[bdaddy]

A lot of good info here. I'll try to name a couple things not mentioned, mostly food related.

Bissap Baobab- Senegalese restaurant on 20th/Mission/ couple doors down from Cha Cha Cha...great mixed drinks like Pomegranite Margarita. Excellent food and good value.

Tartine- bakery in Hayes Valley and 19th/Guerrero...delicious pastries baked fresh every morning and the hottest lil' french girls working behind the counter. Dolores park is just a couple blocks away.

Kate's Kitchen- lower haight...good ole American breffast foods, but try the French Toast Orgy= giant plate of french toast, syrup, granola, yogurt, etc.

Daimaru- sushi joint on corner of Sanchez/16th...the chef is former pro golfer and used to work with Nobu in LA back in the day. I used to live 2 doors down from here and ate there 2-3 days/ week.

Elixir- pub on corner 16th/Guerrero....basic neighborhood pub, but good beer selection and great place to watch sports events like March Madness. Doesn't get nearly as crowded as other sports bars, like Kezar or Final/Final(which are both decent in their own right)

Playa Azul- Mexican food restaurant at 30th Mission/Valencia...Pacific style Mexican food with some great seafood. This is a super popular family place for many Hispanic mission residents, complete with mariachi band. Try the crab/shrimp NAchos and the Camarones El Diablo [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Kirin- authentic Chinese food place on Geary/25th Ave. I was just introduced to this place 2 weeks ago by Chinese friend of mine. This place was ridiculously good!

...and a shout out to Oaktown, where the whistle tips go whoooo whooo!

Koryo- sushi and Korean BBQ on Telegraph/43rd.....this place is always packed on weekends. Also, open late on weekends, which is rare in Bay Area

Bake Sale Betty's- corner of 51st and Telgraph...small corner bakery. The signature is a Fried Chicken Sammich with a slaw in a light vinegarette,with some jalapenos and onions mixed in, served on sweet roll. This is a must try in Oakland.