Inner Richmond Favorites?

[nsheth]

Hey all -

We've just moved to the Inner Rchmond, and have started exploring the area a little more. Dinner the other night at Halu, pretty good (though pretty uneven service-wise). We've also tried a couple of the Korean places on Geary, a meal at Spices on 8th and Clement, Mandalay's always been a favorite . . .

Pretty overwhelming, the number of options in this area. There's a good number of Chowhound threads to pull from, but just wanted to see if I can get a fresh overview! Any favorites in the area? Either destination-worthy, or places good for a quick, cheap bite?

Thanks!

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Halu
312 8th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118

[c oliver]

On a recent trip to SF, we had dim sum three times at House of Banquet on Clement and liked it very much.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/4150...

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House of Banquet
939 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

[wolfe]

Aziza.
http://www.aziza-sf.com/

[vulber]

Aziza is Outer Richmond, but phenomenal, as is Shabu House.

Chapeau! is also stellar

I was actually thinking the other day how the Richmond has some of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco

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Shabu House
5158 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

[wolfe]

When you are coming from Berkeley everything east of the Farallons is the inner Richmond. Thank you windy and vulber for the correction.

[artemis]

strong second for chapeau!

[Windy]

Spices is a good place to start.

There's a branch of Pagan at Clement and 8th for Burmese food. Their $9.95 lunch buffet is a great deal. Charming food store on California and 9th with Blue Bottle coffee.

I like several of the places on Balboa including Muguboka (5th?) and Namu (6th?); Okina sushi on Arguello is tiny, inexpensive, and wonderful, the few nights a week they're open.

Of course Chapeau for a special occasion, or just a great meal.

The Outer Richmond isn't far. As wolfe mentions, Aziza is there, but so is La Vie (Vietnamese), John Campbell's Irish Bakery, New World Market, Shanghai House, and many others.

Please do report back on what you find.

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John Campbell's Irish Bakery
5625 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

Muguboka Restaurant
401 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Namu
439 Balboa Street, San Francisco, CA 94118

Shanghai House
3641 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121

New World Market
5641 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

[vulber]

I also forgot to mention Khan Toke. The food is just OK (save for the fried banana dessert, which is exceptional), but it's a great experience where you can feel removed from city life for a few hours, as they make you take off your shoes and you're seated in a room with a gorgeous wooden interior.

[vulber]

Oh, and the place I forgot to mention is Tawan's Thai. Tiny friendly family-run operation on Geary.

[exxtraswagger]

There are some great eclectic Gems in the Inner Richmond. Try B Star a familial offshoot of Burma Superstar that is an Inner Richmond (and truly San Francisco) nouveau staple. Also, for an authentic and delicious french Bistro experience, you must try Clementine at 2nd and Clement. There's a good start and when you are ready to hit some of the more adventurous spots in the Inner Richmond, let me know!

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Burma Superstar Restaurant
309 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

B Star Bar
127 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

[Windy]

Clementine is now Chapeau.

[vulber]

Also, Chapeau is not bistro fare.

[exxtraswagger]

thanks for the update..

[ML8000]

I don't think there's much distance between the inner and outer Richmond commerce-wise. Except for the area around the Balboa Theater and 32nd/Clement, there's not much in the outer Richmond past 28th Ave on Geary. To me that's basically Arguello to 28th. The only difference is zip code.

I remember: Giorgio's Pizza, Gaspare's (Italian), Gordo's (taqueria), Buffalo Burger (fish and chips), House of Bagels, Joe's Ice Cream, Kirin, Dragon River, Han Il Kwan, Bill's Place, all those Russian delis.

The biggest secret about the Inner Richmond is that it's not very far from the inner Sunset (9th/Irving), an easy bike ride...or plenty of FREE and easy parking in the park during the evening. Going to Park Chow is as easy as any other place and definitely easier if you're in a car.

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Park Chow
1238 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122

Dragon River
5045 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

Joe's Ice Cream
5420 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

Bill's Place
2315 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

Buffalo Burger Restaurant
5317 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

[cornflower55]

ML8000 - that's a good list. i also think Oyaji on 32nd / Clement is worth the trek out a few more blocks.

Also Kabuto is very good. People don't talk about it as much as they used to, but it still has some of the best sushi in SF.

There is also a fruit and vegetable market across the street from House of Bagels that has very fresh produce. It is a family-run store and the owner sources all of the produce himself.

Many of the take-out dim sum places on Clement aren't really that good. I've heard Tong Palace has very good dim sum on 10th / Clement, but I haven't been there.

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Oyaji Restaurant
3123 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

Tong Palace
933 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

[monku]

Taiwan on Clement for dumplings.
Wing Lee Bakery on Clement for good dim sum on the go.
China First on Clement for good Chinese seafood.
Boudin Bakery on 10th & Geary (Main Bakery)
Toy Boat on Clement for ice cream.

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China First
336 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Wing Lee Bakery
503 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

[monku]

Kamei Restaurant Supply for kitchen and home gadgets, inexpensive and fun to browse.
507 Clement St

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Kamei Restaurant Supply
547 Clement St, San Francisco, CA

[nsheth]

Thanks all for the suggestions!

Some of these places, I've already been over the years, so looking for things I may have missed. Just to avoid duplication, places mentioned so far that I've been (plus a couple others, maybe bleeding into Outer Richmond) + quick thoughts -

Aziza (yes, not quite Inner Richmond, I'm trying to focus more on places that are walkable!) - been several times, though not recently, loved it.

Shabu House - only shabu shabu place I've tried in the area, like it.

Chapeau - haven't been in at least 3-4 years, been meaning to make it back!

Spices / Spices II - been to both, will definitely return

Khan Toke - been years ago, don't remember the food, but it was an interesting atmosphere, pretty cool decor

Namu - been a few times, loved a few dishes, hated others. Been meaning to try their burger, haven't made it yet, but should be easy now, being so close!

Sushi Bistro - "interesting" rolls, though I much prefer something more traditional. They're standard nigiri - massive pieces, a bit sloppy. Not something I need to rush back to.

Burma Superstar / B Star Bar - used to like Burma Superstar, at some point it just didn't stay worth the wait. Tried B Star Bar when it opened, was pretty disappointed. Perhaps worth another look, guessing the kinks have been worked out.

Mandalay - my standby for burmese in the city

Pagan - tried the location in outer richmond, didn't really standout to me. Is this location preferred?

Halu - just tried, liked it, good selection of yakitori, will probably return to try out the ramen, a few other dishes

My Tofu House - decent soon doobu

Brothers - fine for Korean bbq, not sure if I like it as much as it's hyped (but, haven't found great korean bbq in SF . . .)

Genki Ramen - ok ramen, a bunch of other random dishes to round out the meal, open late

Pizza Orgasmica - other locations do slices, this one doesn't . . . ok beers, good (bit a little overpriced) pizza, would be a decent place to watch a game

Ariake - good, not quite great sushi place

Creations - Hong Kong style dessert place, mostly fruit-based dishes. Quality can vary (things served aren't always in season), but generally pretty good place to get a dessert that feels "healthier"

Bill's Place - went long ago, had heard some hype about the burger, didn't find it to be anything destination-worthy

Probably enough of a starting list of where I've been, off the top of my head. Thanks for the recommendations, I've already got a few more places to check out here

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Spices II
291 6th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118

B Star Bar
127 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

My Tofu House
4627 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

Namu
439 Balboa Street, San Francisco, CA 94118

Genki Ramen
3944 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

Shabu House
5158 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

Pizza Orgasmica
823 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Halu
312 8th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118

Bill's Place
2315 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

Burma Superstar
4721 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA

Sushi Bistro
2809 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[Keesey]

Surprised no one has mentioned Tekka on Balboa and 6th. Truly a hidden gem in the Richmond. Homestyle Japanese cooking with huuuge slices of nigiri... so big I call them fish filets! And my friend calls them Hekka Tekka!

Only 2 seatings with about 12 seats per seating. First come first serve unless you reserve an omakase meal. Slightly flawed system because if there are Omakase diners, people waiting in line will automatically get bumped off even though they may have been waiting in line for awhile.

Other suggestions...
Good Luck Dim Sum for the best take-out dim sum options.
HK Lounge for one of the better dim sum places in the Richmond
Q - rustic home cooking
Singapore Malaysia Restaurant - love their flaky roti

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Good Luck Dim Sum
736 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

[nsheth]

Just tried Singapore Malaysia. Their roti was indeed tasty, but things went rapidly downhill from there. Probably won't return anytime soon.

[Jeni Bean]

The Richmond for upscale but low key dining! It was our go-to favorite for fancier/celebration meals. Great food, great wine list, great family owned place.

[Jeni Bean]

Link

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The Richmond Restaurant
615 Balboa, San Francisco, CA 94118

[sfbing]

Inner/Outer Richmond favorites not mentioned so far:

Panda Country Kitchen for Sichuan
Korean Village for Korean bbq (actual charcoal is a nice change)
Hong Kong Lounge (best dim sum in the city right now--but the crowds are getting insane)
Quan Bac (Vietnamese; probably best in the Richmond district)
Kappou Gomi (Japanese)

If cooking/eating at home:
Seafood Center generally has the highest quality seafood.

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Korean Village Restaurant
4609 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

Panda Country Kitchen
4737 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

Seafood Center
831 Clement St, San Francisco, CA

Hong Kong Lounge
5322 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94121

Kappou Gomi
5524 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

Quan Bac
4112 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

[Pei]

Ditto on HK Lounge and Panda Country Kitchen.

Royal Grounds across from HK Lounge has the best soy latte in the city. Consistently beautifully made, and often my hideout while waiting for a table at HK Lounge.

Tai Shan is a my husband's favorite bargain stop. I find it tasty but a more than a little on the salty side. This type of cuisine is hard to find, though, so it's worth a try if you like clay pot rice and Chinese salted meats and fish! And you can have a big dinner for under $10/pp.

Schubert's if you ever need a cake, especially their beautiful princess cake.

The cafe next door to Schubert's used to have good Taiwanese meatballs (Ba wan) but haven't for quite some time. Any recent reports? They also have other Taiwanese street foods, but I have not tried them.

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Panda Country Kitchen
4737 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

Tai Shan Restaurant
2257 San Jose Ave, San Francisco, CA

[felice]

Thanks for the tip on ba wan, I've not seen them anywhere in SF before!

[Melanie Wong]

I think that's Sweet Delite, owned/operated by the sister of the owner of Irving Street's Wonderful Foods.

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Schubert's Bakery
521 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Sweet Delite Gourmet Foods Co
519 Clement St, San Francisco, CA

[DezzerSF]

I've read elsewhere there were a few chef changes at Panda Country Kitchen. Any truth to this? Has the food quality suffered?

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Panda Country Kitchen
4737 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

[sfbing]

I haven't been to PCK in about 9 months, so I have no recent info. Last time I went, the food was the most unabashedly Sichuan (read--plenty of peppercorns and chile and grease) of the places in the city (Spices, Z&Y).

[DavidT]

Any feedback on Bella, the Italian restaurant on Geary & 3rd Avenue?

[salome_st_john]

Do you mean Bella Trattoria? I haven't been there in years, altho when I went (twice) in the '90s it was wonderful. I still remember the wild boar dish I had (both times). I keep meaning to go back and see how it is now.

[rotiprata]

Bella Trattoria was lovely when we visited a few months ago. The amuse bouche of polenta was warm and melt in the mouth tasty. Fresh pasta. Tiramisu moist and good. Ymmv soft bread (love it) with delicious olive oil dip (with sundried tomato).

BTW, any opinions on the oldish La Bergerie near 6th across the street? Vietnamese French?

[Pei]

Count me in as a new fan of Bella Trattoria. Had the sugo de salsiccia last week and absolutely loved every bite. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the sauce boasted incredible depth of flavor and balance.

[SFBelle]

What, no one has mentioned Tommy's on Geary for Mexican? Some of the best margaritas around.

[vulber]

The posting was in regards to food, not drink. While I have heard great things about the margheritas at Tommy's, I haven't heard anything memorable about the food

[Kazy Ctn]

If you ever eat there, order the carne asada plate (only thing worth getting)

[nsheth]

Yup, I've been pretty disappointed with the food there. The tequila list is great though!

[bigwheel042]

To Hyang, 2nd and Geary. If you want Korean food but not necessarily barbecue, this is the place to go.

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To Hyang
3815 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

[benv]

Assab on Geary and Collins for great Eritrean food. Had another good meal there a couple of days ago and it is still my favorite Eritrean/Ethiopian/African restaurant in the city.

Aziza farther out on Geary is good of course, but I dont seem to like it as much as some others.

Han Il Kwan on Balboa and 19th for Korean. Prefer it to the other popular ones on Geary and while the food is better it is also a bit cheaper and they give a lot of freebies.

Katia's Russian Tea Room on Balboa and 5th for Russian. Good food and a good taste of Russian for one of the only ones in the city. The chef is very nice and always comes out on her down time to talk with the customers.

Shanghai Dumpling King on Balboa is alright. I prefer my dumplings at Kingdom of Dumpling out in the Sunset and other places in the Richmond.

Also, most of my favorite bakeries are located in the Richmond. John Campbell's for their offering called "Breakfast In Bed", Moscow & Tbilisi Bakery Store for some piroshki, almond horns, rose's, and cherbuka and Gastronome Deli and Bakery for their poppy-seed rolls, strudel, and the "Russian Cake". Gastronome's poppy-seed roll has to be one of my top 3 favorite baked goods in SF.

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Shanghai Dumpling King
3319 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121

Kingdom of Dumpling
1713 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA

Assab
2845 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

Katia's Russian Tea Room
600 5th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118

[elise h]

Are these poppy seed rolls sweet? I used to love the poppy seed rolls at Moscow Tbilisi, but over the years, it seems they have increased the ratio of bread to poppy seeds so that that the poppy seed flavor is sadly diminished.

[Mick Ruthven]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Troya, a casual Turkish restaurant at the corner of Clement and 5th Ave. I've only been once, two years ago, and was very pleased with the atmosphere, service, food, and prices, actually the whole experience.

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Troya
349 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118

[BP71]

Little Vietnam Cafe at 6th and Clement for fast, inexpensive, tasty Vietnamese food. Five Happiness for out of town guests who want Peking Duck. The Richmond when you want to splurge. Martha and Brothers, probably best coffee in the neighborhood.

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Little Vietnam Cafe
309 6th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118

Five Happiness
4142 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

[ML8000]

I always liked La Vie for Vietnamese in the Richmond. The one thing there's not a lot of are greasy spoon diners. I think there's Joe's Cafe, Video Cafe, Eats, Hamburger Haven (real greasy spoon) and 2-3 others. For some reason I always went to 9th/Irving for breakfast (Art's, Howard's, Park Chow). Not sure if anyone mentioned Shanghai Dumpling King at 34th but that place rocks.

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Park Chow
1238 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122

Shanghai Dumpling King
3319 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121

Hamburger Haven Restaurants
800 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

[salome_st_john]

Eats isn't so much a greasy spoon anymore - it's been taken over by the Burma Superstar empire. They've re-done the interior - it's cozy - and the food is more brunch-y than straight greasy spoon-y. The little scones you get at the start of the meal are delicious. I've been only once and I wasn't thrilled with my scramble. My boyfriend's bacon waffle had too much stuff piled on top to be able to taste anything (I remember preferring the bacon waffle at It's Tops years ago) but it was pretty good. I'd go back to try again.

[cosmogrrl]

I was going to mention this place! I really like the food, especially manti ( a kind of turkish ravioli). I try to eat there about every 2 months or so. Always excellent service, but then again, I always speak to the owner in turkish so I think it may help ;) And I get to drink an Efes beer; not the best beer but it reminds me of being in Turkey.

Some of the best Turkish food I've had outside of Turkey. Good prices too

[Cynsa]

at 6th and Balboa, King Sing has Lobster Lo Mein
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7068...

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King Sing Chinese Restaurant and Wine Bar
501 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA

[salome_st_john]

I know these are not Inner Richmond but I'll throw them in anyway, since there have been mentions all the way up to 32nd or even Balboa/36th, and really our little pocket is only a quick bike ride or pleasant walk away:

I am a big fan of Um Ma Son on Geary at 23rd. Wonderful Korean food, run by the nicest lady. The fried chicken and macaroni and cheese at Hard Knox Cafe have been given a thumbs up by my Nashville friend (and the prices have been heartily endorsed by her frugal boyfriend). PPQ Dungeness Island has great imperial rolls and cabbage salad. We love Pho Clement/Pho Clement 2. And my boyfriend says Mescolanza is great.

Also, am surprised no one has mentioned Pizetta 211!

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PPQ Dungeness Island
2332 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

Pizzetta 211
211 23rd Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121

Mescolanza
2221 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

Hard Knox Cafe
2448 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

Um MA Son Korean Restaurant
5850 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

[Cynsa]

perhaps, because Inner Richmond (to me, at least) demarcation is anything east of Park Presido...? maybe, it's a state of mind... loosely translated - not that it really matters.
The Inner/Outer Richmond reaches to the Ocean.
http://www.sfgate.com/neighborhoods/s...

[salome_st_john]

No, it's true - Inner Richmond is pretty much Arguello to Park Presidio. But I figured that since people had been throwing Central/Outer Richmond options into the pot, what the heck.

I live in Central/almost Outer Richmond, so for me it's all a walk/bike ride/hop on the 1 away.

[wejamecono]

Many or most of the places mentioned - was going to say Troya b/c it is overlooked, but I see someone mentioned it. Oyaji IS worth a trip to the outer richmond - excellent japanese. The one place I really like that hasn't been mentioned as far as I can tell is JAVA - indonesian. I have only had veggie dishes there but a good and unique $5 lunch special on the same block as Toy Boat. Always like this place, actually making me hungry thinking about it right now.

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Oyaji Restaurant
3123 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

Troya
349 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118

[Tripeler]

Oyaji would be particularly interesting to people who have lived (or visited) in Japan. It is a place that is typical in small towns, and doesn't really have a big city character.

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Oyaji Restaurant
3123 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

[baron45]

I noticed that Bamboo Village (Indonesian) next to the Shell carwash has closed. There's something new in the process of moving in.

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Bamboo Village
3015 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

[gaianeh]

Haig's Delicacies between 7th and 8th has the best hummus you've ever had in your life. Plus other tasty things like dolmas, muhammara, and spanakopita. And don't forget to browse through the plethora of spices and other exotic goodies.

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Haig's Delicacies
642 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

[srr]

Double thumbs up on Haig's hummus!!

[nsheth]

No problem. A bit off topic here, but I dropped you an email.

For reference, this was the thread mentioned:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/5537...

[Lori SF]

Anyone been to TEE OFF Bar & Grill I hear the pork chops are the ticket. I only saw two comments a while back.

[Lori SF]

I forgot to mention I second Sushi Bistro I thought the sashimi was fresh and reasonable, the lobster tail salad made me happy. This would be another good place for a vegetarian.
Many of the others mentioned I like but its been a while so I cannot comment. The last time I was at Assab it was a let down but that was a year ago.

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Assab
2845 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118

Sushi Bistro
2809 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[pamf]

I go to the Tee Off quite regularly since my good friend lives nearby. Please remember that they are very small and if it's a busy night, you may be waiting quite a while for your food or there may be execution errors. It is first a bar, so also be prepared for very casual service and decor.

That said on a good night you will have a very nice meal and the pork chop plate with 2-3 sides is impressive. They do a good job on the standards as well. Daily specials will be on the whiteboard. Go early in the evening before the drinking crowd arrives, they start serving food at 6.

Oh yes, and as someone is sure to point out the Tee Off is at 32nd and Clement, which is really the Outer Richmond.

[stanbee]

Old-fashioned Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting, Blissful Bites, Bakery, Arguello nr Clement. Slice or whole cake, when it's fresh.

Crisp little Swedish Teas(by the small bag), small Butter Cookies or the Chocolate Covered Thin Crisp Cookies, Schubert's Bakery. The Morning pastries go on sale at 5pm. Good Custard and Almond Crossants.

Maybe the more traditional non-Noah's style Bagels from The House of Bagels.

Kobat (large thin flat bread stuffed with assorted chopped sauteed greens from Royal Market. An Armenian Aserbaijani specialty. The filling changes with the season. The one with sorrel etc. is my favorite, in sorrel season.
'crepe"