This Timbuk2 store located in the heart of Hayes Valley which is one of the most distinctive shopping areas of the city. Timbuk2 is known for their rough and tough messenger bags. The Timbuk2 store their classic messenger bags in a wide variety of fabrics and special designs by guest designers. If you don't like the colors you see, you can always order a custom-made bag that ticks all your boxes. You can also pick up accessories for your bag, like cell phone holders, reflective tabs and wallets.

The Gallic influence on Vietnamese cooking dates back to its French colonial days, which explains why an Asian sandwich is served in a baguette with pate on it. Usually filled with five-spice chicken or roast pork and then embellished with fresh and pickled vegetables and herbs, there is an American twist to be found in the meatball sandwich that is like nothing so much as a jumped-up hoagie. The fillings are spicy and the chili garnish, which you can ask the efficient counter staff to leave out, can make the sandwiches positively incendiary, though that does not seem to deter the locals who crowd this shop all day. Only cash accepted.

Bi-Rite Market, located in the Mission District, is a gourmet lover's paradise. The market features a wealth of organic and locally-produced cheeses, baked goods, meat, poultry, fish and produce. They also have an outstanding counter of prepared foods which change daily - the pork belly spaghetti and short ribs & polenta are recommended. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by nearby Bi-Rite Creamery for a tasty ice cream treat (you can find pints of their famous ice cream in the market freezer section too).

“The Pirate Store,” as it is known to neighborhood folk, is actually the official store of the Mission District writing workshop known as (and located at) 826 Valencia. Here, you'll find all manner of pirate-related items, from designer glass eyes and eye patches to a variety of pirate flags. Also for sale are a series of books and periodicals associated with the 826 Valencia writing program and the related McSweeney's publishing imprint, as well as a bevy of pirate-themed souvenir t-shirts. In-store entertainment includes a small fish tank-viewing theater and a giant vat of lard. (Note that lard can be bartered for, but not purchased.) See website for online shopping, event calendar, F.A.Q., store log and a multi-part video portrait of Karl the Fish.

Mission Minis sells mini cupcakes in a variety of flavors, though they can also make batches of full-sized cupcakes upon request. All of their offerings can be made gluten-free, as well. Its convenient location on 22nd Street in the Mission District makes it easy to grab a sweet treat after a day out shopping and restaurant-hopping.

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so then it is logical to do breakfast right. To experience this, the Pork Store Café is a place to be. Though small in dimension, the food here is huge. Every plate served is colossal, and, more importantly, delicious. It touts lots of meat on the menu (it's called the Pork Store, after all.) Ham, bacon, sausage, chops, all served with eggs, potatoes, toast and endless cups of strong coffee is served up by the friendly wait staff. If you are not feeling carnivorous, order a short stack of pancakes, omelet, French toast, or a veggie and tofu scramble. Sit at a window table or choose a stool at the counter, where you can watch all that fabulous food being prepared.

You've never had grilled cheese like this! With different types of cheese and fancy combinations, the American Grilled Cheese Kitchen in San Francisco puts a fun and gourmet twist on this classic dish. They also serve soups, salads, delightful baked goods, and offer daily specials that will satisfy your stomach! Situated near the ballpark, the kitchen stays open until 7p during nighttime baseball games.

A Cole Valley neighborhood favorite, Crepes on Cole sells delicious crepes by the bundle. The restaurant's popularity is due to low prices, great service and a specialty menu. In a somewhat casual, even funky, environment, it is certainly not a place for a fancy dinner but rather one for a quick treat. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the thin, pancake-like delicacy can be topped with a variety of goodies from fruit and powered sugar, to cheese and onions. Breakfast crepes are served with a side of house potatoes. Cash only.

Located in the Ferry Building Marketplace, a visit to Hog Island Oyster Bar is a great way to start off a San Francisco adventure. The restaurant is owned by the Hog Island Oyster Farm, who farms oysters in Tomales Bay. Established in 1983, today the company raises over three million oysters per year. The casual surroundings of the restaurant, located opposite a retail fish store, provide a gorgeous view of the Bay Bridge. Stop in and grab a glass of wine and down as many oysters as you can. The menu also offers clams and salad, but the main attraction here is the oyster stew, the chowder and the grilled cheese sandwich! Check for the daily specials before ordering. The restaurant also offers a small quantity of live, unshucked oysters to take away, but will have to be ordered three days prior.

The Acme Bread Company is a well known name in America and like all its other stores, this one in San Francisco has its own set of loyal customers too. Located in the popular Ferry Building, it offers the complete selection of Acme's acclaimed bread varieties. The baking is constant all through the day, so you get fresh bread anytime you want.

This wonderful German bakery has been purveying rich coffee cakes, creamy mousse cakes and a cornucopia of butter cookies since 1911. The tiny space with a few tables and chairs is usually crammed with people trying to decide between the classic Swedish Princess (white cake with raspberry and kirsch custard and marzipan icing) and one of the many delicious French-inspired mousses and tarts. The fresh bread is also terrific, if you can tear yourself away from the Strawberry Romanoff.

This Inner Sunset neighborhood co-op, affiliated with Berkeley's Cheese Board, just may ruin you for any other bakery. They bake a wide range of breads, with a whole list of specials every day. They turn out specialty scones and muffins all baked with tender loving care. Kids love the crispy and cheesy bread sticks. If it's more than just a snack you're looking for, join the throngs filing in from the far reaches of the city for a slice or four of Arizmendi's famous pizza. They top each one with a different combination of the freshest of locally raised veggies and the creamiest of specialty cheeses every day. Have a good meal!