Exclusive | San Francisco: Where to Eat Part Five

The Mission, continued...

Arguably the best café in San Francisco, and certainly one of the best people-watching spots, is Dolores Park Café (501 Dolores St; 415-621-2936; $6-8). Perched on the corner of Dolores Park, this lesbian-owned café draws a mixed crowd of locals (many with dogs). The park-side location and density of canines ensure a lively afternoon. The joint jumps the first Friday of the month when the cafe hosts a songwriter series. Smoothies, sandwiches, and salads are all tasty. Also check out Dolores Park Café?s sister joint, Duboce Park Caf? (2 Sanchez; 415-621-1108) in Duboce Triangle.

Another option for a quick nibble en route to the park is to pop into Bi-Rite Market (3639 18th St; 451-241-9760), a European-style market and deli with very good gourmet fare. Order up a sandwich or any of the ready-to-eat treats at the deli, or select from their wide array of organic produce, gourmet snacks and other goodies. People come from all over the city to shop here. Don?t miss the Bi-Rite Creamery (3692 18th St; 415-626-5600) across the street. Just look for the long line of fans trailing out the door. Lesbian-owned Charanga (2351 Mission St; 415-282-1813; $8-15) creates innovative tapas with a Cuban flair. The flavors are honest and the dishes are consistently good.

Universal Cafe (2814 19th St; 415-821-4608; $18-25) is a small industrial space with a post-modern look, featuring food with an emphasis on Mediterranean and Provencal flavors and a low-key but hip crowd. Highly recommended. Dinner and a movie take on a new twist at Foreign Cinema (2534 Mission St; 415-648-7600; $16-30). Diners who sit in the enclosed courtyard get to enjoy classic foreign films projected against the wall of the building behind the restaurant, with sound coming through drive-in style speakers. The food is good enough to stand on its own.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six

Part Seven

San Francisco: Introduction
San Francisco: Where to Stay
San Francisco: Where to Play/Meet
San Francisco: What to See & Do
San Francisco: Where to Shop
San Francisco: Resources