An occasional collection of bites. Eat anything good or bad, or see a good scene while you munch? Send in your short bites to missionlocal@gmail.com. Full names only.
If you’re going to fall off the vegetarian wagon, which I have been known to do, the 19th Street at Rhea’s Deli is the way to do it. It’s got a whole lot of medium rare roast beef, avocado, champagne vinegar pickled jalapenos, garlic aioli, and mustard on a giant crusty Acme roll. Drink with a pot of coffee so as to not fall asleep immediately afterwards – Heather Smith
Rhea’s Deli’s Panini on Tartine bread is a perfect lunch when you’re up at 5 a.m. to shoot a timelapse. Gooey, a tad greasy but oh so good. – Helene Goupil
If it’s rainy and cold, head to Evergreen Garden Vietnamese Restaurant, and get the barbecue pork noodle soup. It’s served piping hot with a plate of fresh mint, soybeans, and chilies. And the best part is that it’s so big that you’ll have leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. – Helene Goupil
Yes the croissants at Tartine Bakery are wonderful and yes the muesli makes me feel less guilty for eating all of that butter, but geeze the community table is ridiculously crowded with way too many chairs around it. Everyone there bends into different shapes to make it work, but it doesn’t Why not take away some of the chairs and give everyone more space. It will fill up, but the overflow will be more comfortable outside. – Lydia Chávez
Potato gratin tart from Mission Pie. A simple but good snack with layered potatoes and scallions. – Helene Goupil
Veal meatball turnover from Mission Pie – I had such high hopes because meat! In a ball! Meh. Just stick to the pie, people. Everything else seems a little underseasoned at this joint. – Heather Smith
Candied ginger scone from Ritual. Chunky pieces of candied ginger, yum. – Helene Goupil
It doesn’t look like much from the outside but Mr Pollo is a great place for foodies on a budget. The menu changes every day so you’ll have to go to see what’s for lunch today but a recent lunch platter included sauteed beef strips in cilantro green sauce, plantains, and a salad. I loved the orange flowers used in the food, they tasted like passion fruit. Helene Goupil
Mr Pickles Tom Turkey sandwich with turkey and swiss cheese on sourdough. Word of caution for myself next time I order this: eat only half to avoid food coma. – Helene Goupil
Roasted tomato soup from Local Mission Eatery – perfect for a summer in San Francisco. Lydia Chávez
You can find a pretty awesome vegan wrap at Due Drop In. It’s a great place for takeout located on the Mission/Castro border on Church and 17th. The wrap has roasted squash, lime rice, lentils, grilled tomatoes, roasted fennel, pickles and garlic sauce. The place is family run and everyone who works there is super friendly. Sometimes they offer you free olives! – Rachel Parker
Eat anything good or bad, or see a good scene while you munch? Send in your short bites to missionlocal@gmail.com. Full names only.