Mission Beach Cafe

(Mission)
198 Guerrero  
415-861-0198 Map it

$-$$
California
breakfast, great desserts, lunch, tea time

SCENE: The large windows at Mission Beach Cafe look out over a formerly restaurant-free corner of the Mission, where Guerrero and 14th streets intersect. Because of its all-day hours, neighbors pop in for a morning cup of coffee, then return for lunch or dinner later in the day. The space feels welcoming at all times, and gets bonus style points for the oversize floral arrangements and classic Heath tableware.

EATS: At breakfast, pick up a moist, not-too-sweet ginger blueberry muffin and perfect cannelés, a French pastry that has a cult following here. Lunch is a primarily salad-and-sandwich affair, but dinner showcases innovative takes on classics: A Caesar salad is lightened with a garlicky blood-orange dressing, the pot pie is rabbit, not chicken, and a burger is presented in miniature—three ounces of perfectly cooked beef on a soft bun with a side of spiced fries.