American

Restaurant Website: http://www.littleskilletsf.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=360+ritch+st.,+san+francisco&sll=37.790416,-122.396167&sspn=0.052838,0.075874&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=360+Ritch+St,+San+Francisco,+California+94107&z=17

The only scene at this window restaurant—a spin-off of downtown soul-food restaurant Farmer Brown—is the line of people waiting patiently to get their chicken-and-waffles fix. It's a lunch and late-night only affair and there is no seating, but on a sunny day, plenty find seating directly of the sidewalk across the alleyway for a little urban picnic.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>The brief menu here includes, yes, excellent fried chicken and Belgian-style waffles. But it goes on to include a pulled pork po'boy (which is really a sloppy joe), Cobb salad, biscuits and sausage gravy, and a slightly dubious over-the-top bacon-wrapped waffledog. Forget calorie counting for the time being because even the mini pecan pies are worth it.</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.burgerbarlv.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=251+geary+st.,+san+francisco&sll=37.788139,-122.399056&sspn=0.02642,0.037937&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=251+Geary+St,+San+Francisco,+California+94102&z=17

The interior of Hubert Keller’s burger emporium (his second—the first is at the Mandalay Place in Vegas) is nothing much to look at, but thankfully the restaurant—which is located in Macy’s, one floor beneath the Cheesecake Factory—has an amazing view of Union Square. Ask for a table near the window, and try to ignore the techno music and the rhinestone and logo adorned underwear for sale behind the bar.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Every permutation of the burger is represented here, from classic (American cheese, bacon) to luxe (foie gras, truffles). It’s not just beef, either—you can choose from bison, salmon, chicken or vegetarian. The toppings are limitless, but beware the sin of overindulgence: too much of a good thing sometimes is too much. Naturally, you can also choose your fries—skinny or fat, sweet potato or regular, even zucchini. This warning about overdoing  it extends to the milkshakes—the best among them are the simplest.</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.starbellysf.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=3583+16+st.,+san+francisco&sll=37.759792,-122.387518&sspn=0.006608,0.009484&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=3583+16th+St,+San+Francisco,+California+94114&z=17

Opened by two of the principals behind Beretta, this Castro neighborhood restaurant is packed nightly with locals, who withstand long waits for a table in the narrow, tightly packed space. With its rustic wood lathe, long bar and glimmering glass globe lights, Starbelly looks, aesthetically speaking, like a Beretta-Bar Bambino love child.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Starbelly is dialed in to what the majority of SF diners love. Consider the snacks, which include plates of roasted padron peppers, bowls of Rancho Gordo bean puree and miniature corn dogs, or the salads, farmers-market creations that involve Little Gems, avocado and goat cheese. Naturally, there are also crispy-crust pizzas and larger plates, including a burger and an excellent porchetta, ringed with flavorful fat and topped with a spoonful of salsa verde.</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.kitchenettesf.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=958+Illinois+st.,+san+francisco&sll=37.752888,-122.407298&sspn=0.006608,0.009484&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=958+Illinois+St,+San+Francisco,+California+94107&z=17

The decidedly déclassé set-up—nothing more than a table on the loading dock in Dogpatch—means that the box lunches from Kitchenette, an off shoot of catering company Living Room Events, are best taken to go (though there are a couple benches for those that arrive early).

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>The inspired sandwich creations at Kitchenette (which change daily and are available Monday through Friday) run the gambit from the “Dogpatch Millionaire”—an Indian-inspired fried chicken sandwich—to fried fish tacos with tartar sauce and porchetta with figs and aïoli. Freshly baked sweets, such as irresistible chocolate-coconut cookies and raspberry-nectarine galettes with whipped cream complete the meal.</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.palstakeaway.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2751+24th+st.,+san+francisco&sll=37.800052,-122.440014&sspn=0.006604,0.009484&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=2751+24th+St,+San+Francisco,+California+94110&z=17

Walk past Tony’s Market, on the far reaches of 24th street near Potrero, and you’d never know that amidst the beef jerky and Doritos a preeminent sandwichery resides. Head to the deli counter, where you can order a creative, thoughtfully composed meal-on-bread. Plan accordingly: Pal’s is only open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, and they sell out quickly.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Crafted from meats and vegetables sourced locally, the ever-changing options at Pal’s might include a shrimp banh mi, Marin Sun Farms roast beef on a Kaiser roll with blue cheese, or a vegetarian option that combines hard-cooked eggs, watercress and green beans, dressed with vinaigrette (sort of like a tuna-less niçoise). A daily dessert is also on offer—in summer, fruit crisps, come fall, treats like chocolate babka.</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.thetipsypigsf.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2231+chestnut+st.,+san+francisco&sll=37.750902,-122.434327&sspn=0.006608,0.009484&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=2231+Chestnut+St,+San+Francisco,+California+94123&z=17

At peak times (Friday and Saturday nights, for example) the crowd and accompanying din here can be overwhelming—even during quieter times, the live room can make easy conversation a challenge. Opt for a table in the quieter “library” in back or, if weather permits, carve out some space for you and your friends on the large back patio.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Tipsy Pig serves grown-up pub fare with a few standouts. The pulled pork sliders— sweet, shredded meat piled high on plush buns—are terrific, and the maple-brined pork chop is so good you’ll want to gnaw at the bone (and happily, this is a place where no eyebrows would be raised if you went for it). While some of the other options—burgers, macaroni and cheese, Caesar salads—are somewhat pedestrian, the 50 or so artisan beers help patrons happy.</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.showdogssf.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1020+market+st.,+san+francisco&sll=37.758923,-122.412185&sspn=0.006608,0.009484&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1020+Market+St,+San+Francisco,+California+94102&z=17

The owners of Foreign Cinema have established this temple of the dogs—hot dogs, that is, along with sausages, French fries and onion rings. The triangular space, with its oversized glass windows, is a prime spot for witnessing some of the “local color” on that stretch of Market Street. It’s convenient location near the Warfield makes  it a good spot for a quick pre-show bite.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>With a menu of sausages and hot dogs sourced from some of the area’s best purveyors—4505 Meats, Fatted Calf and more—this is no pedestrian hot dog stand. Though selections change frequently, look for a lamb merguez topped with fig chutney, corn dogs and fiery Louisiana hot links. The fries (regular and barbecue) and lacy onion rings are well-above average, and a good selection of draft beers, all available in eight-ounce pours perfect for midday tippling, rounds out the experience.</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.cliffhouse.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1090+point+lobos+ave.+San+Francisco&sll=37.782638,-122.401836&sspn=0.009277,0.013304&ie=UTF8&ll=37.777516,-122.511914&spn=0.009277,0.013304&z=16&iwloc=A

From a wall of windows, diners at this sweeping restaurant set at the site of the historic Sutro Baths are treated to one of the most stunning ocean vistas in the city—a true amuse-bouche. A mix of diners (heavy on the tourists, but increasingly more locals) come for special occasions. Time your most romantic dinner reservation to coincide with the sunset. The view also comes cheaper at brunch.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Although Sutro’s has never cultivated the foodie set, the decision to place veteran chef George Morrone at the helm is changing that. Morrone, who famously started Aqua, has his delicious signature tartare on the menu, but you’ll also find “New American” dishes such as citrus-and-coriander cured Loche Duarte salmon with beets, crab bisque and a thick cut of veal prime rib with marsala sauce and roasted parsnips.</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.phatphilly.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=3388+24th+St.+San+Francisco&sll=37.792456,-122.400312&sspn=0.009275,0.013304&ie=UTF8&ll=37.752971,-122.420461&spn=0.00928,0.013304&z=16&iwloc=A

A former Mediterranean restaurant in the Mission has been reborn as a spot to get the most renowned of Philadelphia’s culinary offerings: the cheesesteak. The stainless counters and tables and bright lighting give this little space a squeaky-clean feel.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Phat Philly makes a reasonable facsimile of the prized sandwich that put the city of brotherly love on the map—a length of soft bread flown in from Amoroso's bakery, American Kobe beef and your choice of cheese (Whiz is the classic, but they also offer a cheddar-beer sauce). Go ahead and gussy it up with grilled onions or mushrooms, then anoint with hot peppers from the self-serve condiment bar.</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.bestoburger.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=89+Belden+Pl.+San+Francisco&sll=37.786216,-122.396944&sspn=0.009276,0.013304&ie=UTF8&ll=37.792456,-122.400312&spn=0.009275,0.013304&z=16&iwloc=A

This to-go burger joint in the Financial District is rather low on frills—but the cheery logo and red-and-yellow color scheme, à la In-N-Out, make it feel friendly and fun.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Yes, Best-O-Burger could be considered a fast food restaurant—they serve the requisite burgers, fries and onion strings—but the beef is fresh, never frozen, the buns are freshly baked and the cookies and gelato are also made on premises. Like our favorite California-based burger chain, they also have a secret menu, posted on the Best-O-Burger website, that includes a daily burger, such as “Le Magnifique Especiale de Baron de Monte Carlo.”<br /></p>