioning it. Taco Tuesday especially rocks as they have some really good deals.
Full disclosure: I feel it is only fair to admit that in all honesty... I don't really like most Mexican food. At all. But I love tacos so take this for what you will. If you're looking for "authentic", I don't really think this is your place, as good as it is.

New Golden Daisy

1041 Stockton St (between Jackson St & Washington St)

New Golden Daisy is a great take out place for one of my favorite things: chinese style fried chicken. I went back and forth as to whether to post this simply because how many people are really looking for take out when they're here on vacation, but since it is very inexpensive and I know people look for cheap eats, I thought this would be a good rec. If you haven't had Chinese style fried chicken, definitely check it out!

Disclaimer: if you're like me and skeeved by meat on the bone, it is best to buy it and then take it to your s/o and make them just give you the good parts, minus the bone. Really. : )

Yats' New Orleans Original Po Boys

So... I think I have to give a disclaimer that states I'm from San Francisco... I probably wouldn't know good NOLA food for the life of me. I've not spent much time there. I do however pride myself on enjoying food. A lot... so with that in mind, my review: I was pleasantly surprised by this place and found it to be a good hidden gem. Yes, it is in a bar and no, not exactly my normal scene but the food was so yummy. I tried the jambalaya which is one of my favorite foods. Granted, I often tend to have the yuppified versions but this lived up to my standards! On another visit, I tried the oyster po boy and was extremely happy. If you can get over the fact that Yats is likely out of the way for you, it is worth the stop. A good local place run by good people.

http://www.whereyats.com/index.php

Quickly Part Deux

This is one of the menus in Quickly. Yes, I took a picture with my camera phone specifically to post on this blog because I am a dork. You can't read it but it gives you an idea of the large selection. All of those are just the drink menu, no snacks.

Oh and if you're a fan of Biazzar Foods with Andrew Zimmern and you saw the episode when he went to Asia and ate durian, they sell fried durian here if you're brave enough.