San Francisco's Best Cheap Eats 2008

California comfort food shines at this popular, low-priced neighborhood hangout.

Reviews:

• “warm service, welcoming atmosphere, wonderful wontons”
• “Always a good time”
• “Great food for a reasonable price”
• “great atmosphere & tasty food…”
• “Friendly staff and good food”

Tips: A long string of counter seats accommodate a high volume of solo diners.

Chow

Cozy Afghani restaurant serves affordable, traditional dishes on Russian Hill’s Van Ness corridor.

Reviews:

• “Good food but not cheap anymore”
• “Great Food! "
• “Good food, horrible service”
• “Best afghan food, you have to try the deserts.”

Tips: Parking is free with restaurant validation at 1645 Pacific during dinner hours.

Helmand Palace

Authentic Pakistani cuisine and budget prices are the draws at this popular Tenderloin destination.

Reviews:

• “Dirtiest Kitchen.”
• “Simply the Worst!”
• “Seems like an authentic place”
• “Total dive but oh so good!”
• “Authentic Truck-stop Style Pakistani/Indian Restaurant”

Tips: Alcohol is not served here, but diners are allowed to bring their own beer.

Shalimar

This tiny Vietnamese diner epitomizes the term “hidden find.”

Reviews:

• “Put on your kevlar and go get some noodles!”
• “Fast,Greasy, Chinese style vietnamese food…”
• “cheap, hot, spicy, greasy, fast vietnamese food”
• “Worth it!”
• “Where do I even begin”

Tips: Though this is a cash-only establishment, there are plenty of ATM machines on Market Street.

Tu Lan

Low prices, courteous service and a spotless setting distinguish this Tenderloin Indian restaurant.

Reviews:

• “Best Indian Food”
• “Our pick for Tandori-loin”
• “stays open late, cheap, and yummy.”
• “Can’t go wrong”
• “Cheap Prices, Good Food, not so good service”

Tips: Don’t forget to ask for a cup of chai tea after you pay your bill—it’s free with any meal.

Chutney

A Pakistani restaurant with low prices and heart-of-the-Mission locale.

Reviews:

• “the best fast food indian in town”
• “eh….. bad customer service outweighs moderately tasty”
• “Rockin Lamb Chops”
• “Overrated”
• “Best naan and Mango Lassi”

Tips: No alcohol is served, but diners are allowed to bring their own beer.

Pakwan

Vietnamese sandwiches headline at this Tenderloin storefront.

Reviews:

• “Best Vietnamese sandwiches I’ve ever had”
• “Lives up to its reputation”
• “Simply the Best!”
• “A must for any self-respecting foodie in San Francisco”
• “The best sandwich you’ve never had.”

Tips: Credit cards are not accepted.

Saigon Sandwich Shop

An unconventional eatery with Bollywood stars adorning the walls is a Lower Haight hot spot.

Reviews:

• “Great chill quiet indian food spot in the lower part of haight”
• “YUCK!”
• “Avoid this place”
• " Favorite Indian Resturant"
• “Good Indian”

Tips: This restaurant offers delivery and is open late.

Rotee

Fresh ingredients, skillful preparation and large portions have made this the Mission’s most popular taqueria.

Reviews:

• “Best Tacos”
• “FRIKIN GREAT FOOD!”
• “Bad burritos”
• “The Best Hands-Down”
• “Best Taqueria in the Mission”

Tips: There’s a public garage on Hoff Street, just south of 16th Street.

Pancho Villa Taqueria or email Pancho Villa Taqueria

Breakfast is the name of the game at this funky Haight Street cafe that’s popular with the carb-craving crowd.

Reviews:

• “Best Breakfast”
• “Great place for Breakfast- Service fun and nice crowd”
• “This place is one of the BEST!”
• “Good, fast & cheap”
• “Bad service”

Tips: There’s typically a line out the door on weekend mornings and early afternoons.

Pork Store Cafe or email Pork Store Cafe

The spunky sibling of the Tenderloin noodle joint invades the Mission with hip design and low-priced Thai fare.

Reviews:

• “Bad Service”
• “Great DISAPPOINTMENT”
• “best deal in lunch time specials”
• “Great Thai place”
• “Great modern thai food.”

Tips: This is a rare neighborhood spot for late-night eats, open till midnight every night.

Osha Thai Restaurant or email Osha Thai Restaurant