Lunch at Comstock Saloon for 20 bucks

If you've exhausted the downtown dining options, venture a bit farther to the edge of North Beach, where Comstock Saloon just started serving up a $20 three-course lunch, Monday through Friday from 11:30-2:30 p.m. If you have to take a nap after eating the oyster po'boy and maple-bourbon pudding, that's your business.

Pick up a Pumpkin at Piccino's Patch

If Walgreens has the bags of Halloween candy on display, it's official: autumn is here. If you're dreaming of the rural life, of apple picking and fall foliage, get your fix at Piccino's "Flatbed Pumpkin Patch" on Saturday, October 9. Mariquita Farm will be coming to town with a truck fully loaded with gourds. Pick out a good one, then chain it to your porch. Ah, city living.

Litquake Bites!

Litquake celebrates food writing on October 7. Head to the Ferry Building at noon to listen to Steve Sando (owner of Rancho Gordon and author of Heirloom Beans), Gordon Edgar, (Rainbow cheesemonger and author of Cheesemonger: Life on the Wedge), food writer Sarah Billingsly and cookbook editor Amy Treadwell. Bonus: you can get a bowl of Hapa Ramen while you're down there.

Bourbon Steak Opens

October 7 marks the opening of Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak. Bring on the signature lobster corn dogs and pot pie and, oh yes, butter-poached bone-in 18 ounce rib-eyes. Whoa. We're expecting a lot of suits and a lot of steaks. Get ready.

Cheese and Wine at 18 Reasons

There's a slight nip in the air, which can only mean one thing: time to eat more cheese. On October 11, Trac Le, wine buyer at Bi-Rite Market, and Anthea Stolz, cheese buyer, are teaming up to teach a two-hour class on mountain cheese and wine. They'll present five pairings for your delicious education. The class runs from 7-9 p.m. and is $60 for non-members, $50 for members.