Zazie

It's quaint. It's French. It's inexpensive. And it's delicious. At Zazie you will find excellent, friendly service, a small, fresh menu and the most scrumptous Brunch in the city. All at a price that will not break the bank. Perfect for impressing a date.

Red Vic Movie House

Independent, cooperatively owned, local, inexpensive and in a kooky neighborhood...The Red Vic is great. The concession stand is cheap and the popcorn with optional yummy brewer's yeast comes in a real bowl - no waste. Not to mention it's located in a great neighborhood.

If only the seats were a bit more comfortable.

Cole Valley Cafe

Not only is the chai the best in the city but these people are actually nice...as in they will glady talk to you even if you don't add to the tip jar. The owner is usually present and is eager to serve, knowledgeable and pleasant to talk with. The menu is large but not too large and the prices are reasonable. Located in between Cole Valley and Haight street, the cafe is sometimes a bit laptop crazy and in need of a few more comfy places to sit.

Rotee

You can't go wrong at Rotee. That is if you can handle generous helpings of Chicken Saag ($7.99), Vegetable Biryani ($5.99) and Onion Naan ($2.50) surrounded by Bollywood Film posters and a comfortable noise level. Bring your own alcohol

Only complaint is the awkward orange chairs and potentially confusing food ordering arrangement.

Other Avenues Food Store

Other Avenues Community Food Store is a medium-sized, well-stocked and inexpensive natural food and grocery store in the Outer Sunset of San Francisco. Their bulk and produce sections are divine and are very reasonable on your wallet.....and excellent for your health and the environment. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Located in an often overlooked up-and-coming neighborhood, Other Avenues is only a few blocks from the beach and is a convinient and not too lenghtly N-Muni ride from downtown.