Tartine Bakery & Cafe, San Francisco

This little place lends an undeniable taste of the French countryside to a bustling Mission District intersection. Though sweet items like cakes, pies, buns, cookies and pastry, may be Tartine's "bread and butter," the decidedly savory heartiest-and-most-Bechamel-drenched open-faced croque monsieurs you will ever have the pleasure of devouring, keeps neighborhood folks lining up for more. And speaking of bread, if you arrive early enough, you just might score yourself a loaf of the divine rustic country bread served (and constantly raved about) at sister bistro Bar Tartine . Just can't shake that sweet tooth? Opt for one of their beloved Morning Buns marbled with cinnamon and orange or the decadent Bread Pudding. Whatever you order, enjoy it at the big communal table gazing through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the entry of the 18th Street corridor.