www.themenupage.com/ilborgo.html - When other nearby restaurants are packed with no reservations available, Il Borgo is a faithful spot where you can almost always get a table and solid, satisfying Italian fare at reasonable prices. I'm partial to the lobster ravioli.

www.moderntea.com - A sidewalk table here on a weekend morning is a more than appealing prospect with my husband or friends. Their food, particularly the cornmeal waffles (made in a Civil War era waffle maker!?) with brilliant homemade plain yogurt and chutney, or the salmon hash, starts my day off right. The tea is impeccable - a unique selection with a broad range of tastes and types. Ideally, they are open all day long so you can enjoy a quiet, mid-afternoon or mid-morning cup of tea.

425 Hayes Street (between Gough & Octavia Streets), 415-431-2400
- Ok, $6 for a hot dog is ridiculous, I admit. But where else in SF can you find a Chicago deli that specializes in hot pastrami, hot dogs and Polish sausages, primarily Chicago style? Faded posters on the wall and the names of menu items ("Wrigley Field", "Evanston Special" or "Skokie Swift") will make Illinois natives homesick.

www.momitobys.com - A cozy café and long time Hayes favorite of mine, the founders of Momi Toby's modeled the café after their beloved cafes around the world. It retains such a welcoming charm with a creaky screen door and Euro-inspired sidewalk tables. A good book or writing session will only be enhanced by the comfy, worn atmosphere of this neighborhood gem.

www.patxispizza.com - I reluctantly list Paxti's. With incomparable Little Star (in SF) and Zachary's (in the East Bay), there is no reason to go to Paxti's if you can at all make it to these far superior Bay Area deep dish kings. BUT... if you live in the neighborhood and crave solid deep dish or decent pizza, Paxti's works (on a side not, I am not a fan of their watery tomato sauce vs. chunky tomatoes traditionally atop deep dish).

517 Hayes Street (between Laguna & Octavia Streets, 415-864-2122)
- Stylish, slick, inviting, Sebo serves fish straight from Japan; no elaborate rolls or latest sushi trends. You go for the freshest of fish and pure flavors. Though the overall experience is notable, even in the sea of amazing sushi restaurants in the Bay Area, the big downside is price-to-size ratio. You will spend a lot and still leave hungry (unless you eat like a bird). This keeps me from being a regular, though Sebo's food is still noteworthy in the SF sushi scene.

www.sugarloungesf.com – As with any bar, I cannot stand Sugar Lounge when crowded, noisy, “sceney” (beware of weekends), but when quiet, on a weeknight, it’s a chic, little spot for cocktails pre or post dinner. However, I still miss Hayes & Vine Wine Bar formerly in this space.

www.suppenkuche.com - Yes, it gets TOO noisy and crowded to even have a reasonable conversation during prime hours, but friendly service helps, and despite a couple great options for German food in SF, it has long been my favorite German restaurant (anywhere!) Come early or late on weeknights (or for a delightful Sunday brunch). German beers on tap only send the experience over the top; their cheese spatzle makes me salivate (the best I've ever had!); the pickled herring appetizer is authentically fresh and textured (my German friends confirm!), the entrées always delicious (venison medallions and schnitzel are favorites). If you think German food is too heavy, let Suppenkuche change your mind. It's hearty, but never overbearing, portions are large and it feels like a holiday feast!