Miller's NY Deli on Polk (EOPB)

When was the last time you had an egg cream??  It's a chocolate ice cream soda without the ice cream, but with a "cream float" on top.  To die for, really!!!  That's the first thing we ordered.  You know what they say about the power of the olfactory sense.  Rosalie and I thought we were back at the soda fountain where chocolate sodas and root beer floats were once the norm. 
Rosalie had the corned beef ruben and I had the pastrami.  Even the pickles were delish.................
This NY deli was bright, clean, friendly and busy.  The street parking was easy and this cute neighborhood, a block off Van Ness, is a little hidden gem. 
We loved the colorful French market across the street from the deli, so Rosalie (Staff Photographer) included it as a "marker" that you have arrived at your destination.
The servings are HUGE, so you'll probably bring back home half of your sandwich, as well as some long-lost, happy "soda-fountain" memories. We did.

 

El Metate on Bryant between 22nd & 23rd (EOPB)

What a find!  We loved this Mission Taqueria and it's "cute to boot".  Really nice staff and friendly customers, who shared their "favorites" with us, while standing in line to order.  I had a fish taco and Rosalie had the carnitas burrito.  Absolutely delish............. 
The decor was bright and colorful and the restaurant was clean and inviting.  The salsa bar was well stocked with (mild to really spicy) salsas, which set my taste buds on fire.  Loved it!
Rosalie had one of the house-special fruit drinks that she said tasted like fresh melon and was excellent!
Once again, it was a Wednesday lunch, so parking on the street was not a problem.  Nice little neighborhood and clearly a favorite haunt for local business people.
This one ranked high on our list, plus the total bill (for both of us) was under $12.00. 
This is a  perfect little find for "fab" Mexican food in vibrant surroundings, yet a casual spot.

Shanghai Dumpling King on 34th & Balboa (EOPB)

Okay........................
Rosalie and I clearly do not have an appreciation for Shanghai dumplings.  The place was packed and is obviously a local favorite.  Rosalie spoke with one customer who had been eating at the King for 4 years prior to it's new celebrity status for authentic "Shanghainese" food.
This place is certainly not about decor or a clean bathroom.  However, lots of people have reviewed Shanghai Dumpling King and rave about it. 
Maybe we're just fussy...........................................
Rosalie and I will not be going back to the Shanghai Dumpling King.

Memphis Minnie's in the Lower Haight (EOPB)

OMG!!!!!!!
Take a look at these ribs (below).  This place is  truly "swine" dining.  The decor is  reminiscent of "Buck's" in Woodside, where everywhere you look, there's memorabilia.  Pork decor is done at it's finest in this BBQ joint, adding atmosphere to a delish... dining experience.
Our new best friend, Will, took our order and instantly sold me on one of the specials, a ruben that melted in my mouth.  Rosalie had the brisket and bravely tried all the BBQ & hot sauces located on our table.  A large roll of paper towel was also provided at each table to serve as the "much needed" napkins.
Will welcomed us into the kitchen and even opened the huge smoke oven, where those ribs were born, for a pork-photo-shoot that you can see below.  It was great!  
This place hit all our marks. It was fab food at great prices, really nice staff and excellent service.  Add that to the crazy decor, clean bathroom (very important) and easy street parking and "Memphis Minnie's" is a winner.  Rosalie and I will definitely be back.

Will