We come to this Spanish restaurant in North Beach when we want excellent tapas and low-proof cocktails in a fun, buzzy atmosphere.

The busy Outer Sunset cafe is right across the street from Ocean Beach, and serves solid bagels, wraps, sandwiches, and coffee.

Lavash is a Persian spot in the Sunset that we really like a lot.

Temescal Brewing is one of the nicest places to drink beer outdoors in Oakland.

The Castro restaurant for pork chops, burgers, and wine has one of the best garden patios in the city.

Pushkin is a Russian spot in the Financial District with great palmeni and pirojki.

If you just finished up a round of golf or just want to drink in the sun, drop by the Presidio Cafe.

Foreign Cinema in the Mission is still one of the most unique restaurants in San Francisco, and you need to come here at least once in your life.

Lucky Three Seven is a Filipino spot serving adobo, lumpia, and wings. All dishes are made to-go, but you should absolutely stay awhile.

Farmhouse Kitchen in Oakland’s Jack London is a festive Thai restaurant perfect for birthdays and large groups.

Enssaro is a busy Ethiopian restaurant in Adams Point serving spiced, simmered, and sautéed meats and vegetables.

Soba Ichi in West Oakland is one of the only places in the country that makes soba by hand. And it's incredible.

Cosecha in Old Oakland’s Swan Market makes excellent tacos on handmade tortillas.

Um.ma in the Sunset is a great Korean restaurant with a huge back patio.

You’re going to wait in line at the Shake Shack in Cow Hollow, but at least there are awesome burgers and ice cream at the end of it.

Prubechu in the Mission serves fantastic Guamanian food, like titiyas, barbecue, and Chamorro rolls.